Message From Dr. Minkoff
Dear Readers,
Greetings all!
What is a PPI (protein pump inhibitor)?
These are drugs that block the stomach (poison the acid making cells) from making stomach acid.
Stomach acid is essential for protein digestion, mineral absorption, and killing bacteria, parasites and yeast that come in with food.
Types of PPIs
- Omeprazole (Prilosec), also available over-the-counter (without a prescription)
- Esomeprazole (Nexium), also available over-the-counter (without a prescription)
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid), also available over-the-counter (without a prescription)
- Rabeprazole (AcipHex)
- Pantoprazole (Protonix)
PPIs are recommended to be used for short term use only for gastric ulcer disease.
Using them for longer than 3-4 weeks can be dangerous.
Long term use like years, which is very common, can increase the risk of dementia by up to 33%, and higher risk of stroke, heart disease, bone fractures and chronic kidney disease.
These drugs also inhibit a very important messenger molecule called nitric oxide through multiple mechanisms.
This can lead to hypertension, impaired microcirculation, and organ damage.
While the brain is only 3% of total body weight it consumes 20% of the body’s requirement for oxygen, and because of this the brain produces 20% more nitric oxide than the entire circulation.
This is to protect neurons as they are very sensitive to low oxygen levels.
If there is impaired oxygen delivery to the brain neurodegeneration occurs.
Nitric oxide is also important in creating brain derived neurotropic factor which keeps neurons working and generating new ones.
It is also important in mitochondria function.
With all this in mind, taking PPIs for long term use is dangerous.
If you are on one, in the vast majority of cases we can wean you off and start you on the road to better health and a future with your brain intact.
With neurodegeneration as one of the leading causes of death and disability, wouldn’t it be a smart thing to get off your PPI as soon as possible?
Come in for a consultation and we can get you started on the road to real health.
Have a great week.
Dr. David I Minkoff, MD
Patient Testimonial
“I have been going to LifeWorks Wellness Center since Spring of 2018. I have had my circulation increased via EECP, and balanced my amino acid levels via Amino Acid XP formulation by Dr. Minkoff. Thanks to Dr. Redouan I was able to have Prolozone therapy to heal my left elbow in the tendon and joint area and direct me to lose weight via diet dropping from 201 lbs to 170 lbs. Dr. Minkoff helped me get from 235 to 201. Thanks to Dr. Figueredo I had stitches and sutures removed after some surgery in Europe. The technicians are all very skilled in the blood work process and in operations of the technical health equipment! Everyone there is ALWAYS polite, helpful, and accommodating to answer all questions with a wonderful attitude!! I have recommended 2 different people to visit the clinic recently. I will continue to go to the clinic for the high quality acceleration of my health!” – Ben
Featured Health Articles
Podcast: Dr. Minkoff talks on The Fit & Healthy Podcast
