Drug exchange causing high blood pressure instead of treating acid reflux
In a significant finding, long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may increase the risk of new-onset hypertension, particularly in menopausal women. This association is thought to arise because PPIs may reduce the production of nitric oxide, a natural vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.
A large study involving 64,720 menopausal women from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study found that long-term PPI usage was associated with an increased incidence of physician-diagnosed hypertension over a mean follow-up of 8.7 years.
While PPIs are effective for acid-related diseases, concerns have been raised over their safety with long-term use. Apart from links to hypertension, PPIs have also been associated with an increased risk of stroke, kidney damage, and bone fractures.
It's important to note that the biological mechanism proposed is that PPIs interrupt the conversion of dietary nitrates to nitric oxide, diminishing nitric oxide’s vasodilatory effects, thus potentially leading to higher blood pressure.
However, it's crucial to highlight that the specific study conducted at the University of Buffalo - SUNY on the association between PPI use and new cases of hypertension in menopausal women enrolled in the WHI-OS (Women's Health Initiative Observational Study) is not new information provided by this article.
If you develop GERD, the more serious form of acid reflux, you could be at higher risk of developing Barrett's esophagus, a dangerous condition. To manage and alleviate symptoms, maintaining a normal weight, avoiding smoking, engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, and restricting coffee, tea, and sodas to no more than 2 cups per day can help control GERD, acid reflux, and heartburn.
Interestingly, some foods like olive oil, apple cider vinegar, carob, turmeric, and curcumin can be safe remedies for acid reflux. Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, is as effective as omeprazole (a common PPI) at relieving symptoms of indigestion, including acid reflux. Eating foods with a higher pH (more alkaline) can offset stomach acid and help control acid reflux. Examples include bananas, melons, cauliflower, fennel, and nuts.
In summary, current evidence suggests a potential causal relationship between extended PPI use and hypertension, especially in certain populations such as menopausal women, mediated by effects on nitric oxide production and vascular function. However, more research is needed to fully clarify causality and underlying mechanisms.
- Despite the wellness benefits of maintaining a normal weight, avoiding smoking, and engaging in fitness-and-exercise, long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can potentially increase the risk of hypertension, especially among menopausal women, due to their impact on health-and-wellness-related factors like nitric oxide production.
- Beyond hypertension, ongoing scientific research has linked PPIs to a higher risk of stroke, kidney damage, and bone fractures, underscoring the importance of considering alternatives for acid-related diseases management.
- Interestingly, certain natural remedies, such as turmeric and curcumin, have been found to be as effective as common PPIs like omeprazole in relieving symptoms of acid reflux, providing a safer and more natural alternative, particularly for women's-health concerns.
