Nexium – A Danger to Your Bones

People over 50 who took popular heartburn drugs for a year or morehad a significant increase in the risk of breaking a hip, a large studyin 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, thedrugs also make it more difficult for the body to absorb calcium, whichcan lead to weaker bones and fractures.

Hip fractures in the elderly often lead to life-threateningcomplications. Consequently, doctors should not keep patients on thedrugs long term without good reason, said Dr. Yu-Xiao Yang of theUniversity 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 getmore calcium in their diets, Dr. Yang said.

The study is being published in The Journal of the American Medical Association.

CNN.com reported Popular heartburn drugs linked to hip fracture

Taking such popular heartburn drugs as Nexium, Revacid or Prilosecfor a year or more can raise the risk of a broken hip markedly inpeople over 50, a large study in Britain found.

The study raises questions about the safety of some of the mostwidely 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 andPrevaid increase the risk of hip fractures in adults over 50, perhapsbecause the drugs inhibit calcium absorption, researchers saidyesterday.

The class of drugs – called proton pump inhibitors – shut downstomach acid production, providing relief for millions of patients whosuffer from acid-related stomach problems, including ulcers andgastro-oesophageal reflux.

But the researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School ofMedicine found that a long term reduction in acid levels may carrysomewhat more risk that previously recognised.

Their study of nearly 150,000 Britons found that  those undergoinganti-heartburn drug therapy had a 44 percent greater risk of hipfracture than those who were not taking the drugs.


Emed’s Comment:

With our current Western Diet it is easy to generate high levels ofacid within the gastrointestinal system. Unfortunately the ‘knock on’effect of high levels of acid within the stomach (and therefore therest of the body) generates what is called a “Pro-inflammatory State”.

Elevated levels of acid within the body is one of the main drivingfactors in a range of deadly diseases. A topic we have written andspoken about on the site many times. The more acid your bodyproduces, the more inflamed you will be and therefore the worse yourpainful conditions can become.

Of course high levels of acid/inflammation not only make your backpain worse and slow your recovery, but will also effect your skin andgastrointestinal systems.

If you have problem skin (Eczema, Redness or Rashes) then the moreacidic 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 theuse of a natural medicine in place drugs such as Nexium and Prevaid.There are great, and cost effective natural medicines, that can stopthe 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 can be used just like an antacid – if you feel heartburn coming on, suck or chew on a tablet to reduce symptoms. Click here to find out more.

Blackmores S.P.P.P is a digestion and connective tissue supportformula. 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 thetreatment of gastric acidity, dyspepsia and will facilitate the removalof 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. Click here to find out more.

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.