Heartburn Quiz
Got Heartburn? Get Relief…Naturally!
Did you know that it is estimated that 1 out of 3 experience heartburn? What are the causes of heartburn? Are antacids safe or are there other natural alternatives?
True or False? Heartburn is due to too much acid in the stomach
FALSE! There are many misunderstandings about stomach acid and most patients, including some doctors, incorrectly believe heartburn is due to excess stomach acid. In fact, it is caused by too little stomach acid! This seems to happen more often as we age. (*1, *2)
The Physiology: In normal digestion, food enters the stomach and “Gastrin” is produced which signals the cells in the gastric folds called “Parietal Cells” to produce HCL (Hydrochloric Acid) which is then secreted up from these gastric pits. This, in turn, stimulates the mucous producing cells to release mucus and bicarbonate in order to protect the stomach lining from erosion.
What happens when the HCL is not strong enough? Poor mucous production and stomach lining is susceptible to erosion and inflammation. In addition, the Esophageal Sphincter (which keeps the food from returning up the esophagus) does not close tightly enough and can allow stomach contents to splash up the esophagus causing GERD, spasms, even a Hiatal Hernia or other more serious conditions.
True or False? Antacids are completely safe and won’t interfere with my health
FALSE! Taking antacids can pose serious health risks including increased osteoporosis, dementia, severe B12, Folic Acid, Calcium/Magnesium deficiencies. Even having low stomach acid alone has been associated with depression, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, stomach cancer, anemia, psoriasis, rosacea and much more (*3, *4, *5, *6)
In addition, you need strong stomach acid in order to absorb minerals and certain vitamins in addition to breaking down protein. When proteins don’t break down they can putrefy and alter the balance of your flora in the gut. This can lead to bacterial overgrowth, dysbiosis, yeast infections and more.
True or False? There is no solution and I just have to live with it
FALSE! Help is just a step away. Increase HCL production or add Zypan Tablets 2-5 with each meal. It will surprise you how well this simple product works. This product by Standard Process was introduced in 1958 and helped countless patients.
Contact me today and ask about this safe, natural and effective approach for the relief of Heartburn and be sure to set an appointment in person or through video call to learn if your Gut Microbiome needs balancing today.
References:
*1. Timiras PS. Aging of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. In: Timras PS, ed. Physiological basis of aging and geriatrics. 2nd ed. Boca Raton: CRC Pr
*2. Wright JV. Treatment of childhood asthma with parental vitamin B12, gastric re-acidification, and attention to food allergy, magnesium and pyridoxine. Three case reports with background and an integrated hypothesis. J. Nutr Med 1990; 1:277-282.
*3. Howden, CW and Hunt, RH. Progress Report: Relationship between gastric secretion and infection. GUT 1987;28:96-107
*4. JAMA. 2006 Dec 27; 296(24):2947-53
*5. Boustani M, Hall KS, Lane KA, Aljadhey H, Gao S, Unverzagt F, Murray MD, Ogunniyi A, Hendrie H. The association between cognition and histamine-2 receptor antagonists in African Americas. J Am Geiatr Soc. 2007 Aug;55(8):1248-53.
*6. Kelly, GS. Hydrochloric Acid: Physiological Functions and Clinical Implications. Alt Med Rev 1997; 2:2;116-127
*7. http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease/medications.html.