Home :: Essential Nutrients :: Antacid Essential Nutrients Supplement

NutraMD Antacid Essential Nutrients Supplement

There are several different classes of acid reducing medications: 
Over the counter (OTC) Antacids
Tums
Rolaids
H2 Blockers (H=histamine)
Pepcid (famotidine)
Tagamet (cimetidine)
Zantac (ranitidine)
Axid (nizatidine)
PPI's (proton pump inhibitors)
Nexium (esomeprazole)
Prevacid (lansoprazole)
Prilosec (omeprazole)
Aciphex (rabeprazole)
Protonix (pantoprazole)

Why do I need Medication for Acid Reflux?
The main reason for your doctor to prescribe acid reducing medicines is to treat acid reflux (GERD), stomach and duodenal ulcers, and to protect the stomach from potential side effects of anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS). Some fairly common side effects for these medicines include headache, nausea, and diarrhea. It is important to know that excessive reduction of stomach acidity can allow the passage of unwanted or disease causing bacteria into the intestine and disrupt normal gut function. At any given time, humans have more healthy bacterial cells in the small and large intestine than they have human cells in the entire body. 

It should also be noted that the normal, friendly bacteria (normal flora) help to synthesize vitamins and other necessary nutrients for your body. Long term use of antacids may alter the normal bacterial population and lead to an increased risk of infection or abnormal function. Stomach acid is also extremely important for the absorption of calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin B-12, folic acid, vitamin B2, and vitamin C. Individuals who take antacids to help meet their calcium needs should be aware that this is very ineffective. H2 Blockers have been shown to decrease the absorption of calcium, iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. PPI's have been shown to hinder the absorption of vitamin B-12, and there is some research that points to these medications causing a decrease in beta carotene absorption. 

Nutrient Depletion Caused by Acid Reflux Medication:
* Calcium deficiency is related to arthritis, depression, and osteoporosis. 
* An iron deficiency can cause anemia, but can also lead to suppression of the immune system. 
* Zinc is responsible for more than 200 chemical reactions in the body. Deficiency of zinc may be related to arthritis, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, psoriasis, gout, and more. 
* A deficiency of vitamin B-12 and folate has been shown to cause high levels of homocysteine (an amino acid metabolite). High homocysteine levels increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cancer, and dementia. Folate deficiency is also directly related to the incidence of neural tube defects in infants. 
* Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is destroyed by antacids.  Inadequate levels are associated with cataracts, migraines, thyroid disease, and fatigue.
* Vitamin C deficiency is related to heart disease, high cholesterol, joint pain, cataracts, and osteoporosis. 
* Low vitamin D levels are related to arthritis, cancer, poor immune function, osteoporosis, parathyroid disease, and can induce calcium and magnesium deficiencies. A poor beta carotene status can lower immunity and increase the risk for cancer. 

The nutrient blocking side effects of acid reducing mediations are not common knowledge. Ask your doctor today about these potential side effects, and if are taking one of these medications make sure you are also taking NutraMD Antacid Essential Nutrients® supplement so that you can get the most from your medicine and minimize nutrient losses. 

In summary, acid reducing medications prescribed by your doctor may be necessary to treat your condition; however, you should also be aware that the long term potential nutritional side effects can negatively affect your health. Put the odds in your favor and maintain your health with NutraMD Antacid Essential Nutrients® supplement.

Acid Reflux medical health information:
Read more....
Related product