Could You Be Weakening Your Immune System?
Learn how certain types of over-the-counter medication can hurt your immune function – are you at risk?
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), a common class of antacid medication, may affect the balance of a patient’s gut bacteria, ER Physician Dr. Travis Stork explains. This could lead to a greater risk for infections, or even vitamin deficiencies or bone fractures.
“If you’re taking over-the-counter antacids indiscriminately,” says Dr. Stork, “You need to talk to your doctor. Address the underlying causes.” He notes that evidence is building up that taking antacids long-term can have unwanted side effects.
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“Watch those trigger foods and check with your doctor,” he concludes.