PPI's are not always helpful. Sometimes they can make problems far far worse. Doctors just kept increasing the strength of my PPI's, they made me more and more sick, at one point, they even caused me to be bleeding from my stomach. I felt SO much healthier off them! Some doctors can be so ignorant, throwing those pills out like candy to any patient who happens to mention indigestion! Sometimes it's just a change in lifestyle and diet people need for plain old indigestion.
For people who had nothing showing on their scope (like me, I was diagnosed with non ulcerative dyspepsia) I don't believe they should be taking them.
They might provide some temporary relief for heartburn, but it stops the stomach from producing any stomach acid which is what your body's naturally meant to do, and basically brings digestion to a halt, preventing you from digesting things properly. The body cannot absorb calcium properly which is why these meds are suggested to be linked to an increase in osteoporosis and bone fractures, as well as anaemia.
For plain old indigestion, keep well away from PPI's will always be my advice! Just change your diet. Much healthier, and no horrible side effects!
Post Edited (judy02) : 12/7/2010 5:43:00 AM (GMT-7)