Antacids Are Killing Us?

Antacids Are Killing Us?
What are proton pump inhibitors?
Proton pump inhibitors, usually called PPIs, are medications that shut down stomach acid production at its source.

Here’s the thing. Your stomach makes acid using tiny molecular machines called proton pumps. PPIs block those pumps, so acid levels drop dramatically. Not a little. A lot.

Doctors prescribe PPIs for problems caused by too much acid, including:

Acid reflux and GERD

Stomach and duodenal ulcers

Erosive esophagitis

Zollinger–Ellison syndrome

Preventing ulcers in people taking NSAIDs long term

Common PPIs you might recognize:

Omeprazole Prilosec

Esomeprazole Nexium

Lansoprazole Prevacid

Pantoprazole Protonix

Rabeprazole AcipHex

What this really means is they’re very effective. For short term use, they can be a lifesaver.

But long term use is where caution matters. Extended acid suppression can interfere with absorption of nutrients like magnesium, calcium, vitamin B12, and iron. It can also raise the risk of gut infections and, in some people, kidney or bone issues.

Bottom line: PPIs are powerful tools, not casual antacids. They’re best used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest time needed unless a doctor has a clear reason for long term therapy.