Users of Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid beware. The FDA warns that these drugs, called proton pump inhibitors (ppi), — may increase the risk of a stomach infection caused by a bacteria called Clostridium difficile – which causes diarrhea. People most at risk are elderly, have underlying medical conditions, or are taking broad-spectrum antibiotics. Elderly users are also at increased risk for hip fractures. Alkaline water can provide a risk free alternative to PPI drugs used to treat Acid Reflux, and can help maintain bone health.
PPI Drug Dangers Underreported to the Public
PPI drugs ‘work’ by inhibiting acid production in the stomach. PPI drugs reduce the symptoms of acid reflux, but they do not correct the pH imbalance in the body that can cause Acid Reflux. Unfortunately, the relief provided by PPI drugs comes at a price. PPIs have several side effects that run from minor to life threatening:
- Resistance to Plavix – A cholesterol lowering drug
- Low magnesium levels can cause leg spasms, arrhythmias, and seizures
- Greater risk of osteoporotic fractures from chronic use
- Cardiac birth defects when used during pregnancy.
9 Drugs are covered by the FDA warning:
|
|
|
The FDA is also reviewing the possible risk of in C. difficile-associated diarrhea in users of another class of acid suppressing medications, the histamine H2 receptor blockers.
How Alkaline Water can help Acid Reflux Sufferers
Acid reflux is caused by a build-up of excess acidity in the digestive tract. Excess acidity can occur when the body’s bicarbonate buffer is depleted to the point of being insufficient to counter acids that are formed by normal metabolic processes. Alkaline water helps rebuild the body’s bicarbonate buffer by supplying essential alkaline pH minerals.
Since alkaline water works to increase alkaline reserves in the body, it’s effect is the exact opposite of PPI drugs, which work to block acid forming processes in the body. Increasing the body’s alkaline reserves allows it to restore its own natural pH balance. A body with a sufficient bicarbonate buffer will maintain healthy pH levels in the digestive tract without the use of drugs.
How to use Alkaline Water to restore pH balance
Alkaline water works over time, it works with your body’s metabolism rather than trying to control it the way drugs do. Acid reflux sufferers who choose to use alkaline water to restore their alkaline buffer need to listen to their bodies, and taper off their acid reflux medication as their symptoms subside.
Drink at least six 8 ounce glasses of alkaline water every day. When acid reflux symptoms appear, counter them by drinking high pH alkaline water (10 – 12 pH). Alkaline water ionizer owners can use the highest pH setting their machine offers. For daily use, when there are no symptoms of acid reflux, alkaline water with an 8 to 9.5 pH is recommended.
