Acid Reflux and Digestive Health

Acid Reflux and Digestive Health

Banish the burning

My mother-in-law has suffered from severe heartburn for years. And in addition to taking hundreds of antacids and watching what she ate, she saw at least a dozen doctors. Since most of them assumed the problem was too much acid, they pulled out their prescription pads, ready to write a script for a proton pump inhibitor. Others had suggested surgery to move bits and pieces of the digestive system to prevent the painful acid reflux.

But even though these doctors offered the best that modern medicine has to offer, the premise with which they began was false. Turns out the burning feeling wasn't from too much stomach acid - it was from too little!

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Since the invention of antacids, stomach acid has gotten a bad reputation. But the truth is, our digestive systems would shut down without them.

Here's how it works: After eating, stomach acid breaks down large food particles before the food enters the intestines. When there is not enough stomach acid, these large food particles can sit in the stomach for hours instead of being quickly passed to the intestines where the nutrients from food are absorbed. This undigested food can build up in the stomach and move into the esophagus, causing burning and discomfort.

The problem is that we have been conditioned to take an over-the-counter antacid to alkalize the pain. Sure, it makes the burning sensation go away temporarily, but it doesn't address the underlying cause. Instead, you pop a chewable tablet every time the burn starts, creating a vicious cycle.

The same thing can happen if your doctor has prescribed a proton pump inhibitor like Nexeum. But again, because these medications are designed to treat the symptoms rather than the cause, you may find yourself taking them for years.

The acid test

There are a number of things that can cause your stomach acid levels to drop. Stress and long-term antacid use are some of the most common reasons. Additionally, our stomach acid levels decrease as we age, which explains why more people develop digestive disorders as they age.

So how can you tell if you have low stomach acid? One test is called the Heidelberg stomach acid test. This high-tech test is performed in a doctor's office. In this test, the patient swallows a capsule that measures stomach acid levels and sends the information back to a computer.

But there is another do-it-yourself test that involves simply taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar when symptoms occur. Vinegar has a low pH, meaning it is highly acidic, like stomach acid. If you take a tablespoon of vinegar and your symptoms go away, it's likely that you have low stomach acid.

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My mother-in-law finally got relief – no thanks to her doctors! A friend suggested she visit a local naturopath, who immediately – and correctly – assessed the problem. The solution? A supplement called Betaine HCL that mimics your own stomach acid.

But increasing your hydrochloric acid levels won't just relieve your symptoms. HCL makes your stomach sterile against pathogens ingested orally. It also prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi in your small intestine, promotes the flow of bile and pancreatic enzymes, and supports the absorption of folic acid, vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc.

Numerous studies show that gastric acid secretion decreases with age. In fact, an estimated 30 percent of people over 60 produce little or no stomach acid - and 40 percent of postmenopausal women have low stomach levels. This decline can increase the risk of not absorbing the nutrients in your food. There is also some speculation that low levels may contribute to a variety of conditions such as osteoporosis, asthma, eczema, chronic hives, psoriasis, arthritis, thyroid disease, gastrointestinal infections and even parasites.

If you have low stomach acid levels, most naturopaths recommend taking 325 to 650 mg. Betaine with a protein-rich meal. But don't overdo it. Large amounts of additional betaine can burn the stomach lining. If you experience a burning sensation, stop taking betaine immediately.

Taking a low dose of betaine is a safe way to rebalance your stomach acid levels. But if you have a history of ulcers or if you are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cortisone or other medications that could cause a stomach ulcer, consult a naturopath or nutritionist before taking this supplement.

One last thing...

If you take the vinegar test and don't feel any relief, it's possible that your body is really pumping out too much stomach acid. But instead of relying on antacids, try some licorice. Long before Tums came along, herbalists relied on plants to treat heartburn. Today, licorice is considered the first line of defense against this burning sensation because it promotes healing and protects against recurrence.

But no licorice will do. Common licorice root may increase blood pressure if used daily for more than a week. Instead, opt for chewable deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) tablets, a safe and effective form of the herb. Studies show that DGL can be as effective as many over-the-counter medications or pharmaceuticals. It also soothes and heals the mucous membrane in the digestive tract.

A preliminary study found that while the acid-blocking drug cimetidine resulted in faster symptom relief, chewable DGL tablets were just as effective in healing the gut. DGL may also be helpful in treating ulcers. However, forget about taking licorice in capsule form. DGL must mix with saliva to be activated.

For acute heartburn, the German Commission E recommends chewing 2 to 4 tablets before each meal. You can also take a few tablets if heartburn occurs.

This just in…

Are you looking for a good alternative practitioner? Then forget the Yellow Pages. Instead, whether an acupuncturist, naturopath or integrative doctor, it's smart to go straight to the source. Here are some resources to get you started:

Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor: Those who practice this 3,500-year-old healing art use Chinese herbs, oriental bodywork, and acupuncture to balance your body's rhythms and energy flows. To find a board-certified doctor in your area, contact the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (nccaom.org).

Acupuncturist: When your body's energy - known in the Orient as Qi - becomes stuck or deficient, it can cause illness, muscle soreness, depression, anxiety and more. To restore natural balance, acupuncturists insert a series of extremely thin needles into specific points on the body. They can also help with weight loss or quitting smoking. Make sure your acupuncturist is NCCAOM certified.

Naturopaths: These specialists promote the body's self-healing powers and look at the whole person and not just individual parts of the body. To have a cold? A naturopath will skip symptom-suppressing medications in favor of nutritional supplements, herbal medicines, dietary changes, and physical therapies to boost immunity. Look for a licensed naturopathic doctor with an ND by name or get a referral from the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (naturopathic.org).

Homeopathic Practitioner: This 200-year-old practice is based on the idea that tiny amounts of substances that cause symptoms can be used to cure those same symptoms. Because there are a variety of certifications and licenses, it is best to look for a homeopath who is also a licensed ND or MD. The National Center for Homeopathy (nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org) offers a good starting point.

Integrative Medicine Practitioner: Integrative medicine began in the early 1990s as more physicians began incorporating aspects of holistic medicine into their practices. What distinguishes an integrative doctor from a naturopath or TCM practitioner? All of her methods – body work, nutrition, nutritional supplements, electromagnetic treatment and spiritual healing – are scientifically proven. While any doctor can pursue integrative medicine, it is advisable to look for a doctor who is a “Fellow” or “Diplomate” of the American Association of Integrative Medicine (aaimedicine.com).

References:

Abdelmalek MF, Angulo P, Jorgensen RA, et al. “Betaine, a promising new agent for patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: results from a pilot study.” American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2001;96:2711-2717.

Aoki F, Nakagawa K, Kitano M, et al. “Clinical safety of licorice flavonoid oil (LFO) and glabridin pharmacokinetics in healthy humans.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2007;26:209-218.

“Betaine hydrochloride.” Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. 2005.

Craig SA. “Betaine in the human diet.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2004;80:539-549.

Lentini J, Taure C, Escala C. "Hypochyly in old age. Its treatment with an acid combination of pepsin and vitamins." Revista española de las enfermedades del aparato digestivo. 1970; 31:525-544.