by Gabi Giacomin
Proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) such as Losec, Nexium, Pariet, Somac and Zoton are regularly prescribed in Australia to treat reflux in children. They work by permanently inactivating the proton pump responsible for stomach acid secretion.
Research in the Journal of Endocrine Practice (2007) reveals that PPI’s cause low levels of stomach acid and are associated with higher TSH levels. This is because low stomach acid increases the growth of bacteria in the small intestine (SIBO), which is identified as a cause of hypothyroidism.
Overexpression of SOD1 combined with Methylation Cycle mutations in Down Syndrome means stomach acid production is compromised from birth. The need for Nutrigentic Intervention support for SOD1, methylation and mitochondria from birth for people with Down Syndrome is crucial to avoid developing SIBO followed by hypothyroidism and eventually reflux.
If your child has reflux they may also have hypothyroidism and SIBO. Giving them a PPI will most likely make their SIBO worse, make them more hypothyroid, and before you know it your Dr will be prescribing thyroid medication and antibiotics as well.
Preventing reflux is possible if your child is supported with Nutrition and phytonutrients to reduce the effects of SOD1 and methylation cycle mutations. Finding a practitioner who knows how to implement these supplements, recognise and treat low stomach acid and SIBO will mean you can keep the thyroid healthy and avoid medication.
“To our best knowledge, this is the first study in humans with hypothyroidism demonstrating the effect of PPIs on serum TSH levels. PPIs should be added to the list of medications affecting the level of thyroid hormone in patients with hypothyroidism treated with LT4 replacement. Patients with hypothyroidism and normal TSH values during LT4 replacement therapy may need additional thyroid function testing after treatment with PPIs and may need adjustment of their LT4 dose.”
REFLUX MEDICATION LINKED TO HYPOTHYROIDISM