Is Your PPI Prescription Making Your Acid Reflux Worse?

A new study by Yasushi Kuyama* demonstrates that proton pump inhibitors delay gastric emptying. This means your stomach doesn’t empty all of its food as quickly. In fact, 10 to 30 % of GERD patients suffer from delayed gastric emptying. By itself, this doesn't sound like much of a problem. However, everything is connected, and we are just now understanding the unintended consequences of delayed gastric emptying.

Before we go any further, you need to understand that transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) is one of the major causes of acid reflux.

Gastric distention (when the stomach gets larger because it is full of food) increases with delayed gastric emptying. This, in turn, increases the frequency of TLESR.

Additionally, gastric fundus distention, pharyngeal stimulation and gastrointestinal hormones all increase when you have food in your stomach. The longer the food is in your stomach, the longer these hang around. Coincidentally, these also all contribute to TLESR.

These could be some of the reasons that delayed gastric emptying contributes to acid reflux.

Acid reflux is a complex disorder. PPI therapy, considered the gold standard GERD treatment, addresses symptom control only. Additional studies are needed to develop more effective pharmaceutical alternatives that target TLESR, gastric fundus tone, and esophageal acid clearance rather than gastric acid secretion.

Alternatively, some homeopathic solutions like Dayli Natural Reflux Relief could, in theory, replace PPIs for some people. This depends on the triggers and severity of the acid reflux, and consistency with which the natural remedy is consumed.

In short, Yasushi Kuyama's study reveals that while PPIs effectively manage GERD symptoms, they can delay gastric emptying, potentially worsening acid reflux. This highlights the need for alternative treatments that address the root causes of reflux rather than just suppressing acid production.

*Sanaka, M., Yamamoto, T. & Kuyama, Y. Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors on Gastric Emptying: A Systematic Review. Dig Dis Sci 55, 2431–2440 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-009-1076-x

Man holding his stomach because of heartburnPhoto byhttps://www.vecteezy.com/vector-art/15985588-young-man-suffering-from-acid-reflux-holding-his-chest-