PPI's (eg: nexium, prilosec) should be taken for up to 14 days, 3 times a year - FDA warning - March 2010. Good reason for this statement. You need stomach acid to absorb essential nutrients and kill off bacteria, fungi and parasites. Low stomach acid leads to fractures, bacterial/fungal infections, parasites, lowered immune system, systematic health decline, gastritis, stomach cancer, heart failure....