Digestive system-related diseases such as Celiac/Gluten intolerance (in varying degrees), Crohn’s Disease, Colitis, IBS, heartburn, Reflux (GERD), Chronic Diarrhea, Gastro-Paresis, Diverticular disease, Chronic constipation, Gallstones, and many others are really going up.
How much is that today? These problems are widespread and growing, with many people unaware that the real source lies in poor gut health and improper stomach acid balance.
Why Over-the-Counter Antacids Don’t Fix the Problem
The stomach is the root of most digestive disorders, whether in the stomach or the intestines. When symptoms start, most people control them the best they can, usually with over-the-counter remedies.
These include:
- Sodium antacids (the “Seltzers”)
- Calcium antacids (such as Tums)
- Magnesium antacids (such as Maalox and Mylanta)
- Aluminum antacids (such as Rolaids)
These neutralize the acids in your stomach. These seemingly simple fixes can come with a cost. Each of these has its own problems, such as high salt, aluminum, or calcium that can be hard on the body—especially the kidneys or brain, but also the bowels. They also just mask the problem. Eventually, the symptoms can no longer be controlled by these, so people turn to something stronger.
Understanding Acid Blockers and the Hidden Risk to Gut Health
This is generally when acid blockers enter the picture. There are two types:
- Histamine Antagonists/Blockers
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI’s)
When all of the above fail—what’s next?
I have an idea… let’s fix the problem! Sure, masking the problem with meds helps symptomatically, but what happened to resolving the issue?
Before we discuss this in greater detail, let’s discuss the need for acid.
Stomach Acid Is Essential: Don’t Demonize It
With all the demonizing we do about stomach acid, we’ve forgotten that the body actually needs stomach acid! Your stomach enzymes (especially hydrochloric acid – HCL) are supposed to be acidic!
When the stomach reaches the proper acid pH of 1.0–2.0, not only does it digest the food in the stomach, but signals are sent to release or convert other enzymes throughout the digestive system.
HCL has a very important job: killing any pathogen (bacteria, virus, parasite, mold, fungus, yeast) that doesn’t belong in the body. If HCL is insufficient, we get food poisoning if we consume contaminated foods, and we can’t break down protein or minerals.
Simple Steps to Support Stomach Acid Naturally
There are many things that contribute to insufficiency of HCL.
- First is stress. As part of the stress mechanism, digestion is shut down. To counter that, don’t eat when stressed or on the run. Relax when eating.
- Don’t drink cold water with meals, as that can decrease enzyme release.
- Eat plenty of fresh food, full of live enzymes, and avoid packaged, dead foods whenever possible.
With my suggestions, please consult your Wellness Practitioner or your Primary Doctor for the correct pathway toward your journey for better health, as well as proper supplementation.