For those using Pepcid, PPI's et al

[LNN]

Saw this article and thought it was worth passing along http://www.scribd.com/doc/228432848/Dr-Mike-Gut-Dysfunction-2014

 

"Antacids neutralize stomach acid, raising the pH level from very acidic (2.0) to between 3 and 4, which destroys about 99% of the stomach acid.When this happens, you completely throw off the balance of bacteria in your intestinal tract and give the bad bacteria the upper hand.To sum it up, antacids are literally killers of probiotics (good bacteria) in your gut. And it doesn't stop there.The hydrochloric acid in your stomach not only digests food--it also acts as a protective barrier for your body.Every day you ingest food and other organisms that have the potential to make you sick or even kill you.Your stomach acids typically destroys these dangerous invaders before they can cause you harm.But when your stomach acid is neutralized, the protective barrier isn't there and the invaders can get into your intestinal tract.If your gut has mainly bad bacteria to begin with, you've got a great chance of getting REALLY sick.

* The idea that ‘too much stomach acid causes these problems is very flawed and

simple testing can determine if you actually have too much or too little. The treatment is VERY different."

[Mayzoo]

The acid in your stomach is also what kills the majority of strep bacteria before it can take hold in your system, throat excluded of course, (posted the article a while ago and now cannot find it). If you stop the acid, you raise the risk of strep infections.

 

I will go look for the article again, and if I find it, I will do an ETA.

 

Okay, super tired right now and gotta get kiddo ready for bed. It is one of these articles:

 

https://www.google.com/#q=stomach+acid+kills+strep+a

Edited June 7, 2014 by mayzoo

[qannie47]

Makes good sense to me llm. I used to have big stomach acid issues. I lived on the typical acid reducers. I was also getting sick all of the time. I accidently discovered through the South Beach diet that Carbs were the real enemy. When I reduced them, my years of stomach/gastro issues went away completely within 3 days of the diet.

 

While I never stayed on that diet for long, I learned to reduce my carb intake if only for my stomach. I have not taken acid neutralizers for about 2 years now. Coincidentally, I have not been sick as much either....perhaps not a coincidence after all. Never made the connection until your post.

 

I just love this place.

[ibcdbwc]

Thanks for the info. To be fair some of us use the Pepcid to act on the Histamine receptors. When kids can't tolerate an H1 med, an H2 used sparingly (not a PPI), can be a real lifesaver. I agree though. It would be a bad idea to use anything long term or without paying special attention to the bacterial balance.

[pr40]

it might be counter intuitive, but instead of anti-acids, you may want to use vinegar. Good quality cider winger with a mother, one table spoon in a glass of water on empty stomach. It helped me greatly.

there is this also, some people who have GERD get over it on a gluten free diet -- my dd did.

[qannie47]

Aloe Vera juice is an excellent acid neutralizer.