Researchers found proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may stimulate growth of specific bacteria that increase a person’s chances of liver disease.
PPIs are often used to reduce the amount of gastric acid (stomach acid).
This sometimes helps the burning feeling caused when acid from the stomach travels up the esophagus.
However they can lead to a more serious problems.
The Research
The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine in La Jolla conducted research that was published in Nature journal.
Firstly, the results indicate that PPI medications promote the growth of a gut microbe connected to chronic liver disease.
“Our stomachs produce gastric acid to kill ingested microbes,” said senior study author Dr. Bernd Schnabl.
“Taking medication to suppress gastric acid secretion can change the composition of the gut microbiome.”
The Findings
“We found the absence of gastric acid promotes growth of Enterococcus bacteria in the intestines and transfer to the liver. Here is where they increase inflammation and worsen chronic liver disease.
”Using mice models,The team explored the effects of gastric acid suppression and how it relates to:
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Secondly, their results showed PPIs increased cases of liver disease in mice given PPIs.
Human studies were then conducted to confirm the effects.
Thirdly, they analysed stool samples from people diagnosed with chronic alcohol abuse.
They found the risk of being diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease within 10 years was 20.7 percent for those currently taking PPIs, and 16.1 percent for those who used to take PPIs but had since ceased this treatment.
Be Aware of Liver Symptoms
Chinese herbal medicine has treated the proper function of the gut and liver for two millennia.
Your body actually starts to show signs before a worsened state of the liver develops.
A few of the telling signs of a worsening liver include:
- Yellowing of the eyes/skin
- Mood swings
- Depression and anger
- Brittle nails
- Worsening vision
- Disrupted sleep
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Frequent headaches
- Irritable bowel behaviour
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