Nexium: Heartburn Drug Linked to Hip Fractures
People over 50 who took popular heartburn drugs for a year or more had a significant increase in the risk of breaking a hip, a large study in Britain found. The drugs are taken by millions of people who suffer from a condition in which stomach acid back up into the oesophagus. The researchers speculated that by reducing acid in the stomach, the drugs also make it more difficult for the body to absorb calcium, which can lead to weaker bones and fractures. Hip fractures in the elderly often lead to life-threatening complications. Consequently, doctors should not keep patients on the drugs long term without good reason, said Dr. Yu-Xiao Yang of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, an author of the study. Men in the study had a higher risk of hip fracture than women, possibly because women may be more aware of osteoporosis and may get more calcium in their diets, Dr. Yang said.
The study is being published in The Journal of the American Medical Association.
Taking such popular heartburn drugs as Nexium, Revacid or Prilosec for a year or more can raise the risk of a broken hip markedly in people over 50, a large study in Britain found. The study raises questions about the safety of some of the most widely used and heavily promoted prescription drugs on the market, taken by millions of people.
The Boston Globe ran a Reiters wire story: Fracture Risk, Medication Linked
Long-term use of popular anti-heartburn drugs such as Nexium and Prevaid increase the risk of hip fractures in adults over 50, perhaps because the drugs inhibit calcium absorption, researchers said yesterday. The class of drugs – called proton pump inhibitors – shut down stomach acid production, providing relief for millions of patients who suffer from acid-related stomach problems, including ulcers and gastro-oesophageal reflux. But the researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that a long term reduction in acid levels may carry somewhat more risk that previously recognised. Their study of nearly 150,000 Britons found that those undergoing anti-heartburn drug therapy had a 44 percent greater risk of hip fracture than those who were not taking the drugs.
The Spinal Centre’s Comment:
With our current Western Diet it is easy to generate high levels of acid within the gastrointestinal system. Unfortunately the ‘knock on’ effect of high levels of acid within the stomach (and therefore the rest of the body) generates what is called a “Pro-inflammatory State”.
Elevated levels of acid within the body is one of the main driving factors in a range of deadly diseases. A topic we have written and spoken about on the site many times. The more acid your body produces, the more inflamed you will be and therefore the worse your painful conditions can become.
Of course high levels of acid/inflammation not only make your back pain worse and slow your recovery, but will also effect your skin and gastrointestinal systems.
If you have problem skin (Eczema, Redness or Rashes) then the more acidic you become the worse your skin will be. Educate yourself on what you should be eating – and avoid those foods that cause inflammation. Simple dietary changes can greatly reduce your heartburn and reflux.
If you are using an anti-acid/heart burn drug you must consider the use of a natural medicine in place drugs such as Nexium and Prevaid. There are great, and cost effective natural medicines, that can stop the need for these types of dangerous drugs, like Blackmores S.P. 96 or S.P.C.F.
S.P. 96 is used as a metabolic acid balancer. It can help to ease gastric acidity and dyspepsia. Sodium phosphate is a natural, cost-effective alternative to dangerous heartburn drugs, and is safe to take everyday for quick relief of symptoms.
Blackmores S.P.P.P is a digestion and connective tissue support formula. S.P.P.P. contains Sodium Phosphate and Potassium Phosphate for effective reduction of heartburn and reflux. Regular supplementation with S.P.P.P. with aid in the treatment of gastric acidity, dyspepsia and will facilitate the removal of metabolic acids such as lactic acid. Think of this formula as more of a preventative tablet – take everyday to reduce onset of symptoms, and use S.P. 96 for fast immediate relief.
We should all be taking an omega-3 supplement, especially if you suffer from any sort of inflammatory condition. A good omega-3 formulation provided effective anti-inflammatory relief from cases of arthritis, injury and even eczema or rashes.
These natural medicines will treat the root cause of the problem by addressing high gastric acidity, rather than just masking the symptoms. Simple changes could prevent something tragic happening like a hip fracture.