[Yorkiemom]

You may want to check this out if you haven't already read on this. The wadded up sock feeling reminded me of Jack's description of his PN. I have been on Zantac now for a very long time. This makes me wonder if part of my nerve problems could be associated with this acid suppressor...

Rose may have already posted this somewhere and I could have missed it...

Cathie

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archi..._acid_safe.asp

[rose]

Sure doesn't hurt to alert people to this danger again. Much discussion of this was lost with all the other information in the braintalk crash.

People, including physicians, are way too quick to assume that a acid reduction is needed, when, in fact, many more times there is too little acid. Too little acid, resulting in poor digestion, can also result in stomach contents backing up into the esophogus. And low acid or not, that is a very unpleasant thing.

Stomach acid aids in proper digestion and protects the stomach. And in fact, lowering stomach acid for a long period of time can damage the stomach and cause or exacerbate low stomach acid. Which in turn can result in overgrowth of bacteria and in some cases eventually loss of intrinsic factor.

Regarding the comments about B12 and homocysteine. Homocysteine doesn't always increase when B12 is low, even when it is very low. And although high homocysteine is a bad sign, that is not what does the neurological damage.

However, homocysteine and methylmalonic acid testing together often uncovers B12 deficiency, unless B12 has already been taken in sufficient quantities to reduce one or both to normal (can happen quite quickly).

I hope that anyone who has not already read my website will do so.

rose

[mrsD]

for long periods of time does other things besides B12.

It interferes with protein digestion...leading to fermentation by bacteria in the bowel and subsequent bloating/gas/diarrhea.

Other nutrients cannot be absorbed without acid in the stomach:
B12
folic acid
calcium
iron
zinc

so far these are the ones investigated. There may be more with further research.

Doctors give acid blocking drugs when steroids are used, or high dose Indocin for example. This is to prevent ulcers/bleeds. However, doctors are not aware typically of the long term effects from acid blocking drugs.

One thing you can do to beef up your stomach lining is to make sure you get enough essential fatty acids to keep the stomach lining strong. If you don't, you may bleed anyway.

[Yorkiemom]

Well, I have been on Zantac now for 15 years every day, sometimes more than once a day... Fatty acids??? Do donuts fall in that category?

Cathie

[Silverlady]

How do the fatty acids keep the stomach lining strong if Zantac, Nexium, etc. are lining the stomach with their protection? I'm starting to worry about the calcium thing. As most know, I'm suffering multiple stress fractures and taking 1600 mg of Calcium w/D, but now I'm thinking that maybe the cal isn't making it to where it should be going. I take Indomethecin (time released) and was put on Nexium at Mayo for an ulcer. So it's a catch-22 senario. I really am in a quandary as to what is best. I tried stopping the Indomethecin and could not use my hands (swollen and sore). I had to resume it again.

Any suggestions?

Billye

[mrsD]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom

Well, I have been on Zantac now for 15 years every day, sometimes more than once a day... Fatty acids??? Do donuts fall in that category?

Cathie

While I think you are being funny, the truth of of the matter about donuts is that they are filled with transfats which are absolutely horrible for your health.

I think you know what EFAs are. If not:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=6092

As US cities start to ban transfats, like in NY, we will see donuts change. Still calorie laden goodies, but with the transfats removed. Then you can have all your waistline can stand!

So long term use of acid blocking drugs can lead to osteoporosis, by blocking calcium absorption. Anemia as well.

[mrsD]

There is a drug called Cytotec which is used to protect the stomach when NSAIDs are used. It is a series one prostaglandin like the ones your stomach/intestines need to maintain themselves. There is a product of Voltaren mixed with Cytotec called Arthrotec that some arthritics use. The damage NSAIDs do is systemic, so using nutrients is very important.

Flax oil and evening primrose are used to make PG-1s to keep the mucous coat thick in the stomach and prevent damage. Fish oil helps too, so taking all three is best.

You can read more about Cytotec here:
http://www.arthritis.co.za/misoprostol.html

It is a good site!

P.S. some side effects can be increasing bowel motility,and for those taking opiates this may be a plus and helpful.

[Silverlady]

I'm printing this off to take to my rheumatologist when I see him in 2 months. He may know nothing about it. But he will now.

Billye

[MelodyL]

IF they can make a b-12 injection and deliver other meds in a syringe, how come they don't do it with calcium. Is it possible???

Melody

[mrsD]

Is used as an emergency intervention...but there are limitations to calcium in
injectable form..

http://www.rxmed.com/b.main/b2.pharm...ION%20USP.html