Common Over-The-Counter Medicine ‘Increases Risk Of Cancer Eight-Fold’

Scientists have discovered how over-the-counter tablets, taken by millions of Britons, dramatically increase the risk of stomach cancer.

A study conducted by the University of Hong Kong and University College London found, people who regularly use proton pump inhibitors, known as PPIs, are eight times more likely to develop the cancer.

The common drugs are used to treat acid reflux and are twice as likely to cause stomach cancer – a risk which soars to eight-fold after three years of taking the pills.

Pexels

It’s estimated five million bottles and packets of the drugs are prescribed each year in England, to treat the condition known as gastroesophageal reflux – a severe form of heartburn.

In addition to this, thousands more buy them over the counter at pharmacies, corner shops and supermarkets without the need of a prescription.

Although they’re not recommended for long-term use, the scientists fear because the pills are so easily available, people can easily take them for years without any medical supervision.

Pexels

The researchers suspect the pills stimulate a hormone known as gastrin, which triggers the growth of cancerous cells.

The new study involved 63,000 people in Hong Kong who were treated with antibiotics which killed bacteria known as H. pylori – which is linked to stomach cancer, at the start of the research.

They were then tracked for an average of seven years and due to the antibiotics, the scientists ruled out the bacteria developing the cancer.

Pexels

Those who took the pills at least weekly were found to be more than twice as likely to develop the cancer compared to those who didn’t use the drugs.

Daily users saw their risk increase 4.5 times and the longer the people took the drugs, the more the risk grew, soaring to 8.3 times for those who took the pills daily for at least three years.

Those who took an alternative treatment known as H2 blockers saw no increased risk.

Pexels

The study said:

The patients were monitored on average for 7.5 years until they either developed stomach cancer, died or the study concluded, which was at the end of December 2015.

During this time, 3271 (5%) people took PPIs for an average of nearly three years and 21,729 took H2 blockers.

In all, 153 (0.24%) people developed stomach cancer after triple therapy.

None tested positive for H. pylori at the time, but all had long standing gastritis which is inflammation of the stomach lining.

Taking PPIs was associated with a more than doubling (2.44) in the risk of developing stomach cancer, while taking H2 blockers was not associated with a heightened risk.

The scientists also stressed although the increased risk is indeed dramatic, only a few people get stomach cancer.

In their research, out of the 63,397 people studied, only 153 actually developed the disease.

Pexels

The study calculated how from their results, for every 10,000 people who take PPIs, an estimated eight people a year will develop stomach cancer, only four more than if none were taking the pills.

4 things that could make your cold worse — and 2 that won't make it end faster

The INSIDER Summary:

• There's no cure for the common cold. The only thing you can do is wait it out.
• But certain habits could make you feel even worse when you're sick, like not getting enough rest, not staying hydrated, drinking alcohol, and smoking.
• Certain popular treatments — namely vitamin C and antibiotics — also won't help.

---

The worst thing about the common cold isn't the sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, or fatigue: It's the fact that, for the most part, there's nothing you can do to make it go away faster.

There is no cure for the common cold, partly because it's caused by more than 200 different viruses, according to the Johns Hopkins Health Review. That means that the only course of action is to wait until the infection runs its course.

But there are some habits that could make you feel worse while you're riding out a cold. Plus, some of the strategies you think will help aren't actually making you feel better. Here's what you should know.

1. Skimping on rest

Rest up.

Shutterstock

It seems obvious but it's always worth repeating: Rest is crucial if you want to feel better during a cold, Dr. Michael Roizen, chairman of the Wellness Institute at the Cleveland Clinic and member of the True Health Initiative, told INSIDER. Pushing yourself to keep up your normal schedule — like going to work — won't help you feel better. Besides, it puts other people at risk of catching your virus.

If you can't skip work, always cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, and make sure to wash your hands frequently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes. It's an important courtesy for your coworkers.

Getting your sleep may also help prevent colds in the first place: A 2009 studyfound that people who got less than seven hours of sleep were about three times more likely to catch a cold than people who got eight hours or more.

2. Not hydrating properly

Drink plenty of water.

David von Diemar/Unsplash

A cold with a fever could leave you dehydrated, Roizen said, so it's important to drink enough fluids when you're sick.

How do you know if you're adequately hydrated? First, you should know that the old eight-glasses-of-water-a-day advice is a myth. Instead, experts say, just check the color of your urine. If it's the color of pale lemonade, you're good. If it looks like apple juice, you need more fluids.

3. Drinking alcohol

Don't go overboard on hot toddies.

Dinah Pena/Flickr Creative Commons

Though Roizen said he doesn't know of any data showing that alcohol can make a cold feel worse, the Johns Hopkins Health Review does note that alcohol is dehydrating. That's not ideal when you may need to drink more water than usual.

It's also good to remember that alcohol can interact with over-the-counter cold medicines, causing symptoms like drowsiness and dizziness and increasing the risk of overdose, according to the NIH.

4. Smoking (or being around smokers)

Don't smoke when you're sick.

Getty Images

The CDC says you shouldn't smoke or even breathe secondhand smoke when you're sick. According to the American Lung Association, doing so can irritate your throat and worsen your cough. Just add it to the very long list of horrible things that smoking does to your body. (For free help quitting, check out smokefree.gov.)

4. Stressing out

Stress never helps.

Shutterstock

"Stress impedes immune system function by number of mechanisms," Roizen said. Broadly, he explained, it compromises your body's ability to both identify and kill off foreign microbes that could infect you.

Chalk it up as another reason to rest and take time away from work when you're feeling sick.

4. Asking for antibiotics

Antibiotics won't help.

Freestocks.org

Antibiotics cannot cure the common cold, according to the CDC. Taking them during a cold won't help you feel better, either. That's because antibiotics can only kill bacteria, and the common cold is caused by a virus.

There's a bigger threat to consider, too: Overuse and misuse of antibiotics contributes to the frightening rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These bugs kill roughly 23,000 Americans a year, the CDC says. It's always best to limit antibiotic use to situations where they're truly needed.

5. Taking tons of vitamin C

Vitamin C supplements talk a big game, but they don't help colds.

Flickr/Mike Mozart

Vitamin C supplements claim to "support" and "boost" your immune system, and many people take them because they believe the products will shorten a cold. Scientists have actually studied the vitamin to see whether is has such an effect. The results show that — once a cold has started — vitamin C works no better than a placebo.

"After the cold is running its course, [vitamin C] doesn't have any effect," dietitian Andy Bellatti, MS, RD told INSIDER back in July. "If you do have a cold, stay hydrated and get enough rest. Don't go to work and pound [vitamin c]."

And if you overdo it, you may even hurt yourself. Large doses (think 2,000 milligrams or more) might raise your risk of painful kidney stones, and could give you digestive issues like diarrhea, bloating, and cramps. You don't need any of those things adding to your misery while you have a cold.

There is, however, one supplement that can actually help — zinc.

"[You can] take more than 75 milligrams of zinc a day, only while you have a cold," Roizen said. (Taking doses higher than 40 milligrams when you're not sick can be toxic, he explained.)

Research shows that zinc can shorten the length of a cold and reduce the severity of symptoms, possibly because it interferes with the replication of cold-causing viruses. In studies, the supplements have worked best in doses of at least 75 milligrams a day. But stick to lozenges, not sprays: Some people have reportedlosing their sense of smell after using zinc spray products.

15 Ways to Stay Warm (and Safe) When It's Ridiculously Cold

1. Bundle Up (and Swap Out the Leggings)

It might seem obvious, but piling on a few extra layers is a great way to stay warm, especially if you have to be outside. Keeping your core warm is especially important when temperatures dip below freezing, so try wearing an extra shirt or two under your coat.

Worried about looking bulky? Many sporting goods companies make cold-weather gear that is slim enough to be worn even under work clothes.

For ladies who love wearing leggings, try swapping them out for long underwear. Several hiking-gear companies make long underwear that has the same look as leggings and will help keep you warm. A bonus: Most long underwear is meant to dry quickly, so leftover snow and slush won't leave your legs damp.

2. Indulge in Foods That Help You Keep Warm

You already know that eating healthfully in the winter is important to fend off colds and the flu, but did you know it might help keep you warm, too? Eating extra healthy fats during the winter can help rev up metabolism, which in turn heats the body, according to Columbia Health.

If your New Year's resolution was to drop a few pounds, don't worry -- you can always skip the extra fat and try eating warmer foods and drinks. Try soups, spicy foods, hot coffee and teas to fend off the chill!

3. We're Sorry: Alcohol Decreases Core Temperatures 

Although alcoholic beverages might make you feel warm, they actually decrease your core temperature and can be dangerous during winter months. 

According to The New York Times and a study by Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, alcohol reverses some reflexes that control body temperature, especially the body's ability to shiver. Alcohol can also make you sweat, even when it is cold, which can lower core temperatures even more. 

4. Keep Your Toes Toasty

Hypothermia is most likely to begin in extremities like your hands and feet, so keeping your toes warm is important. Whether you're walking to work or just around the block, make sure to wear sturdy, insulated shoes that will help prevent slips on slick surfaces and keep your feet dry.

Looking for a pair? Try a good pair of hiking books or, for the fashionista, this article from Glamour offers boots that are cozy and cute. Also, consider wearing an extra pair of socks (here's a helpful article to help you choose the right pair). 

5. Sunglasses... Even in the Winter

If you're walking in the snow during the day, wear sunglasses to protect your eyesfrom the glare.

If you are walking at night, make sure to dress in colors other than white and to wear something reflective on your person to alert drivers to your presence. 

Avoid walking too close to roadways, especially near icy areas where drivers may lose control of their vehicle. 

6. Remember the "Three-Feet Rule"

Space heaters are a great way to add extra heat to colder rooms, but always remember to keep anything flammable at least three feet away from the heater at all times.

Flammable items include clothing, rugs, bedding and curtains. Also remember to place the heater on a hard, non-flammable, stable surface and to turn it off completely before leaving the house. Set a reminder on your phone if you're afraid you'll forget.

7. Watch Out for Furry Friends

You might be jealous of your dog or cat's fur coat when temperatures drop, but they need to be kept warm, too. 

Catherine Blake, owner of Make My Day, Please dog walking services suggests dog walks should be limited to 10 minutes.

"You also have to be careful of ice in their paws because it can act like little daggers," Blake said.

Always remember to bring pets inside when temperatures begin to drop. If you have or know of animals that can't come inside (such as farm animals or neighborhood feral cats that you care for), provide enough bedding and insulated shelter for them to keep warm. If temperatures are below freezing, remember to check their water and replace it if it has frozen.

8. Monitor Fires

It's easy to snooze in front of a roaring fire, but always make sure that fireplace embers are completely out before going to bed for the night. 

Wood fireplaces should always have a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs. 

9. Don't Warm Up Your Car While It's Unattended

Although letting your car heat up before you hop in can be tempting, leaving your car running when you're not around offers the perfect opportunity for thieves to steal it. 

Instead, have a family member wait inside it while you finish getting ready, and then switch "shifts" with them when you have finished. Alternate who goes first to keep it fair.

10. Assemble a Car Emergency Kit

Check the CDC's car emergency checklist to ensure you are prepared in case you have a roadside emergency during inclement weather. 

11. Keep Heat Constant

Setting your thermostat at the same temperature day and night will help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. While avoiding a high heating bill might be tempting, you could be protecting yourself from costly repairs from frozen or burst pipes. 

If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time, don't lower heat below 55 degrees. 

12. Protect Pipes

Keeping the heat on isn't the only thing you can do to protect pipes from freezing. 

State Farm suggests letting your hot and cold faucets drip overnight and opening cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and on exterior walls.

Locate the water shut-off valve in your home in advance of a water emergency, so you know where to go if a pipe bursts, DC Water spokesperson Pamela Mooring advised.

13. Watch Out for Antifreeze

People often use antifreeze on sidewalks and paths to melt ice and snow, but the dangers to humans and pets if it is ingested are serious. 

Know the symptoms of antifreeze poisoning in humans and monitor children who are behaving oddly after returning from playing outside. 

Wipe down pets' paws, stomachs and tails when they come inside so they do not ingest antifreeze when licking themselves. Check symptoms of antifreeze poisoning in animals to ensure you are prepared in case they become sick.

14. Know the Terms

Familiarize yourself with government terms for winter weather emergencies: 

• Freezing Rain - Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.

• Sleet - Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

• Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.

• Winter Storm Watch - A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information.

• Winter Storm Warning - A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.

• Blizzard Warning - Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.

• Frost/Freeze Warning - Below freezing temperatures are expected.

Now that you know the terms, check NBC Washington's weather alert page for the latest on weather alerts in your area. 

15. Make Sure Roads Are Safe Before Driving

Online snow plow trackers make it easy to check when roads in your area are clear and safe to drive after snowfall. 

Although the trackers are not live, they do update frequently. Find them here.

10 hurtful things people have said to me about my depression

Depression makes me feel like a total nuisance at times,  so it’s not surprising that these flippant comments don’t help.  Although a lot of the time these words have been said by complete strangers, they still cut deep.

In fact, in some ways, being approached by a stranger and being told to ‘cheer up’ is worst of all. Have you been guilty of saying any of these phrases to a friend with depression? It’s not easy to talk to a friend who’s struggling with a mental illness. Here’s a gentle reminder of what not to say.

 1. Maybe you just need a holiday Ah yes, the old Vitamin D solution. Shall I drag myself through one of my biggest anxieties (flying on a plane) to lie on a sun lounger for a week? And who’s going to pay for this when I’m off work claiming disability allowance? (Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk) 

2. There are children starving in Africa Thanks for stating the obvious. Unfortunately there are children starving in the UK too. In fact, there is trauma, poverty and sadness all over the world and some of it just so happens to be consuming my every waking moment. Other people’s suffering doesn’t make mine any less valid. 

3. You take life too seriously Well aren’t you a wise old owl? When you have a mental illness, life is nothing but a string of serious, painful events. The hardest thing is feeling such intense pain at the same time as feeling like none of it matters.

 4. Are you taking your medication? Yes I am, and I’m a fully grown adult who is taking all the advice that the professionals are willing to give me.

5. You just need to let your hair down I looked for a solution to my madness in a few hundred bottles of wine before I realised it wasn’t in any of them. Consider hair previously let down, to no avail. 

6. You don’t look depressed What does a depressed person look like exactly? I mean, you’re more than welcome to come and watch me lie in the foetal position for six hours if you want a closer look. I also look pretty good when I sob in the shower every morning. (Picture: Mmuffin for Metro.co.uk) 

7. You’re being selfish The reason I’m being selfish is because I’ve spent too long using all of my energy saying yes to other people. Being a push over is what got me in this state, and now I have no other option than to be selfish in order to stay alive. 

8. At least you’re not suicidal Sigh. Just because I didn’t attempt suicide doesn’t mean I was happy to be alive.

 9. You’re not a serious case That was pretty crappy visit to a psychiatrist. There’s nothing quite like the self-loathing that comes after a health professional brushes you off like a filthy speck of dust. 

10. Everyone gets stressed Yes everyone does. But feeling stressed is actually a separate issue from being depressed, so what’s your point?