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banish burn
My mother in law has suffered from severe heartburn for years. And, in addition to taking hundreds of antacids and watching what she ate, she’s seen at least a dozen doctors. Since most of them assumed the problem was too acidic, they would whip out their prescription pads, ready to write a script for a proton pump inhibitor. Others had suggested surgery to move bits and pieces of the digestive system to prevent painful acid reflux.
But even though these doctors were offering the best that modern medicine has to offer, the premise they started with was flawed. It turned out that the burning sensation wasn’t from too much stomach acid, it was from too little!
the mark is missing
Since the invention of antacids, stomach acid has gotten a bad rap. But, the truth is that our digestive system would shut down without it.
Here’s how it works: After you eat, stomach acid breaks down large food particles before they pass into your intestines. If there is not enough stomach acid, these large food particles can stay in the stomach for hours instead of quickly moving into the intestines, where the nutrients from the food are absorbed. This undigested food can back up in the stomach and begin to work its way up the esophagus, creating burning and discomfort.
The problem is that we have been conditioned to take an over the counter antacid to alkalize the pain. Sure, it will make the burning sensation go away temporarily, but it doesn’t address the underlying cause. Instead, you keep taking a chewable tablet every time the burn starts, causing a vicious cycle.
The same can happen if your doctor has prescribed a proton pump inhibitor such as Nexeum. But then again, because these drugs are designed to treat the symptoms rather than the cause, you may be on them for years.
acid test
There are a number of things that can cause stomach acid levels to drop. Stress and long-term use of antacids are some of the most common reasons. Also, our stomach acid levels decline as we age, which explains why more people develop indigestion as they age.
So how can you tell if you have too little stomach acid? One test is called the Heidelberg Stomach Acid Test. This high-tech test is done in a doctor’s office. In this test, the patient swallows a capsule that measures the level of stomach acid and transmits the information to a computer.
But there is another test that you can do yourself that simply involves taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar when symptoms arise. Vinegar has a low pH, which means that, like stomach acid, it is very acidic. If you take a tablespoon of vinegar and your symptoms go away, you probably have low heartburn.
How do you spell Relief?
My mother in law finally got some relief, no thanks to her doctors! A friend suggested that she see a local naturopathic doctor who promptly and correctly evaluated the problem. The solution? A supplement called betaine HCL that mimics your own stomach acid.
But increasing hydrochloric acid levels will not only relieve symptoms. HCL makes your stomach sterile against orally ingested pathogens. It also prevents bacterial and fungal overgrowth in the small intestine, stimulates the flow of bile and pancreatic enzymes, and aids in the absorption of folic acid, vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
Numerous studies show that stomach acid secretion decreases as we age. In fact, an estimated 30 percent of people over the age of 60 produce little or no stomach acid, and 40 percent of postmenopausal women have low gastric levels. This decrease can increase the risk that nutrients from food are not absorbed. There is also some speculation that low levels may contribute to a variety of conditions such as osteoporosis, asthma, eczema, chronic hives, psoriasis, arthritis, thyroid disorders, gastrointestinal infections, and even parasites.
If you have low stomach acid levels, most naturopaths recommend taking 325 to 650 mg. of betaine with a protein-containing meal. But don’t overdo it. Large amounts of supplemental betaine can burn the stomach lining. If you experience a burning sensation, stop taking betaine immediately.
Taking a low dose of betaine is a safe way to rebalance stomach acid levels. But if you have a history of ulcers, or if you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cortisone, or other drugs that could cause a peptic ulcer, consult with a naturopath or a doctor who specializes in nutrition before taking this supplement.
One last thing…
If you take the vinegar test and don’t feel relief, your body may actually be pumping out too much stomach acid. But, instead of relying on antacids, try some licorice. Long before Tums burst onto the scene, herbalists relied on plants to treat heartburn. Today, licorice is considered a first-line defense against that burning sensation, because it promotes healing and protects against recurrence.
But not just any licorice will do. Common licorice root can raise blood pressure if used daily for more than a week. Opt instead for deglycyrrhized licorice (DGL) chewable tablets, a safe and effective form of the herb. Studies show that DGL can be as effective as many over-the-counter drugs or pharmaceuticals. It also soothes and heals the mucosal lining in the digestive tract.
A preliminary trial found that while the acid-blocking drug cimetidine led to faster symptom relief, DGL chewable tablets were just as effective in healing the gut. DGL may also be useful in the treatment of ulcers. But forget about taking licorice capsules. DGL must mix with saliva to activate.
For acute heartburn, the German Commission E recommends chewing 2 to 4 tablets before each meal. You can also take a couple of tablets every time you have heartburn.
This just in…
Are you looking for a good alternative health professional? If so, forget about the yellow pages. Instead, whether you’re an acupuncturist, naturopath, or integrative practitioner, it’s smart to go directly to the source. Here are some resources to help you get started:
Traditional Chinese Medicine Physician: Practitioners of this 3,500-year-old healing art use Chinese herbs, Eastern bodywork, and acupuncture to balance the rhythms and energy currents of your body. To find a board-certified doctor in your area, check with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (nccaom.org).
Acupuncturist: When your body’s energy, known in the East as qi, becomes clogged or deficient, it can cause disease, muscle pain, depression, anxiety, and more. To restore the natural balance, acupuncturists stick a series of extremely fine needles into specific points on the body. They can also help with weight loss or smoking cessation. Make sure your acupuncturist is certified by the NCCAOM.
Naturopathic Physician: These specialists foster the power of the body to heal itself and look at the whole person rather than just one part of the body. To have a cold? A naturopathic doctor will skip medications that suppress symptoms in favor of dietary supplements, herbal medicines, nutritional changes, and physical therapies designed to boost immunity. Look up a licensed naturopath who has ND after her name or get a referral from the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (naturopathic.org).
Homeopathic Physician: This 200-year-old practice is based on the idea that small amounts of substances that cause symptoms can be used to cure the same symptoms. Because there is a wide variety of certifications and licenses, it is best to look for a homeopath who is also a licensed ND or MD. The National Center for Homeopathy (nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org) offers a good starting point.
Integrative Medicine Practitioner: Integrative medicine began in the early 1990s, when an increasing number of physicians began to incorporate aspects of holistic medicine into their practices. What differentiates an integrative doctor from a naturopath or a TCM practitioner? All of her methods—bodywork, nutrition, supplements, electromagnetic treatment, and spiritual healing—have been scientifically proven. While any doctor can dabble in integrative medicine, it’s wise to look for a doctor who is a “member” or “diplomate” of the American Association of Integrative Medicine (aaimedicine.com).
References:
Abdelmalek MF, Angulo P, Jorgensen RA, et al. “Betaine, a promising new agent for patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: results of a pilot study”. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2001;96:2711-2717.
Aoki F, Nakagawa K, Kitano M, et al. “Clinical safety of licorice flavonoid oil (LFO) and pharmacokinetics of glabridin in healthy humans”. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2007;26:209-218.
Betaine hydrochloride. Alternative medicine encyclopedia. 2005.
Craig SA. Betaine in human nutrition. American journal of clinical nutrition. 2004;80:539-549.
Lentini J, Taure C, Scale C. “Hypochilia in the elderly. Its treatment with an acid combination of pepsin and vitamins”. Spanish magazine of diseases of the digestive system. 1970; 31:525-544.