Heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) are all common terms for the discomfort experienced when stomach acid flows from your stomach into your esophagus and causes an irritating burning. It is often believed that heartburn is caused from excess acid in gastric secretions and OTC and prescription medications are used to relieve symptoms. But there are many possible causes of this discomfort, and it is important to get an accurate diagnosis from your physician before assuming that your stomach is producing too much acid. Low stomach, insufficient digestive enzymes, bacterial infection, overgrowth of yeast, food sensitivities, hiatal hernia, poor food choices, and other lifestyle factors can all cause similar symptoms. Let’s break it down:
Your gastric secretions are composed of hydrochloric acid (HCl), water, electrolyte minerals, enzymes, intrinsic factor and mucus. While the “acid” has been vilified for causing the discomfort in the esophagus, it is essential for the breakdown of proteins and inhibiting the production can have unwanted consequences. HCl has protein splitting enzymes: pepsin and others that begin the process of protein digestion. It breaks down unwanted microbes, manufactures Intrinsic Factor to be coupled with Vitamin B12 for absorption, and increases absorption of calcium, zinc, magnesium, copper and iron.
Low levels of HCl can cause food to sit in the stomach for extended periods of time, causing the carbohydrates to ferment, giving you bloating and gas. And yet most Americans are prescribed acid reducers without any testing to establish their acid levels.
Omeprazole (generic form of Prilosec) is a proton pump inhibitor which decreases the hydrochloric acid production in the stomach. It was the 7th leading prescription drug sold in the US in 2019. Many people accept the fact that they will be on a proton pump inhibitor for the rest of their life, but Prilosec’s own website states this medication is intended for a 14-day regimen, up to four times per year. Proton pump inhibitors also have common drug interactions and multiple side effects.
Medications that reduce acid also do not address the real issue, which is why you experience the burning in your chest. The Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) is a muscle at the base of the esophagus which opens to let food enter the stomach during swallowing. It’s essentially the gatekeeper, preventing these acidic juices from backflowing. Many factors can contribute to the failure of this one-way valve including smoking, alcohol, chocolate, carbonated beverages, high fat foods, certain medications, overeating, lying down soon after eating, and slow emptying of stomach contents.
Acid reflux is not a natural part of digestion, and it’s not something you must live with. Let Logos help you with natural remedies and lifestyle changes before you jump on that pharmaceutical fix.
