Are Antacid Medications Causing You To Gain Weight?

Recent research looked into impact of acid medications on body weight and BMI. In this study, 24 people with reflux disease were followed for two years and compared to 24 control patients. At the start of the study, there were no differences in body weight and BMI between the two groups. The treatment group was then placed on antacid medications while the control group was counseled on lifestyle and diet for reflux. At the end of the two-year study, 70% of the treatment group had gained around eight pounds compared to the control group whose weight and BMI were virtually unchanged.

We don't quite understand why heartburn/reflux medications seem to cause weight gain. Some researchers believe that antacid drugs decrease our ability to digest and absorb proteins which contains amino acids such as tryptophan, phenylalanine, & tyrosine. A deficiency in these amino acids may impact the production of important brain chemicals that regulate appetite and metabolism. Tryptophan is the precursor to serotonin; the feel-good brain chemical. Tyrosine is an important amino acid used in the production of dopamine and thyroid hormone. Phenylalanine plays a role in the production of endorphins, a natural compound similar to morphine. It is also likely that poor protein digestion may result in a deficiency of amino acids needed to maintain muscle mass, the source of your body's metabolism.

Remember, many "diseases" are your body's way of telling you that something is out of balance. Treating these "diseases" with medications often covers up the real problem, and in doing so, sets the stage for other health issues. I am not against the use of prescription drugs; I'm against sticking our head in the sand and assuming that those medications are fixing the real problem.

Reflux disease can be an indication of poor digestion. In many people, reflux disease indicates that their body does not produce enough acid rather than too much stomach acid. Many things can cause the body to decrease acid production or neutralize existing acid, such as: heart drugs, calcium supplements (i.e. TUMS and Oscal), stress, excess fluids with meals, etc.

The primary purpose of this article is to shed light on this virtually unknown side effect (antacids and weight gain). If you are currently taking these drugs, I would seek out the assistance of a health care practitioner who is well schooled in natural medicine. Such a practitioner could help you discover the real cause of your heartburn problems so that the need for the drugs could go away.

One final note; abruptly stopping an antacid medication could result in a rebound effect that could cause serious reflux. Always discuss your plans with a doctor prior to changing or stopping a drug.


Copyright (c) 2010 Raymond Hinish