Do you know anyone who has, or has had, heart burn, or acid reflux (GERD), and is now having memory or mood problems? If you do, that’s who this month’s blog was written for.
This is a very common problem with a connection that most people are not aware of. But in this month’s blog we will connect the dots, and share some simple remedies that researchers have found can fix both problems.
The occasional discomfort, after eating, that we commonly refer to as “heart burn,” is when we usually first notice an issue. And most people find that eating fewer spices, smaller meals, taking an antacid like Tums, and remaining upright longer following a meal, usually helps. But then it gets more annoying, so at the person’s next doctor’s checkup, they note the problem to their family doctor. Who, for a simple fix, will likely prescribe a medication like Prevacid®, Nexium®, Protonix®, or Prilosec®, otherwise known as Omeprazole.
These medications are called Proton Pump Inhibitors. They work by inhibiting a mechanism in our stomach lining called a proton pump which is responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid, perceived as the source of the “heart burn” or esophageal irritation. And presto, the problem is gone…. Or is it?
Unfortunately in this case the cure can be worse, especially for our brain, than the initial malady. The problem is that Stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) is needed to help activate digestive enzymes like pepsin, which breaks down proteins. However, the absence of digestive enzymes results in slower digestion, gas, and bloating — which can mimic or worsen acid reflux symptoms— but worse, it can result in the malabsorption of several nutrients critical for basic brain functions, like reasoning and remembering.
These nutrients include Vitamin B-12 (essential for energy production and inflammation reduction in the brain), folate (helps prevent depression & tau tangles in the brain) iron (for energy), zinc (key component of our immune system), magnesium (helps prevent fatigue, cramps, wrestles legs, insomnia, numbness, seizures, memory loss, heart rhythm disturbances, and neuro-excitotoxicity) , and vitamin C (for immune system and oxidative stress control ) See this review for health care professionals, which includes the effects of other meds on nutrient levels as well.
“As a cognitive consequence one study found seniors who use proton pump inhibitors have a 44% greater risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s… The bottom line here is that proton pump inhibitor drugs interfere with one of the brain’s most fundamental self-cleaning mechanisms: the acidic destruction of toxic beta-amyloid proteins that trigger the cell death, inflammation, and neuronal dysfunction typical of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Another study of healthy young adults found that even taking proton pump inhibitor drugs for just one week can impair cognitive function. See this review of the research, along with some suggestions.
Symptoms like bloating, indigestion, constipation, and low levels of these nutrients as revealed by blood tests, may point to an enzyme deficiency, pancreatic insufficiency, poor gut bacteria, or aging, all of which can reduce enzyme output.
People with additional risk factors (e.g., bariatric surgery, restrictive diets, alcoholism) are even more vulnerable.
This may not be an easy fix, especially if a person has been taking PPI’s for years, but there are a variety of things that are certainly worth a try. Some work very well. But every body is a bit different, so it might require some experimentation, and patience. It’s generally considered unwise to just stop any medication without consulting with a physician, who has been trained in natural, integrative or functional medicine, like a Naturopath, Osteopath or Functional Med MD.
If you're experiencing persistent digestive discomfort, the research suggests “it might be worth exploring both acid levels and enzyme function.” Here are some research suggestions.
Lifestyle & Dietary Adjustments
🌿 Natural Remedies
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If you lack digestive enzymes, food may not break down properly, leading to slower digestion, gas, and bloating — which can mimic or worsen acid reflux symptoms, such as heartburn, nausea, and regurgitation.
🧪 How Enzymes Help
What to Look For in an Enzyme Blend
Here are a couple of good enzyme combinations from Life Extension. Their Extraordinary Enzymes do not contain amylase, therefore, that formulation may help reduce carb assimilation, and glucose spikes. Which could be good for someone who is diabetic, prediabetic or wanting to lose weight. Most health food stores carry a variety of enzymes, and other gut remedies, like the Lilly of the Desert Stomach Formula.
Consider also these two products, referred to in the article above for GERD. We have found both of these to be quite effective when taken as directed.
And finally this product can help protect the delicate lining of the stomach from excess hydrochloric acid.
As noted above, a good probiotic is also pretty basic for a healthy gut, and have been shown to facilitate both mood and memory, even for some with Alzheimer's. But with so many different ones available it's hard to know what works and what does not. One of the best validated food supplements in the world is Juice Plus, and they have just come up with a great Probiotic and Prebiotic to feed the good bacteria. It's not cheap, but it's proven to be effective. To learn more click on this link and read the first 6 slides. And or call Yon at (573) 747-9399 for more info and how to buy at a discount.
For more serious or persistent cases go here for a deeper dive into the causes of GERD, and various remedies in both traditional and integrative medicine.
And there you have it. Another nasty potential contributor to cognitive decline. But fortunately God and mother nature have provided a good variety of things that can help. Feel free to share this with anyone you know who suffers from heart burn, or is on a PPI. Many who want to avoid dementia are oblivious to this danger. They need to know! Perhaps your efforts to inform them can help to alleviate their discomfort and reduce their risk.
Of course this also illustrates the importance of our $10 Personal Assessment of risk factors, to identify the unforeseen dangers lurking in our diets, medications, lifestyles and environment. If you or a loved one took that assessment you/they may already be aware of this peril. In which case this should just reinforce and add to your options for reducing that risk.
If you haven't taken that Assessment (see upper right corner of home page) you may want to, to identify and avoid any other dangers that may be present in your diet or environment.
P.S.
Last month we told you about our mew mini course on How to Improve Memory and Reduce Risk for Dementia. This month that new and improved amazing program, which was previously listed as a $60 value will be available for only a $29 donation! This comes with a coupon code for a FREE Personal Assessment, plus a video review of relevant insights on our website and beyond. As well as a 37 page manual, 50 Tips For A Better Memory from around the world and 40 min plus personal consult with a bonafide “Memory Expert.”
If interested email us at David@abcbrain.org with “Remember me,” in the subject line, for additional info and an ultra-secure invoice. Your donation would be greatly appreciated at this time to facilitate our website upgrade.
The American Brain Council
