22/08/2023
This is one of the most common medications found on my client health forms. If you or someone you know are on Omeprazole, please make sure you are fully informed about the risks, benefits and ways you can support yourself.
A common medication, one that nutritional therapists do not like at all. We have our work cut out when we have a client who is on Omeprazole or any other acid lowering drug, as most dis-eases begin in the gut...and ant-acids can just make matters worse.
Omeprazole not only impacts the stomach acidity, but further down stream, it impacts the 'fake' message the pancreas receives, that acid is low, therefore 'you do not need to release as much of the pancreatic juices', then further down the pH will be 'out of kilter' which impacts the microbiome. It just goes on and on and on.
And then as if that is not enough, Omeprazole depletes some serious nutrients.
VITAMIN B12...key in the production of the myelin sheath, why do I specifically pick this nutrient? Because this nutrient plays a vital role in brain development, in neuronal health, in the healing and repairing of cells, key player in methylation. So a child needs this B12 more than an adult that is stressed out at 30yr (although it is still vital in any stage in life).
Children should not be on Omeprazole, the number of gut tests that I have seen of children on this medication with such altered gut flora AND poor gut immune health markers, is appauling.
If your child is on Omeprazole, then it is a good idea to see a nutritional therapist and also look into a good multi for your child whilst the underlying cause of gut issues are being addressed. Gut health matters.
If as a mom you had antibiotics during pregnancy or post pregnancy whilst breastfeeding then consider a gut test for your child. Your child does not have to have gut symptoms but can have other symptoms such as eczema or asthma.
Upto 75% of the immune system is in the gut, why not get the gut right? One does not have to have gut symptoms to have gut test, actually some people have no gut symptoms but have dysbiosis, poor gut immune markers, some even have high beta-glucuronidase levels (an enzyme that unwraps the estrogen and DHT (potent androgen) as it is on it's way out and sadly get back into the circulation) this can impact hormonal health, like PCOS, or acne, or sudden weight gain, aggression, etc...this is boys and girls...not just girls.
Omeprazole can just make all these matters worse.
Reducing stomach acid artificially is not the answer, it sadly creates more issues in the long run. Ask the question, why do I have acid reflux, and if your child has been diagnosed with silent reflux...
- was the pregnancy stressful?
- any antibiotics taken during pregnancy and/or post
- any stress on the baby? Emergency C-section? Vontouse Delivery?
- antibiotics for group B strep?
- Post Natal Depression?
all these can be addressed...but Omeprazole does not address the stress, it does not address the antibiotic induced gut issues, it further depletes nutrients.
Drugs deplete nutrients, it is a well known fact but the combination of B12, zinc, iron and magnesium depletion can impact health on many levels.
Iron also key in oxygen...if your child is on asthma medications and omeprazole..ask why? What is the connection? It is not due to medication deficiency.
Kindly note I am no longer taking on new clients but my team are.
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