Dangerous Habit: What Long-Term Use of Heartburn Medications Can Lead To 0 9

According to statistics, one in five residents of Europe experiences heartburn from one to several times a day. In Russia, burning sensations in the stomach occur periodically in almost every second person. And although heartburn can be a symptom of serious diseases, including gastritis, ulcers, and even stomach cancer, many perceive it as a temporary discomfort, a consequence of overeating and other dietary indiscretions.

A significant number of people take heartburn pills for years, unaware of the harm they are causing to their bodies.

One of the most commonly prescribed medications is those containing the active ingredient omeprazole. These medications belong to the group of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). They suppress an enzyme called the proton pump, which is found in the stomach lining and is involved in the production of hydrochloric acid. In simpler terms, heartburn medications suppress the production of stomach acid.

It may seem that there is nothing wrong with this: low acidity means no burning and discomfort. The problem is that stomach acid is necessary for the body. It breaks down food and converts minerals into forms that the body can absorb. Therefore, the use of PPIs disrupts nutrient absorption.

How Long Can Omeprazole Be Taken?

"PPIs are recommended for short-term use — typically no more than 8 weeks. However, chronic and uncontrolled use is often observed, raising concerns about potential health risks," say scientists from the Federal University of São Paulo.

Brazilian researchers administered omeprazole to rats for 60 days. The experiment showed what changes occur in the body after prolonged use of heartburn medications.

Anemia Develops

With insufficient stomach acid, the body has a harder time absorbing iron from food.

"During the administration of PPIs, hemoglobin levels gradually decreased. These data indicate that prolonged use of these medications may lower hemoglobin levels," the scientists report.

Animals receiving heartburn medications showed lower concentrations of iron compared to the control group. Moreover, iron levels began to decline as early as the 10th day of the experiment.

Additionally, due to heartburn medications, the level of copper, which is also necessary for iron absorption, sharply decreased in the animals.

Bones Become Brittle

Calcium is another mineral that the body does not receive enough of due to heartburn pills. The study showed that calcium levels in the liver of treated rats sharply decreased, while in the spleen, on the contrary, they increased.

"Since only about 1% of calcium in the body is stored in tissues, including the spleen, such accumulation may indicate a decrease in calcium utilization in bones, which is potentially related to osteoporosis in treated rats," the scientists explain.

Incidentally, other studies involving humans have shown that prolonged use of heartburn medications increases the risk of fractures.

Furthermore, the experiment on rodents revealed that calcium began to accumulate in the blood, which may lead to cardiovascular complications, including hypertension.

Kidney Problems Arise

Long-term use of heartburn medications causes a deficiency of potassium and magnesium. It is known that a deficiency of these minerals is associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease.

Immune System Function Is Impaired

In rats that took PPIs, the level of leukocytes significantly increased, indicating an inflammatory response.

"Lymphocytes play a central role in adaptive immunity, participating in antibody production and immune regulation. These changes may reflect disturbances in the immune system of rats receiving treatment," the scientists explain.

Moreover, previous studies have shown that heartburn medications can reduce the activity of cells that protect the body from bacteria, thereby enhancing microbial proliferation. For individuals with weakened immunity, this can be particularly dangerous.