On February 9, 2026, Dr Amir Khan, a familiar face to many as ITV's resident doctor and an NHS GP based in Bradford, took to social media to issue two important health warnings that have sparked widespread discussion. Dr Khan, known for his accessible health advice and large Instagram following of more than 788,000, addressed both the long-term use of the common acid reflux medication omeprazole and the significance of certain foot symptoms that could indicate deeper health issues.
Dr Khan's first warning centered around omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) routinely prescribed for conditions like heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach ulcers. As reported by Lancs Live, he explained that while omeprazole is highly effective at reducing excess stomach acid and allowing damaged digestive tissue to heal, complete symptom relief can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the underlying condition. "All meds can have possible side effects. Here are some things you need to know and what to do," Dr Khan stated in his Instagram caption, underscoring the importance of being informed about one's medications.
In a video that remains relevant months after its original posting, Dr Khan elaborated: "Lots of people are on medication, and for the vast majority, they do a world of good. But sometimes they can bring side effects you might not have expected. So I'm going to share three common ones and, more importantly, what you can do about them. But always remember, don't just stop your medication suddenly. Always speak to your GP or pharmacist if you have any concerns."
Dr Khan specifically highlighted that long-term use of PPIs like omeprazole can interfere with the body's ability to absorb vital nutrients such as vitamin B12, magnesium, and calcium. "That can leave some people feeling tired or at risk of weaker bones. You don't need to panic, but if you've been on them for a while, it might be worth checking your vitamin levels," he advised. He also recommended maintaining a diet rich in green leafy vegetables, nuts, and dairy to help offset potential deficiencies. Importantly, he emphasized that any changes to medication should only be made in consultation with a healthcare professional: "Sometimes you can reduce the dose if your symptoms are well controlled, always while speaking to your GP. And you might be able to use them on and off instead of all the time. Always speak to your GP first."
But what are the specific health risks of staying on omeprazole for the long haul? According to Dr Khan and corroborated by NHS and medical literature, prolonged use can lead to several complications. Reduced stomach acid over time can result in vitamin B12 deficiency, which may cause nerve damage, confusion, and dizziness. There is also the risk of hypomagnesemia—a deficiency in magnesium—that can manifest as fatigue, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, and in severe cases, seizures.
Iron and calcium absorption may also be compromised, raising the likelihood of bone health issues, including an increased risk of fractures in the hip, wrist, or spine, particularly after a year or more of high-dose therapy. Dr Khan further noted the potential for kidney complications, including an elevated risk of developing chronic kidney disease, and highlighted that long-term use can sometimes lead to benign stomach growths known as fundic gland polyps.
Another significant danger is the increased susceptibility to infections. Lower stomach acid levels can make it easier for harmful bacteria to thrive, raising the risk of developing Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection—a serious intestinal condition that causes severe diarrhea. Research also suggests a possible short-term increase in pneumonia risk, though the evidence on long-term impact remains inconclusive.
Dr Khan's message was clear: while omeprazole and similar medications can be "brilliant for settling acid," awareness of their potential side effects and regular monitoring are crucial for long-term users. Most importantly, he reiterated that patients should never abruptly stop their prescribed medication and should always seek advice from their GP or pharmacist if they have concerns.
On the same day, Dr Khan used his platform to draw attention to another often-overlooked aspect of health: the feet. He outlined a variety of symptoms that could be early warning signs for more serious conditions. "If you suffer from cold feet or toes and that's unusual for you, that could be a sign of circulatory problems, a condition called peripheral vascular disease. This means there's a problem with the very small blood vessels in your feet and it's restricting the blood flow to your feet. It can be a sign of poorly controlled diabetes, high cholesterol, and is more common if you smoke," Dr Khan explained.
He also cautioned that burning or tingling sensations in the feet may be indicative of peripheral neuropathy, a condition caused by nerve damage. "It's more common if you have poorly controlled diabetes again, but also you can get it if you have a low B12 or folic acid level, if you have thyroid disease, if you drink a lot of alcohol, and certain medication can do it as well," he said. The NHS estimates that nearly one in ten people aged 55 or over in the UK are affected by peripheral neuropathy, making it a significant public health concern. Early symptoms should be checked by a GP, especially for those at higher risk, such as people with diabetes.
Dr Khan didn't stop there. He pointed out that pain in the bottom of the foot when walking, without any clear injury, could be plantar fasciitis—a condition that affects up to 10-15% of the population. "That's inflammation of the tissue underneath your foot and it normally gives you a sharp, stabbing pain, usually in your heel. It can feel a bit like a stone in your shoe," he said. Other possible causes for this type of pain include stress fractures, arthritis, or inflamed tendons. According to the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, most cases of plantar fasciitis can be successfully managed with conservative treatment, though the condition can persist for months.
One of the most urgent warnings Dr Khan issued was about wounds or ulcers on the feet that take a long time to heal. "Always get that checked. Some skin cancers can present with a sore that doesn't heal. But remember, wounds need good food and oxygen and a good blood flow to heal well. And if you have poor circulation, diabetes, again that isn't well controlled, all of these can negatively affect those things and prolong the healing process, as well as increasing your risk of infection."
Swollen feet, he noted, are often harmless—especially if they occur after long periods of standing or during hot weather—but they can also be a sign of more serious problems with the liver, kidneys, or heart. Swelling can also result from obesity, pregnancy, arthritis, infections, or even blood clots, particularly if the swelling is one-sided. "And I would always get unexplained swelling checked. In fact, any symptoms with your feet that's unexplained and going on, get them checked," Dr Khan urged.
Dr Khan's dual warnings serve as a timely reminder: whether it's the medications we take or the symptoms we notice in our feet, staying vigilant and seeking professional advice can make all the difference in catching potentially serious health issues early.