Are you exhausted, worn out and just plain tired?
Do you feel like no matter how much sleep you get, it’s never enough?
The problem could be the medication you’re taking.
You see, those acid reflux drugs your doctor prescribed to help your stomach pain and indigestion could actually be zapping your energy.
A new study has now linked taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to ease the symptoms of excess stomach acid for more than two years to a 65 percent increase in the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
The researchers also found that using acid-suppressing drugs called histamine-2 receptor antagonists — also known as H2 blockers — for two years was associated with a 25 percent increase in the risk of B12 deficiency.
So, if you’re on any of these PPIs, like Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid, or H2 blockers, like Tagamet, Pepcid and Zantac, and experiencing fatigue, they could be to blame.
Your risk is even higher if you take a larger dose of the medicine. In fact, according to the study, a double dose comes with a double risk of B12 deficiency. And, women are at even greater risk of deficiency than men.
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B12 and your fatigue
According to the researchers, stomach acid is helpful in the absorption of B12 so it makes sense that taking medications that reduce the amount of stomach acid would decrease vitamin B12 absorption.
And when you can’t absorb enough of the vitamin and become deficient, your energy levels can plummet.
That’s because Vitamin B12 plays a key role in how your body creates energy. It keeps your cells fed, happy and healthy. Without it, your cells get hungry and you feel weak, tired and like you’re dragging all the time.
So, without adequate amounts of this vitamin, your body’s ability to perform its job deteriorates. You won’t have enough physical, emotional and mental energy to make it through your day.
A deficiency of B12 can also lead to weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, balance problems, memory difficulties and nerve problems, such as numbness and tingling in your hands or feet. Unfortunately, older adults are already at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency.
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Drug-free acid reflux relief
The good news is you don’t have to take drugs that cause B-12 deficiency to find relief from your acid reflux.
Here are some good natural treatment options you can use instead.
- Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar — To improve the acid balance of your stomach, take one tablespoon of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water.
- Aloe vera juice — Aloe helps reduce inflammation, which can help your acid reflux. Drink 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice before meals.
- Ginger tea — Ginger, also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, is great for combatting acid reflux. Add two or three slices of fresh ginger root to two cups of hot water. Let steep for about half an hour. Drink about 20 minutes or so before your meal.
Don’t let acid reflux drugs zap your energy. Instead use the all-natural tips above to stop your indigestion without destroying your B12 levels and feel vital again.
Sources:
- Acid-Reflux Drugs & Lower Levels of Vitamin B-12 — WebMD