For many, a quick scroll through social media is a daily habit—one that can sometimes yield more than just entertainment. On February 9, 2026, ITV’s resident doctor and NHS GP, Dr Amir Khan, used his Instagram platform, where he boasts 788,000 followers, to deliver two crucial health warnings that have since sparked widespread discussion about everyday symptoms and the medications we often take for granted. His advice, delivered in his signature accessible style, covered the hidden risks of long-term omeprazole use and the often-overlooked significance of foot symptoms.
Omeprazole, a name familiar to millions, is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) widely prescribed to treat excess stomach acid conditions—think heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach ulcers. According to Dr Khan, while these medications “do a world of good” for the vast majority, their long-term use isn’t without potential pitfalls. As reported by Lancs Live, Dr Khan cautioned, “All meds can have possible side effects. Here are some things you need to know and what to do.” His message? Don’t panic, but be informed.
Omeprazole works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, allowing damaged digestive tissue to heal. For some, relief comes in days; for others, it might take weeks of regular use. When prescribed by a physician for specific conditions, long-term use is generally considered safe. But Dr Khan emphasized that extended use can come with consequences, especially because it chronically reduces stomach acid levels. What does that mean for the average person? Well, it’s not just about comfort after a spicy meal.
“The first ones are PPIs, proton pump inhibitors, like omeprazole or lanzaprazole. People use them for acid reflux, heartburn, those kinds of symptoms. They’re brilliant for settling acid,” Dr Khan explained in his video. “But long-term use can mean your body absorbs less 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 suggested a practical approach: “Make sure your diet is rich in green leafy vegetables, nuts and dairy. 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.”
The risks, as Dr Khan outlined, go beyond nutrient absorption. Extended omeprazole use can disrupt how the body absorbs essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies in vitamin B12—which in turn can cause nerve damage, confusion, and dizziness—as well as magnesium and calcium. Low magnesium (hypomagnesemia) may manifest as fatigue, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, or even seizures in severe cases. There’s also a risk of iron deficiency, potentially compounding issues related to bone health and overall bodily function.
But the list doesn’t stop there. Dr Khan highlighted that long-term PPI use may increase susceptibility to infections. Stomach acid naturally helps kill harmful bacteria, so when acid levels drop, the risk of contracting infections like Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)—a serious intestinal condition causing severe diarrhoea—rises. Research also points to a possible short-term elevated risk of pneumonia, though evidence about long-term effects remains uncertain.
Perhaps most concerning for some is the link to bone fractures. As Dr Khan noted, “Prolonged usage, particularly for a year or longer at high doses, has been associated with an increased risk of fractures in the hip, wrist, or spine, probably due to diminished calcium absorption.” The risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is also heightened, and there’s the possibility of developing benign stomach growths called fundic gland polyps.
Despite these risks, Dr Khan’s overarching message is one of caution rather than alarm. “Don’t just stop your medication suddenly. Always speak to your GP or pharmacist if you have any concerns.” For many, the benefits of omeprazole far outweigh the risks, but ongoing dialogue with healthcare professionals is key.
On the very same day, Dr Khan turned his attention—quite literally—to the ground beneath our feet. In another widely shared post, he addressed the significance of foot symptoms that many people ignore or dismiss as minor annoyances. His list included cold feet or toes, burning or tingling sensations, pain at the bottom of the feet, wounds that are slow to heal, and swollen feet.
Some of these symptoms, he acknowledged, may be harmless. But others can signal serious underlying health problems. “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.”
Burning or tingling pain, Dr Khan explained, may be a red flag for peripheral neuropathy—a condition where nerves in the body’s extremities are damaged. “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.” According to NHS data, nearly one in ten people aged 55 or over in the UK are affected by peripheral neuropathy. Early symptoms should prompt a visit to the GP, especially for those at higher risk, such as people with diabetes.
Foot pain without a clear injury? Dr Khan suggested this could be plantar fasciitis, a condition affecting 10-15% of the population, or other issues like stress fractures, arthritis, or inflamed tendons. “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.” The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust notes that plantar fasciitis can occur at any age, is sometimes called “policeman’s heel,” and is most common in people over 40, affecting both athletic and non-athletic individuals.
Non-healing wounds on the feet are particularly worrisome. “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, Dr Khan noted, are often benign—especially after a long day or during the summer—but can also be a sign of more serious issues such as liver, kidney, or heart problems, obesity, pregnancy, medication side effects, arthritis, infections, or even blood clots. “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’s dual warnings underscore a simple but powerful message: pay attention to the subtle signs your body gives you, and never hesitate to seek professional advice. In a world where self-diagnosis via the internet is tempting, his balanced, practical guidance serves as a timely reminder that sometimes, the best medicine is a conversation with your doctor.