Heartburn & Chronic Kidney Disease

Good health is wealth. You can have all the money in the world, but if you don’t have good health then so what. One could argue that the definition of good health is differs from person to person. That, in fact, it is quality of life that matters more than good health. Either way, how you choose to live your life is key, regardless of limitations that may be out of your control. Such limitations could be type 1 diabetes, paralysis, or even arthritis. However, when we limit ourselves due to our own choices, who are we to blame if our quality of life suffers? Even if we don’t blame ourselves, perhaps denial has a part to play.

A recent article in the Cincinnati Enquirer (5/21/17) questioned the safety of heartburn medications. It appears there is a correlation between the use of certain drugs and chronic kidney disease. Upon further research, the overuse of these drugs called proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, is of greater concern. The two most common PPIs are Nexium and Prilosec, both of which are very effective at treating reflux, ulcers, and heartburn. The overabundance of marketing has increased the use of these drugs in treating even minor indigestion. This is also a concern because it leads to a chronic dependence on these drugs.

Labeling indicates only a short-term use of PPIs, from a few weeks to a few months. However, people tend to use them for much longer, typically for years. Feeling good once again, people forget that the drug was only designed and approved by the FDA for a much shorter duration. Consequently, evidence suggests a correlation between PPIs and chronic kidney disease, which is now resulting in a class-action lawsuit against the manufacturers. The question we need to ask ourselves is why? Why the over-dependence on prescription medications when it is only a “band-aid” approach, at best? Why not take the time to uncover the true cause of the reflux, ulcers, and heartburn?

Perhaps the truth is that medications are too easy to get and take. Or perhaps we would rather not change our lifestyle to be healthier and settle for what we have always done. Chiropractic care allows you to improve your quality of life without the use of prescription medications. When stomach acid is not at the right levels a person experiences reflux and ulcers. PPIs work to block an enzyme that releases acid in the cells that line the stomach. A chiropractor will use supplementation, diet, and nutrition to heal the lining of the stomach first. Once this healing has occurred, the next step is to bring the stomach acid back into balance using supplements.

The “band-aid approach” comes with too many risks. While quality of life may appear to improve on the surface, it isn’t. The trade-off is a temporary fix for a chronic condition that could be far worse than the original problem. Do yourself a favor and seek to heal yourself inside and out through chiropractic care.