Acid Reflux Medication Interferes with Vitamin and Mineral Absorption

The AHA! Team — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:15:21 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux as it is often known, is one of the most common health complaints among adults. So much so that medications to treat the symptoms make up the third highest-selling class of drugs in the United States. It is estimated that a staggering 20% of the the U.S. population suffer with symptoms of acid reflux. While proton-pump inhibiting (PPI) drugs, such as Prilosec, Prevacid, and Nexium, bring welcomed relief from the symptoms of acid reflux, habitual use of these pharmaceuticals over time can be a health risk, increasing the likelihood of nutritional deficiencies, bone fractures, and heart disease. Understanding the cause of acid reflux Acid reflux is caused by the incomplete closure of the sphincter valve – located between the stomach and the esophagus. When this occurs, harsh stomach contents can splash back up across the delicate lining of the esophagus and the throat, nose, and other vulnerable tissues. Most commonly, acid reflux can cause pain in the center of the chest and, at times, an acidic taste in the mouth. While uncomfortable, the true concern is that – left untreated – symptoms of acid reflux will lead to esophageal cancer and other related changes down the road. But one thing should be made perfectly clear: toxic medications will never cure this problem. The dangers of PPI drugs and acid reflux What many acid reflux sufferers don’t realize is that medications to treat their heartburn and other symptoms come at a hefty price. There are Prilosec side effects, for example, that may go unnoticed for months or even years. Using PPIs to gain some control over symptoms may seem helpful, but these medications don’t stop the physical reflux of digestive enzymes, bile, and corrosive food/drinks flowing into the delicate esophageal lining. Continued exposure to the acids and protein-digesting enzymes in stomach fluid can bring about precancerous changes, such as the development of the condition known as Barrett’s esophagus. Reducing stomach acid is also likely to interfere with your body’s ability to extract vitamin B12 from foods. Research shows that most oral acid-suppressing medications, including PPIs, decrease the absorption of vitamin B12 from foods. In one study, 75 percent of PPI users were deficient in vitamin B12, compared with just 11 percent among non-users. Gut problems can be life-threatening Regular use of PPIs may also lead to low blood magnesium levels. Symptoms include fatigue, unsteadiness, numbness/tingling, seizures, and heart rhythm disturbances. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. However, magnesium levels can return to normal when PPI medications are halted. PPI use can also lead to poor calcium absorption, increasing the risk of bone fractures. These medications are also associated with elevated risk for cardiovascular disease and even risk of death due to heart attack. PPIs inhibit the normal production of nitric oxide, a signaling molecule vital for normal blood vessel function. Lower your risk of disease with natural solutions Avoiding the use of PPIs in favor of natural solutions to acid reflux and heartburn results in fewer unwanted impacts on your health. Often, dietary and lifestyle changes hold the key to diminishing occurrence. Avoid processed and “rich” foods, particularly desserts. Do not overeat, and chew your food – very well. In terms of a plant remedy, check out this article about how slippery elm can help you. If you are a smoker, acid reflux is yet another reason to quit. If you still have acid reflux symptoms, consult a trusted holistic physician with experience in natural remedies – including essential oils and herbs – to help guide you toward a full recovery. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Lifeextension.com To read the original article click here.

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Studies Link THESE 3 Mineral Imbalances to ADHD in Children

AHA Publisher — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 08:00:50 +0000

Sima Ash via NaturalHealth365 – You’re told your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While some might say, “Well, he’s a boy. Boys are more rambunctious,” others may suggest medication or blame lack of discipline for your child’s behavior. Still, some may suggest changing diet, taking omega 3’s, and cutting back on artificial food coloring – which I think is good advice. However, studies suggest that certain mineral imbalances could potentially be linked to learning disorders. Keep an Eye on Your Child’s Ferritin Levels, Studies Advise Psychostimulant medications such as Ritalin are often prescribed by physicians to treat a child’s ADHD symptoms. Why are psychostimulants prescribed? Because they affect dopamine levels (a neurotransmitter in the brain that is associated with addiction), and many people diagnosed with ADHD are suspected of having lower dopamine levels. A study published in 2013 states that brain iron is required to synthesize dopamine and that checking iron levels should be considered. In the study, the iron measurements were done by MRI and deemed less invasive. However, checking blood levels of ferritin (a protein found inside cells that store iron) is also a good option. Another study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that 84% of kids with ADHD had significantly lower iron levels compared to only 18% of control group children. Lower levels of ferritin were associated with worse ADHD symptoms. Iron is not something you want to add to your supplement routine without consulting your healthcare practitioner, as excess iron can block the absorption of zinc, copper, and manganese. Getting iron through food is a safer option. Grass-fed beef can be a good source of protein, but if you add a piece of cheese on top, the dairy can interfere with iron absorption. Vegans or vegetarians may want to consider spirulina and other non-animal sources of protein. ALARMING: 95% of Children with ADHD Are Magnesium Deficient, Study Finds A magnesium deficiency can cause irritability, mental confusion, and a decreased attention span. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some experts state that children with ADHD may actually have a mild magnesium deficiency. One study included 75 magnesium-deficient children who were diagnosed with ADHD. Those given magnesium supplements showed improvement in their behavior compared to those who did not receive magnesium. A study out of Poland found magnesium deficiency in 95% of the ADHD children they examined. If Zinc Levels Are Low, Supplementing Can Help A 2004 study found that supplementing with zinc helped reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, and impaired socialization symptoms. Zinc sulfate is usually well tolerated. A 2009 meta-analysis discussed the role of zinc and its essential role in more than 100 enzymes. Also noted was that dopamine is one of the most important factors in the pathophysiology of ADHD. Since melatonin helps regulate dopamine and zinc is necessary to metabolize melatonin, zinc is an important factor in treating ADHD. It’s also important to investigate the possible cause of zinc deficiency. Is your child a picky eater and not getting enough of the mineral? Or could your child have elevated lead levels that are causing their zinc levels to become depleted? It is critical not only to supplement but to try and discover the cause of the problem. Supplementing can help, but if your child is a picky eater, it is also important to introduce new foods that will help get more minerals into the diet. Also, if the culprit is lead, then adding vitamin C and considering chelation would be called for. What’s in Your environment? Toxic Chemicals Can Alter Mineral Levels Children are exposed to chemicals, metals, and other environmental factors that can alter their mineral levels. For instance, fluoride in water can increase lead absorption, so it’s important to detoxify if necessary. Working with a qualified healthcare practitioner is recommended to get to the bottom of mineral deficiencies. Sometimes working with multiple practitioners is needed. Sources for this article include: RSNA.org Europepmc.org To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Acid Reflux Medication Interferes with Vitamin and Mineral Absorption

Studies Link THESE 3 Mineral Imbalances to ADHD in Children