We’re about nine months into the pandemic. So it’s natural to think you’ve got a pretty good handle on all of the risk factors for the coronavirus.
You do what you can to keep yourself out of harm’s way. And you’ve learned that some of the most critical risks are entirely out of our control.
But it turns out that’s NOT the FULL story. A new report sounds the alarm on one hidden hazard that could play a critical role in the COVID-19 infection and how it proceeds.
In fact, this one thing could even help determine whether you survive or succumb to the virus should you get infected.
And in this case, it’s a risk factor that’s ENTIRELY within your control.
The DRUG that could worsen coronavirus risk
By just a few months into the pandemic, experts had figured out that some of the biggest factors for determining COVID-19 risk were things like age and preexisting conditions. And that’s still true.
If you’re older… and have diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or high blood pressure… you’re facing some of the biggest risks of all for the most severe and deadliest forms of the infection.
But there’s more to it than that. As the latest research names a common medication that could set the stage for a deadly battle with COVID-19.
The problem is with the proton pump inhibitors, or the PPIs, used by millions of folks with acid reflux and heartburn.
The drugs work by reducing acid levels, which might sound like an easy ticket to quick relief. Except that could be a problem before the virus struck, and it looks like it may be an even bigger one now.
You see, those same gastric juices are your first line of defense against infection. They pretty much BOIL AWAY any nasty germs that come along.
Remember, COVID-19 is, among other things, a stomach infection, as the severe diarrhea that often accompanies it shows. And when your acid levels are too low, like when you are using PPIs, experts believe that COULD present a friendlier environment for the bugs than usual.
Death risk skyrocketed by 56% for those on PPIs
A new analysis of three studies finds PPIs may increase the odds of death in COVID-19 cases by 56 percent. Plus, regular use of these acid-reducing drugs was linked to nearly TRIPLE the risk of a dangerous secondary infection during a coronavirus battle.
Now, this isn’t rock-solid PROOF that PPIs will worsen the coronavirus, of course. Because despite being nine months into the pandemic, we still have a lot to learn about this infection. Plus, this wasn’t a cause and effect type study.
But there IS plenty of evidence that SHOULD make us concerned about the use of these drugs. And besides, it’s also not the only way proton pump inhibitors could harm your health.
These drugs have been linked to other infections – including pneumonia – for the same reason. Plus, PPIs are associated with…
- digestive disorders
- nutritional deficiencies
- weaker bones and bone breaks
- gastric cancer
If you’re on PPIs right now, you might be tempted to toss them in the trash tomorrow. And I don’t blame you one bit. But don’t.
You see, PPIs are tough to quit because of an ugly side effect they don’t warn you about when you first start on them. It’s called ACID REBOUND. It’s when your reflux comes back with a vengeance when you stop using the meds cold turkey.
People often think it’s a sign the drug was protecting them and go right back on it. But in reality, the drug caused it.
So don’t quit the meds without a plan, like switching to a safer option such as DGL and/or digestive enzymes. Talk to a skilled integrative or naturopathic physician who can help guide you through the process safely.
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