It’s easy to assume that the widespread problem of “heartburn”—also known as acid reflux—is uncomfortable but harmless. Unfortunately, nothing could be farther from the truth. Medical researchers have discovered that in people who experience acid reflux, cells of the esophagus (throat) can become more susceptible to becoming cancerous.
That’s why you must never ignore heartburn—especially when safe, natural solutions can reverse the problem quickly and permanently, keeping you comfortable and protecting your long-term health.
Acid reflux can be miserable. It can feel like there’s a hole burning through your esophagus, like you’re choking on stomach acid.
Joe Barton, now a respected health pioneer and activist, learned this lesson the hard way. In 1976, Joe almost died from stomach surgery. His doctors operated on his stomach for a bleeding ulcer, but mistakenly they connected a bile duct to his stomach instead of to his small intestine. This mishap caused bile to creep up into Joe’s esophagus.
After surgery, Joe couldn’t sleep on his right side without bile building up. The only way he could reduce the bile was by vomiting. For almost a year, Joe was plagued by vomiting 3 or 4 times daily. He knew he couldn’t go on like this forever—the acid was killing him! He tried everything, but without success.
Then one morning, everything changed: Joe woke up having slept like a baby. No pain. No bile. Just peaceful sleep. The only thing Joe could remember doing differently before going to bed was eating an apple. So, he started experimenting with different brands of apples and discovered that one specific brand of apple helped to control his acid reflux. He started taking apples with him everywhere he went.
The best part of solving his acid reflux was that in addition to feeling immeasurably better, Joe also protecting himself against other serious health problems, including cancer.
How Acid Reflux Leads to Cancer
The burning sensation of “heartburn” is actually caused by stomach acid splashing into the esophagus. Over the long-term, this acid can increase your risk of cancer, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Physiology—Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology.
That’s prolonged exposure to acid can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, a condition where the cells become more acid resistant. “Unfortunately,” said the researchers, “those acid-resistant cells are also more prone to cancer.”
| The cancer associated with Barrett’s esophagus (related to acid reflux) is rising faster than any other cancer in the U.S.—6-fold in 30 years according to the National Cancer Institute. |
“The research supports why it is important to prevent reflux, because the more reflux you have and the longer you have it, the more it might predispose you to getting Barrett’s esophagus. So you want to suppress that reflux,” said the study’s lead author.
The Dark and Dangerous Side of Reflux Drugs
he drugs most commonly used to treat acid reflux are Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex, and Nexium. These drugs are all part of a class of medications called PPIs (proton pump inhibitors).
PPIs are the darlings of the drug companies, but these medications have serious risks you may not hear about from your doctor, including weakened bones.
A recent analysis published by Annals of Family Medicine revealed that regular PPI users suffered a 30% increase in bone fractures, and the figure jumped to 53% among those taking high doses. PPIs also boost your risk of:
- C. difficile (severe, life-threatening diarrhea)
- Excess production of the hormone gastrin (the substance that tells your stomach to make more acid!)
- Excessive mineral imbalance that can lead to hypertension or even Alzheimer’s disease
Source: The Underground Reporter
Recent Comments