Why Antacids Might Be Doing You More Harm Than Good

Why People Take PPIs

Heartburn is no fun.

That burning feeling in your chest, the sour taste, the discomfort—it’s awful. So people reach for relief. And PPIs offer quick relief by reducing stomach acid.

But here’s what the latest research is showing: these drugs may be doing serious damage if taken long term.

These Drugs Should Come With a Warning

A new study says that PPIs should carry a black box warning—that’s the FDA’s strongest alert.

Why?

Because long-term use is linked to:

  • C. difficile infections
  • 40% higher risk of rapid-onset Alzheimer’s
  • Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes
  • Higher rates of autoimmune disease

Let’s break that down.

1. C. Difficile Infections

This is a dangerous bacterial infection that often strikes in hospitals. It’s resistant to antibiotics, tough to treat, and can be fatal.

When your stomach acid is too low, it’s easier for harmful bacteria like C. difficile to grow and survive.

2. Alzheimer’s Disease

After just four years of using PPIs, the risk of Alzheimer’s jumps 40%.

That’s because proper stomach acid is needed to absorb nutrients—especially B12, which is essential for brain health. Without B12, your brain cells suffer.

3. Heart Attacks and Strokes

Yep, PPIs are now linked to cardiovascular problems too.

The same study showed that after a few years, your risk of heart attacks and strokes goes up by more than 40%.

That’s a high price to pay for heartburn relief.

4. Autoimmune Diseases

Here’s something you might not know…

Your stomach is supposed to be very acidic. In fact, your stomach acid should be more acidic than a lion’s. That’s a pH of 1.5 to 3.

When your stomach isn’t acidic enough, food doesn’t break down properly. That leads to undigested proteins getting into your bloodstream.

Your immune system sees these proteins and attacks them. Over time, this creates chronic inflammation and autoimmune reactions.

Why Is This Happening?

A lot of it comes down to diet.

People eat way too many sugary foods and processed carbs. That throws off the balance in your stomach.

When you're not eating enough protein and fat—especially from animal sources like eggs, meat, and cheese—your stomach acid gets weaker. That’s when you start to feel reflux.

But here’s the irony…

Reflux isn’t caused by too much acid—it’s caused by not enough.

When your stomach acid is too low, food sits longer. It ferments. That gas and pressure push acid up into your esophagus.

Why You Need Strong Stomach Acid

Strong stomach acid helps you:

  • Break down protein into amino acids
  • Absorb vital nutrients like B12, iron, selenium, and iodine
  • Support healthy thyroid function
  • Prevent bad bacteria from taking over your gut

Women especially—who often eat lots of salads but not enough protein—struggle with low stomach acid and the nutrient deficiencies that follow.

The Right Way to Handle Heartburn

So what should you do instead of reaching for PPIs?

Here are some natural ways to support your digestion and reduce reflux—without harmful long-term side effects.

1. Change Your Fuel
Cut back on sugar and refined carbs. Add more protein and healthy fats, especially from animal sources. Your stomach was built for that.

2. Consider Digestive Enzymes
As we age, we produce fewer digestive enzymes. A good enzyme supplement can help your body break down food more efficiently—especially protein.

3. Avoid Eating Late at Night
Give your body time to digest before bed. Try to finish eating 2–3 hours before lying down.

4. Stay Upright After Meals
Sitting or walking after eating helps food move through your system and keeps acid where it belongs.

5. Get Your Nutrients
Focus on getting enough B12, zinc, iodine, selenium, and vitamin D. Your stomach acid plays a big role in absorbing these.

Final Thoughts

PPIs like Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid might offer short-term relief, but the long-term risks are serious.

They were never meant to be used for years. And now the science is catching up to show just how dangerous they really are.

Heartburn isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a sign your digestion is out of balance.

So instead of shutting down your stomach acid, fix the root cause.

Eat the right foods. Take the right supplements. And if you need support, we’ve got great info on this in our podcast and daily Facebook show.

Until next time—take care of that gut. It’s doing more for your health than you might think.

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