Burn baby, burn!

Approximately 44% of persons in the United States experience Heartburn at least once per month.  Of these, 7% to 10% have heartburn on a weekly or more frequent basis, to such an extent that there is a disruption of lifestyle.  This is a disorder that does not have a favorite season or time of day; it effects people year round.  

The worst thing to do is take an antacid such as Tums because these products actually increase your acidity. The way to properly treat heartburn is to first heal the tissues that have been damaged from ulceration, while also strengthening the pyloric sphincter.  The basis for this is that the pyloric sphincter is not closing properly, allowing hydrochloric acid from the stomach to make its way into, and burning, the esophagus, which does not have the protective mucus lining that the stomach has. 

Poor Eating Habits

Many people eat under stress (on the go, standing up, quickly, etc).  Eating should be a pleasurable experience. The first part of the digestion process starts in the mouth.  Most people do not properly chew (masticate) their food.  When this happens, there is no time for the food to mix with saliva, which is where the breakdown of carbohydrates begins.  Each mouthful should be chewed 32 times before swallowing!  (It also helps with weight management!)

Also remember, food is fuel. Avoid processed foods and keep your acid/alkali balance in mind. Eat organic, raw fruits and vegetables as much as possible. See previous post for more on the acid/alkali balance.

Hydration is a key element to the digestive process.  We consider a person properly hydrated when they consume 1 oz. of water for every 2 lbs. of body weight daily.  Also, you should NOT drink while eating as it dilutes the gastric contents and digestive juices, and slows digestion, preventing much of the carbohydrate breakdown.  The more hydrated you are beforehand, the less need to drink during eating. 

Avoid Allergenic Foods

Allergenic foods set the stage for chronic gastric problems and as a side note may I mention, chronic sinus problems.  You must cut out all allergenic foods and be very strict with it. Allow at least two weeks in order to notice a difference in your acid reflux. It will only get better from there. After being free of the allergenic foods for two months, you may try to add in different foods one by one and you will be able to determine which foods are most irritating to your digestive system.

The common allergenic foods (in order of importance) are:

• Wheat/Gluten, containing grains
• Dairy Products
• Soy
• Nuts

OTHER CAUSES OF ACID REFLUX:

Interestingly, hydrochloric acid production in most people goes down as we age.  So why do so many of us experience heartburn, acid reflux, and the feeling that there is too much acid? Upper-bowel dysbiosis, also known as gas or burping 15 – 30 minutes after a meal as the result of unbalanced bacteria in your intestines and colon. 

In most cases, my patients eliminate their acid reflux quickly with simple dietary changes with the addition of probiotics and digestive enzymes.

Remember digestion, absorption, and elimination must be working properly in harmony!

Be well,

Dr. M