The Truth About Acid Reflux

As a Registered Nutritionist, I have found that over 90% of my clients have major digestive issues. Acid Reflux and Indigestion are common complaints. Many of my clients have visited their doctors and are on toxic pharmaceutical drugs that cause more damage than good including the following list of side effects.
* abdominal pain
* constipation
* diarrhea
* dizziness
* dry mouth
* gas
* headache
* nausea or vomiting
They are told this is a "chronic problem" that they are destined to deal with for the rest of their lives.

This is simply not true. The answer is so simple with no need for drugs whatsoever.

While the majority of the population suffering from “Acid Reflux” or “Indigestion” or “Heartburn” is convinced that they produce too much acid and therefore must take Antacids, for most of those people, the OPPOSITE IS TRUE!!!!! There is a common, frequently undiagnosed and usually untreated condition known as hypochlorhydria.

Hypochlorhydria is the underproduction of hydrochloric acid by the stomach. Hydrochloric acid (HCL) is responsible for three important functions:
1. It begins the breakdown of protein
2. In the presence of food, it activates an enzyme called "pepsin," which further breaks down protein
3. It is necessary for the breakdown and utilization of minerals, especially calcium.

NOTE: Calcium can only be absorbed in an acidic environment, so those ads that tell you that an Antacid is a “good source of calcium” is misleading you because Antacids create an alkaline environment and therefore, any calcium present cannot be absorbed by the body.

When the stomach is deficient in HCL production, food eaten lies in the stomach and ferments which leads to gas, burning and bloating. For those people, reaching for their antacids is the worst thing that they can do since it only alleviates the burning symptoms but actually over the long haul just contributes to the real problem!

Usually hypochlorhydria is a condition that is left undiagnosed and untreated. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the symptoms of hypochlorhydria are similar to those of hyperchlorhydria (overproduction of hydrochloric acid). Burping, belching, bloating, "heartburn," gas, sour stomach, undigested food in stool, a voracious appetite (due to cellular "starvation"), food sitting in stomach too long, slow digestion, inability to eat a large meal due to feeling full quickly, constipation, and diarrhea can all be due to insufficient HCL production. Thus, many of those who have too little HCL production are treated as though they have too much.

In the late 1960s, the Heidelberg test was developed. This elegant (but expensive) device involves swallowing a capsule about the size of a vitamin pill that can measure the stomach acid content. But this relatively simple ability to diagnose hypochlorhydria is infrequently used due to the mistaken belief by most practitioners that hypochlorhydria is not worth treating -- astonishing when sales of antacids, acid blockers and ulcer medications consistently top the list of drug sales. An even simpler test is to buy and HCL supplement and take it with a little bit of water. If you experience a burning sensation, you know you have enough acid in your stomach and you don’t need to supplement – simply drink a big glass of water and you will be fine. In all my years of practice THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED!!! Without exception, every client has benefited from supplementing with HCL

Digestion is not the only issue to consider here. Stomach acid serves many other important functions, including keeping the body free from disease. Many bacteria enter the body with food and some of them are not friendly to human life. In a normal stomach, these bacteria are doused with acid and die. In a person with hypochlorhydria, these bacteria remain alive and continue their journey into the small intestine along with a generous food supply. It has been shown that people with hypochlorhydria have a higher incidence of infections. The ever present yeast organism makes its entrance via the mouth. Many people with the so-called "yeast syndrome" are unable to get rid of their yeast because the organism continues to re-infect the body through the mouth. Another important function of hydrochloric acid is the stimulation of pancreatic enzyme and bile release into the small intestine. Without enough pancreatic enzymes and bile, the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamins A and E, is severely compromised, inadvertently causing undernutrition even with an excellent diet.

The following conditions have been linked to hypochlorhydria:
Acne rosacea,
Adrenal insufficiency,
Allergies,
Anemia,
Arthritis,
Asthma,
Autoimmune Diseases,
Celiac Disease,
Chronic fatigue,
Chronic hepatitis,
Diabetes mellitus,
Dry skin,
Gallbladder disease,
GERD - misdiagnosed acid reflux, but really hypochlorhydria,
Hypoglycemia - Infections increased - parasitic, yeast, bacterial,
Lupus erythematosis
Nail weaknesses
Osteoporosis
Poor night vision
Psoriasis
Rheumatic arthritis
Stomach cancer risk increased
Thyroid disorders
Vitiligo

So instead of reaching for an antacid, why not try supplementing with HCL and fix the problem for good. In general, we recommend that someone start out with 1 HCL with each meal. It can take up to a few months for the problem to resolve, but once your symptoms disappear, you can stop taking the HCL and just use as needed. Remember to eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole foods to maintain that healthy stomach.

Arthritis: Part 3 – Supplements

As a Registered Nutritionist, I have seen dozens of clients who live constantly with Joint Pain and Arthritis. When I look at their daily diet journal, they are often eating too many of the foods that will aggravate the problem and not enough of the foods that will help alleviate the problem. In part 1 of this 2 part lens on Arthritis, I will give some suggestions on the best supplements to incorporate into your diet to help reduce your daily pain.

FISH OIL: Contains a direct source of omega 3 fatty acids that reduce joint inflammation and promote joint lubrication. (It is better than flax oil – but this is an option for vegetarians). Make sure that the fish oil is molecularly distilled to remove any heavy metals, such as mercury, from the oil. This process makes it more expensive but it is worth it because heavy metals get stored in the brain and liver and can lead to other health problems. Recent research indicates that many Alzheimer’s patients have mercury deposits in the memory section of the brain. Take at least 1.8mg of DHA and 1.2mg of EPA daily

GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE: This is a remedy specific to Osteoarthritis only. It helps to reduce joint pain and rebuild cartilage. Take 1,500mg daily

METHYLSULFONYLMETHANE (MSM): Has natural anti-inflammatory properties and contains the mineral sulfur which is a component of cartilage.

HIGH-QUALITY MULTI-VITAMIN: You get what you pay for. Drug-store variety vitamins are usually very look quality, use sub-optimal ingredients, cannot be assimilated properly in the body and can sometimes cause more harm than good. Take the time to research the best supplements you can afford and use those. You can visit my website www.myhealthybalance.com to see which supplements I recommend.

BETAINE HCL: Hydrochloric Acid (HCL) is required to properly digest proteins in the stomach. People suffering from Arthritis are often chronically low on HCL (see my lens – The Truth About Acid Reflux) and the undigested protein becomes toxic in their system and results in joint pain. Follow directions on the bottle.

BROMELAIN: Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme, is the key to pineapple's value. Proteolytic means "breaks down protein", which is why pineapple is known to be a digestive aid. It helps the body digest proteins more efficiently. Bromelain is also considered an effective anti-inflammatory.

TURMERIC: Is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. It is important to reduce inflammation in the joint before repair can take place. Turmeric is the main spice used in curry (it provides the bright orange/yellow color), but can also be taken in supplement form.

VITAMIN C: Known as the “healing vitamin”, it is one of the building blocks of collagen, is an anti-inflammatory and helps repair damaged tissue. It is also the only vitamin that tells us when we have had enough through “bowel tolerance”. When you take too much vitamin C, you develop gas and diarrhea. Start with 1000mg per day and add an additional 1000mg everyday until you reach bowel tolerance, then pull back. The amount will be different for everyone and may change throughout the year.

GINGER ROOT: Is a great choice for relief of both inflammation and pain. Pour boiling water over grated ginger root and drink the tea. (You can add some natural honey for flavor if you wish)

GREEN FOODS: Chlorella and spirulina are both super green foods that are high in antioxidants and aid in detoxification.