In the past I’ve written about how protein pump inhibitors (PPIs) increase the likelihood of gallstones and can cause significant weight gain. These drugs are commonly used preventatively – meaning doctors often prescribe you a NSAID, strong ibuprofen or steroid drug for pain, and then they prescribe PPIs to prevent ulcers. Yet that opens up a whole other can of worms.
Now the therapeutic use of protein pump inhibitors to reduce gastric acid production and GERD, has been shown to increase the risk of developing pneumonia.
Altering the floral environment of the gastrointestinal tract through chronic, long term reduction of stomach acid (and thereby reduction of gastric pH levels), can have a negative impact on the immune system, as a significant portion of our first level of immune defense stems from a healthy, optimally functioning GI system.
Source: Acid-Suppressive Medication Use and the Risk for Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia
Posted via email from ProActive Chiropractic in San Francisco, California