Common Complaints

The condition most often called acid indigestion or heartburn is about as common as the common cold. Known officially as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder, GERD is caused when partially digested food, hydrochloric acid and enzymes back up into the esophagus. 

The esophagus is the passageway from your mouth to your stomach. There is a sphincter muscle at its base that is supposed to allow food to pass through and then immediately close to prevent stomach contents from going in reverse. In GERD, this lower esophageal sphincter muscle malfunctions, and the backsplash of stomach contents wrecks havoc on the very delicate lining of your esophagus.

There are a number of dietary and lifestyle factors that contribute to GERD. These include:
•    Overeating
•    Overweight
•    Stress
•    Alcohol
•    Eating too fast and swallowing large bites
•    Inadequate chewing
•    Caffeine
•    Carbonated beverages
•    Dehydration
•    Smoking
•    Spicy and fried foods
•    Prescription and OTC drugs
•    Pregnancy
•    Heavy lifting

Before addressing the problem with medication, it is important to look at the diet and lifestyle factors that may be causative and eliminate those where possible. Often, simply refusing to eat when stressed and taking the time to eat slowly and chew each bite thoroughly is one of the best "cures” for heartburn and reflux.

When it comes to GERD, the viewpoint of standard medical practice and naturopathic medicine is at polar opposites. Perhaps more than in any other disease state – natural and Western medicine are truly at odds on the best way to treat and reverse this health challenge.

It is commonly accepted by the medical profession that heartburn and GERD are caused by excess stomach acid. Virtually all drugs used to treat GERD neutralize, reduce, suppress or inhibit hydrochloric acid (HCl) production. These include Rolaids, Tums, Pepto-Bismol, Maalox, Mylanta, Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid, Prilosec, Prevacid, AcipHex, Protonix and Nexium.

The bottom line and shocking truth is that heartburn and GERD are more often caused by a deficiency or lack of HCl than by too much of it. Dr. Jonathan Wright, medical doctor and author of the book “Why Stomach Acid is Good For You” found in his clinical practice that, whenever testing was done to measure exact levels of hydrochloric acid output, 90 percent of his patients with GERD had too little and not too much acid. Furthermore, Dr. Wright notes that long-term suppression of hydrochloric acid significantly increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, stomach cancer, osteoporosis, depression, chronic fatigue, diabetes, asthma, dermatitis, gallbladder disease, lupus, yeast overgrowth, psoriasis, thyroid disease and suppressed immune function.

It is interesting to note that back in 1966, the Merck Manual stated quite clearly that “heartburn is not due, as formerly believed, to excessive gastric acid per se, as the same symptoms often occur in the absence of stomach acid.” The makers of the purple pill and thousands of physicians have ignored this truth. As a result, millions of people are using acid-blocking drugs long term and are at risk of some very serious side effects.

Natural therapies can allow you to discontinue the dangerous acid-blocking drugs and encourage a restoration of digestive health. Here are some tips:
•    Eat fruit alone
•    Sleep on your left side
•    Don’t lie down for 3-4 hours after eating
•    Elevate the head of the bed 4-6 inches
•    Increase fiber intake to 35 grams daily
•    Exercise every day - even if only a walk

Supplements are extremely beneficial and can help you to gradually taper down the acid-blocking medication while restoring the health and optimal functioning of your digestive system. The keystone formula of the alternative program is known as Parazyme. A very gradual changeover is recommended - taking up to 2 months or more until the medication is eliminated completely. See the Freshlife Wellness Coaches for details on titration.

In addition to Parazyme, essential fatty acids (Oil Smart), probiotics (Supremadophilus or Ultimate Flora), L-glutamine with gamma oryzanol (IntestiNew), aloe vera juice (Stomach Energy Formula) and Tummi-T can each make a major contribution to the full restoration and health of the upper digestive system.

The next time you get your prescription for Nexium or Prilosec filled - or pick up an OTC medication - read the fine print on the label or ask your pharmacist for the detailed literature. You’ll see that these medicines are NOT intended for long-term use. If you’ve been on one for over a month - your risk of complications is increasing. Perhaps it’s time to allow natural medicine to help you along the path to restored digestive health.