Are These Stomach Meds Wrecking Your Brain?
You know how you can tell when Big Pharma is running scared?
They start putting out studies claiming a drug doesn’t do something.
You know, like it doesn’t weaken your bones… or turn you suicidal… or eat away your brain.
These studies always pop up when the drug companies start sweating bullets about lawsuits or a growing public relations disaster.
And they’re always nonsense.
Case in point? New research out of Finland is trying to claim that proton pump inhibitors (heartburn medications like Prilosec, Prevacid, and others) don’t raise your risk of Alzheimer’s.
I nearly spit out my coffee when I saw it. I mean, these guys will be trying to sell you the Brooklyn Bridge next.
The fact is, it’s been PROVEN that these PPIs do permanent, long-term damage to your brain.
And once you understand how, you’ll never want to touch one again.
To understand why PPIs are a problem for your brain, we have to understand what a proton pump is.
A proton pump works by pumping protons across cell membranes to generate energy (called ATP) that can be used by a cell to perform its functions. Stop the proton pump and you stop energy production in the cell.
But proton pumps aren’t limited to the stomach; they are present in just about every cell in your body; including your brain.
Who is looking to have less energy in their brain?
Sure, PPIs stop your stomach from producing acid.
But stopping stomach acid isn’t as great an idea as you might think.
Stomach acid is essential to your body. Without enough stomach acid, you are not able to absorb many minerals (such as calcium, potassium, magnesium) or vitamins (such as B vitamins).
Who wants a brain that doesn’t have enough vitamins and minerals to function?
This is why any drug that reduces stomach acid destroys people’ brains by starving it of nutrients and energy.
But it doesn’t stop there, PPIs also:
- Kill the microbes in your gut (in case you don’t know, your gut bacteria have a BIG impact on your overall health).
- Increase the risk of heart disease
- Accelerate aging of blood vessels
All of this is not to say that heartburn is no big deal. It is.
But you don’t have to put up with heartburn. There are some easy solutions.
Dr. Scott’s Foolproof Plan to Avoid Heartburn:
- Stay away from soda: Sugary drinks are famous for producing gas (at both ends) and when gas moves up from your stomach, it often carries stomach acid (causing heartburn).
- Do your best to avoid too much sugar: Foods that contain sugar can act exactly like soda and cause gas.
- Take a probiotic: A healthy gut microbiome (gut bacteria) can help reduce heartburn.
- Pass the salt – yes, the salt: I’ll talk more about the non-dangers of salt in later newsletters, but for now know that it helps keep bad bacteria in check and helps to produce strong stomach acid (which reduces heartburn).
There are few drugs on the market as stupid as those that block stomach acid. They are extremely harmful to your brain and body and end up creating more heartburn (instead of preventing it).
Do yourself a favor and stay far away from them.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Mailbag: Battling Joint Pain? Natural Solutions Could Help
“I have bone-on-bone knees. I refuse to see doctors about it anymore because their meds keep me sick or make me unable to function. So, I quit. I’ve ordered several things online to help with pain. Some are pretty good. I need help deciding what to take.” -Fed Up and Aching Dear Fed Up, I...
Your Washed Fruits and Veggies Might STILL Be Toxic
We’ve all been there. Standing at the kitchen sink, dutifully washing our fruits and vegetables to remove the pesticides, feeling good about our healthy choices. But there’s a chance that all that scrubbing might be giving you a false sense of security… Unfortunately, the latest research on pesticides in our produce is downright alarming. And...
Peace, Joy, and... Pressure? How to Relieve Holiday Stress
The holiday season is upon us, bringing twinkling lights, good cheer, and… stress? If you’re feeling more frazzled than festive, you’re not alone. A recent American Psychological Association (APA) poll reveals a startling reality about our collective holiday experience. We often paint the holidays as a picture-perfect time of joy and togetherness. But for many,...
The Longevity Secret Hiding in Your Produce Drawer
Scientists recently uncovered a remarkable anti-aging compound that not only extends life… it could help protect your brain from age-related decline at the same time. And the best part? This secret to living longer (and better) might ALREADY be hiding in plain sight in your refrigerator… New animal research published in the journal Antioxidants has...
Playlist Hack SPEEDS UP Surgery Recovery
When you have surgery scheduled, you don’t just worry about the day of the operation. There’s the anxiety leading up to the surgery. And then, even worse, there’s the painful recovery afterward. But now scientists say there’s a drug-free way to bounce back FASTER with less pain and anxiety. And the trick is as simple...
Is Wine Good for Heart Health? The Truth REVEALED
For years, many of us have savored an evening glass of red wine, comforted by the notion that this amount of alcohol might benefit our heart health. Well, unfortunately, I have to be the bearer of bad news… Recent research is challenging this long-held belief. In fact, there’s growing evidence that even light to moderate...
The Surprising Reason to Embrace Holiday Break
When the holiday season arrives, you often hear warnings about managing the stress of family gatherings, social commitments, and overindulgent meals. However, some upbeat new research reveals that the holidays can also be a secret weapon for better health. The study found that regardless of whether you’re still working a 9 to 5, or are...
Mailbag: Your Green Light Guide to Healthy Eating
“As everyone is so quick to inform us what not to eat, would you kindly inform us of what we can eat? It seems like everything has been condemned at this point.” —Hungry Hi Hungry, I understand why you’re frustrated. With all the warnings, it can feel like EVERY food in the grocery store is...
“Jack Frost” Method Supercharges Your Workouts
As the mercury drops, we instinctively want to huddle inside under a warm blanket. But before you resign yourself to a season of hibernation and comfort foods, consider this… Braving the cold could be your secret weapon for better health. While safety should always come first, of course (never venture out on icy streets), there...
Common Vitamin Protects Your Pancreas
You’ve probably heard about vitamin B12 for its role in keeping your blood and nerves healthy. But could it also be the key to protecting your pancreas? New research from Sichuan University in China suggests that this unassuming B vitamin might have even more benefits than we thought—helping to reduce the risk of acute pancreatitis,...