A new study shows that 70% of patients¹ taking proton pump inhibitor antacid medication (Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, or Nexium) gained an average 8 pounds over a two year period.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), otherwise known as indigestion, is typically treated with these symptom suppressing medications. We already know that if you try to get off them your indigestion becomes worse – meaning they are functionally addictive.

We know that while you are on them your risk for a respiratory infection increases as your stomach acid is actually part of your front line defense against infection.

And now we find that being on them is likely to cause you to gain weight. Is that because a person without indigestion eats more? Possibly. On the other hand, it is well known that these acid suppressing medications fail to release important amino acids from the food that is eaten, such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. All of these amino acids are important for running your nerves (mood) and your metabolism (energetic drive).

It is a sad commentary on the skill level of the medical profession when they have to give a drug with so many adverse side effects simply because they have no clue how to help someone's digestive system work properly.