A 14-year study of 10,482 subjects compared people taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid with those not taking antacid medications, as well as those taking H2-blocking antacid medications, including Zantac, Tagamet, Pepcid.

Compared to those who did not take an antacid, those who took a PPI had a 45 percent higher risk of chronic kidney disease.

Compared to those who took an H2 blocker, those who took a PPI had a 39 percent higher risk of kidney problems.

Those who took a PPI twice daily had three times more risk of kidney disease than those who took the drugs just once a day.

Proton pump inhibitors are very powerful drugs that shut off stomach acid production. Stomach acid helps us digest food, kill microbes, and absorb vital nutrients such as vitamin B12.

Taking a PPI for long term can lead to osteoporosis, mineral and vitamin deficiencies, and H. pylori infection.

If you are taking a PPI, I suggest trying to use it for the shortest time period possible.