Heart Burn Medication Increases Bone Fracture Odds

All medications have risks, period.  It is as simple as that. Some of the negative affects of medications are known and published. Other unwanted affects of any currently marketed medication will only be revealed after the lab rats (you and me) take it over a long enough period of time, thus providing sufficient data regarding the risks and benefits of a the medication. Once enough data is accumilated, one or more actions will be taken:

1) Additional warnings will be placed on the medication label regarding the newly discovered risks.
2) Additional medications will be developed and prescribed in order to counter the negative affects of the drug.
3) The drug will be recalled, and taken off the market. (but don't worry, another one is being developed and marketed!)

A recent article on MSN Health and Fitness proves my point. The article discusses the newly reported risks of many of the current medications used for the treatment of heart burn symptoms (note that I said the treatment of the heart burn symptoms, not the cause...). The FDA is currently warning that PPI medications, or Protein Pump Inhibitors, can cause an increased risk of broken bones, or "fractures" in the spine, hip, and wrist. It is thought that the PPI's reduce stomach acidity, thus interfering with the absorption of Calcium. Calcium is best absorbed in an acid environment. That is why TUMS for calcium is such a blatant marketing lie! The offending PPI's include the drugs esomeprazole (Nexium)), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid)), lansoprazole (Prevacid)), pantoprazole (Protonix)), and rabeprazole (Aciphex)). The course of action taken by the FDA in this case is to leave the medications on the market, but to place a new warning on the label. The outcry of victims must become deafening before these drugs are terminated and new chemicals are produced and marketed. Then the cycle will repeat itself... New miracle drug, followed by possible links to negative side affects, followed by definite risks, but not bad enough to take action, and finally serious links to serious health risks followed by the drug being recalled.

So, what is a gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) sufferer to do?  How about taking these steps that actually promote health, improve digestion, and reduce the symptoms of gastric reflex?


1) Eat less.
2) Loose weight.
3) Eat earlier in the afternoon.
4) Eat foods with natural digesting enzymes, like pineapple and papaya.
5) Add enzyme supplements and possibly even hydrochloric acid supplements at mealtime (this aids in digestion, unlike medications which slow digestion down. The HCL acid should not be supplemented without direction from your physician or chiropractor)
6) Exercise regularly.


Whenever possible, natural and health promoting alternatives to medications are the preferred course of action. The dirty little secret regarding medication is that it will always have negative health affects. The only way to avoid them is through minimizing the amount that you take.

Seniors Who Consume Protein Less Likely to Break a Hip

Biggs Chiropractic, Mesa, AZ
biggschiropractic@gmail.com

In my chiropractic, acupuncture, and nutrition practice, I treat a lot of older patients. I have grown to appreciate their experience, humor, and positive outlook on life. They have enriched my life in many ways, and for that I am very grateful.

One problem that plagues the senior citizen population is the risk of hip fracture.  Hip fractures can be devastating, sometimes leading to disability and even death due to secondary complications.

Much has been published regarding the role of Calcium and other mineral supplements in promoting healthy bones. There is also common knowledge that Vitamin D is of vital importance.  A recent study, however, at the Musculoskeletal Research Program at the Institute for Aging Research has pointed towards another simple step that senior citizens can take in order to reduce their risks of hip fracture.

In this new article, researchers affiliated with Harvard School of Medicine found that those that consumed less than 46 grams of protein daily were 50% more likely to suffer from a hip fracture.

Dr. Hannan, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, recommends that older women consume at least 46 grams of protein per day, and that older men consume at least 56 grams of protein daily. This can come from both animal sources (meal, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese and yogurt) and plants (legumes, grains, nuts, seeds and vegetables).

According to Dr. Hannan, other studies have shown that dietary protein helps to improve bone mineral density. He said that the increased protein consumption could also result in stronger and healthier muscles, providing for more stability across joints. I believe that perhaps the additional muscle mass would help improve balance and prevent falls which often result in hip fractures.

Whatever the reasons for the benefits, the results are clear.  Protein consumption is vital to improve bone and muscle strength.

Keith E. Biggs, DC

3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ  85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office:  480-985-3334
Cell:     480-375-0068