Do you, or someone you know, ever have a burning feeling in the chest after eating? Do you sometimes feel like you are partially regurgitating food or wake with that acidic taste in your mouth?

What about a chronic cough or a persistent sore throat? These symptoms, and others, are common signs that you may be struggling with acid reflux and its most well-known symptom — heartburn.

What causes acid reflux, and what health risks do people take when they ignore it? Is there a natural “fire extinguisher” that can suppress the flames of heartburn on a long term basis without causing the unwanted side effects of certain medications? Just like fighting fire with fire isn’t obvious, the evidence may surprise you.

What is heartburn?

Although most people talk about heartburn as its own condition, it is technically a symptom of acid reflux. Acid reflux happens when an important muscle, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) valve, doesn’t function properly. As a result, acid from the stomach can move backward into the esophagus and cause the “burning” symptoms associated with heartburn.

Foods and beverages such as peppermint, garlic, onion, chocolate, coffee, alcohol and spicy foods can relax the LES valve and allow gastric acid to move upward. Further, any pressure on the LES valve can also create acid reflux, such as carbonated beverages or pressure caused from the delayed emptying of the stomach.

What causes the delay of emptying? There are “trigger” foods that delay the food from leaving the stomach because they are too acidic. Those foods include tomatoes, tomato sauces, and citrus fruits and juices. However, non-acidic food may be delayed from emptying for another common cause – decreased stomach acid.

This delay can cause fermentation and gases to form, which create an upward pressure against the LES valve, which creates the acid reflux. Finally, anything that can create pressure on that LES valve can cause acid reflux, such as large meals, lying down, or even obesity. Those who suffer from acid reflux know that a large spicy Italian meal with red wine (or lager) followed by going straight to bed is a sure ticket to acid reflux.

Can heartburn simply be ignored?

This process of reflux can be very harmful to the body given the strong acidity present in the stomach. Digestive acid  is ten times more acidic than vinegar. This kind of acidity can be useful in the body, but only within the stomach where its lining can handle the acidity and use it to help digest food.

When acid reflux is persistent, it is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Gradually, inflammation builds in the lining and results in a painful condition called esophagitis. While esophagitis can be caused by other conditions besides GERD, GERD is the most common cause. Over time, this process leads to erosions and ulcers within the lining of the throat. In a small percentage of people, long-term acid exposure can lead to cancer.

What can be done to help the digestive process?

One of the best natural solutions for heartburn is supplementing with hydrochloric acid (HCl) – a key component of the body’s own stomach acid.

People looking to find out if HCl supplements might be able to help should consider the baking soda stomach acid test. Ingesting baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) should cause belching if HCl levels are sufficient. To perform the test, mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda into 4-6 ounces of cold water early in the morning before putting any food or drink into the body. Drink the solution, and see how long it takes to belch. If the body does not produce a belch within 5 minutes, stomach acid and HCl levels are likely too low.

What does the science say?

A scientific review of functional heartburn published in Gut discusses a study that subjected patients to an HCl treatment. That study found no acid reflux symptoms in the patients during the HCl therapy. A study published in Gastroenterology reached similar conclusions and also found that pepsin output reduces as people get older. This may be the reason why many people complain of heartburn more with age. Without pepsin, the body’s ability to metabolize proteins is severely compromised.

Dr. Johnathan Wright, medical director of the Tahoma Clinic, wrote a book entitled, “Why Stomach Acid Is Good For You.” In the book, Dr. Wright discusses how he has studied acid reflux in his patients and concludes that it is a “digestive failure” (found mostly in older people) which can be helped with supplemental HCl.

Are there any other solutions that work?

Antacids reduce the acidity of the stomach’s gastric juices and a person with frequent acid reflux may have the issue of low HCl — so antacids likely won’t solve the underlying problem and may be making it worse.

People with impaired kidney function or a history of kidney stones should not take antacids. Antacids that contain aluminum can weaken bones. The biggest side effect of antacids is the body’s inability to digest vitamin B12 and calcium as sufficient stomach acid is necessary for proper digestion of these.

Many people take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Prilosec®, but these were only approved by the FDA for short term use may be adding to the real cause — too little stomach acid to digest proteins.

Which HCl supplements should I try first?

Those who wish to discover what HCl supplementation can do should consider Thorne Research’s Betaine HCl & Pepsin. It not only contains a strong, effective dose of HCl but also includes pure, undiluted, lactose-free pepsin as well. This allows patients to directly boost levels of both of these key digestion substances. HCl supplements should be taken with a meal, never on an empty stomach.

Another way to naturally address acid reflux is to combine an HCl supplement with an array of digestive enzymes. Pure Encapsulations does this with their Digestive Enzymes Ultra w/Betaine HCl. This HCl supplement ensures better digestion of everything from proteins to fiber through its enhancement by an all-encompassing profile of vegetarian enzymes.

Have a great day!

We hope this slide show was helpful and informative. Should you have questions, or suggestions, please feel free to fill out our Ask the Doctor form found at the Doctors Corner.

Yours in health,

Dr. Gregg Gittins

www.oakwaynaturals.com