Courtesy of:
John H. Keefe III, D.C.
(918) 663-1111
IN THE NEWS: Common Acid Reflux Medications Promote Chronic Liver Disease Approximately 10 percent of the general population take a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drug to block stomach acid secretions and relieve symptoms of frequent heartburn, acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease. That percentage can be as much as seven times higher for people with chronic liver disease. Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have discovered evidence in mice and humans that stomach (gastric) acid suppression alters specific gut bacteria in a way that promotes liver injury and progression of three types of chronic liver disease. The study is published October 10 in Nature Communications. "Our stomachs produce gastric acid to kill ingested microbes, and taking a medication to suppress gastric acid secretion can change the composition of the gut microbiome," said senior author Bernd Schnabl, MD, associate professor of gastroenterology at UC San Diego School of Medicine. "Since we found previously that the gut microbiome — the communities of bacteria and other microbes living there — can influence liver disease risk, we wondered what effect gastric acid suppression might have on the progression of chronic liver disease. We found that the absence of gastric acid promotes growth of Enterococcus bacteria in the intestines and translocation to the liver, where they exacerbate inflammation and worsen chronic liver disease." There are inexpensive and readily available alternatives to PPIs. However, even non-PPI-based antacids (e.g., Pepto-Bismol, Tums, or H2 blockers such as Tagamet and Zantac) still suppress gastric acid to a lesser degree. While these other types of antacids were not tested in this study, Schnabl said any medication that suppresses gastric acid effectively could cause changes in gut bacteria and thus potentially affect the progression of chronic liver disease. Alternatively, non-pharmacological methods for managing heartburn are an option for some patients, including losing weight and reducing intake of alcohol, caffeine, and fatty and spicy foods. An FDA report cautions against high doses or prolonged use of PPIs, because they’ve been shown to increase the risk of infection, bone fractures and dementia. But the danger doesn’t stop there. All acid stopping drugs (not just PPIs) inhibit nutrient absorption, promote bacterial overgrowth, reduce resistance to infection and increase the risk of cancer and other serious diseases.
CHIROPRACTIC: American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has announced a national health care observance October is National Chiropractic Month
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WITH A HEALTH PROBLEM OR IN PAIN?
INVITE YOUR FAMILY OR FRIENDS TO THE PARTY Who do you know who is hurting? Who do you know that you have been trying to get started at Keefe Clinic?
Now is the time to get your spouse or child started on the road to good health.
Complimentary DIAGNOSTIC WORK UP DURING OCTOBER
Complimentary initial exam and one X-ray. Tell someone today
WELLNESS: Best foods for good digestion Yogurt-has bacteria that is essentially good for your gut. You need to check their labels for "live and active culture" to reap the digestive benefits out of it. Banana-are very effective in treating gastric problems as they are helpful in restoring bowel function and can help treat diarrhea. They are rich in electrolytes and potassium which help in restoring good digestive health. Ginger-is a spice that has many benefits for digestive health. It can help cure motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, gas and loss of appetite. The ideal consumption would be 2 to 3 g every day. If you have more than that, it may cause heartburn. Beet root-are very good source of fiber, potassium and magnesium. They are an excellent cure for problems like constipation. Apple-are also rich in bacteria that are helpful in maintaining a good gut health. Avocado-are among the best sources of fiber and fruits. This helps in maintaining a mucosal lining in the gastrointestinal tract, which helps in the digestive process. Cod liver oil-source of the vitamin A and C, cod liver oil helps in maintaining a good digestive health. Blueberry-a very good source of fiber and vitamin C. They are loaded with cancer fighting properties. Kiwi-is loaded with minerals and nutrients which are very good for your gut health. It contains vitamin C and E, linolenic acid, magnesium, potassium, actinidin, fatty acids and pepsin which are good for your digestive health. Papaya-rich in papain which helps break down proteins in your stomach. Papaya also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help and soothing the stomach. It also helps relieve problems like food allergies and heartburn.
FUNNY BONE: TEACHER: Glenn, how do you spell crocodile? GLENN: K-R-O-K-O-D-I-a-L TEACHER: no, that’s wrong. GLENN: maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it.@@ I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn't find any.@@ If you jog in a jogging suit, lounge and a lounging pajamas, and smoke in a smoking jacket, why would anybody want to wear a windbreaker?@@ A police car pulled me over near the high school where I teach. As the officer asked me for my license and registration, my students began to drive past. Some honked their horns, others hooted, still, others stopped to admonish me for speeding. Finally, the officer asked me if I was a teacher at the school, and I told him I was. I think you’ve paid your debt to society, he said with a smile and left out given me a ticket.
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