Digestion Problems

Acid Reflux | Irritable Bowel/Crohn's Disease | Ulcers

Acid Reflux: This is a problem with indigestion in which a person is suffering from chronic heartburn. It can be caused by a structural problem, such as a hiatal hernia, which is a situation where the stomach is protruding partway into the diaphragm, pinching the stomach and causing poor digestion function. When this happens, you're not able to optimally control the digestion process. Often, a decreased production of hydrochloric acid results from this structural irritation of the stomach tissue. This results in poor digestion of proteins, which allows bacteria to digest the proteins instead of your stomach.

A by-product of this protein breakdown by the bacteria is harsh, organic acids which are more irritating to your stomach than even hydrochloric acid. Many people take antacids either prescription or over-the-counter, to combat these symptoms of heartburn. Unfortunately, this only treats the symptom of the burning pain but doesn't correct the underlying problem. In fact, it promotes more of the same symptoms because the normal pH of the stomach is highly acidic. This is what allows efficient protein digestion in healthy people. A hiatal hernia can often be easily corrected by an applied kinesiology adjustment performed by a properly trained chiropractor. If you don't live in my area, you can find an AK doctor in your area here.

I have found that improper food combinations can be a major cause of acid reflux symptoms. The incomplete digestion of protein and the resultant acids produced by putrifaction can be very harsh. Most of my patients who have been diagnosed with Acid Reflux Disease benefit greatly from the Food Combo diet. As the digestion process improves, the heartburn symptoms disappear.

A third common cause of these symptoms is insufficient production of hydrochloric acid. Clinical studies have verified that the older we get, the less hydrochloric acid we produce. This may be secondary to a unrecognized, chronic zinc deficiency, which is a vital mineral used to produce hydrochloric acid. Zinc is one of the most common mineral deficiencies among Americans, and is vital in hundreds of chemical systems throughout the body. Some patients see significant improvements as soon as they take a hydrochloric acid supplement with their meals. As illogical as it may seem on the surface, putting more acid into a "heartburning stomach" actually helps a high percentage of people with these symptoms.

A small percentage of acid reflux cases I've seen have been due to excessive gastric juices. For this problem, there is a Standard Process supplement called Gastrex, which usually brings immediate relief.

Irritable Bowel/Crohn's Disease: It has been found that these problems can be the result a long-forgotten disease: scurvy. It is caused by a deficiency of the whole vitamin C complex, not just the isolated ascorbic acid form that is commonly sold. This lack of vitamin C often affects bones, joints, teeth, gums, digestive membranes and all connective tissues, including the skin. Many cases of Crohn's or IBS, including bleeding ulceritive colitis and enteritis, are a form of scurvy of the intestines.

Unless the missing whole vitamin C complex is used in these cases, you will have to try to exist by "controlling" the condition with drugs or surgery, neither of which supply the missing vitamin C nutritional key. I also test for allergic reactions to dairy, wheat and gluten and frequently recommend a 30-day avoidance trial to determine if hypersensitivity to these foods is producing the symptoms.

Many people also benefit from nutritional support for the liver and gallbladder which improves digestion, soothes diarrhea and cleanses the gut. Vitamin A is another nutrient that may be important in the healing of intestinal lining. Follow these guidelines and others specific to your individual needs and allow sufficient time for healing: 8-18 months. Remember that ascorbic acid alone will not solve this problem. The whole vitamin C complex must be used.

Ulcers: Ulcers are commonly caused by a bacterial infection. This has been known for decades but not by all. Helicobacter pylori, also know as campylobacter pylori, is a bacteria that produces an ammonia cloud around itself and can survive the harsh stomach acid environment. As it colonizes on the stomach lining, it can cause damage known as ulcers. A combination of antibiotics is usually prescribed by medical doctors.

An alternative approach that I have found clinically useful is the use of nutritional supplements and/or herbs which have led to elimination of the burning, painful symptoms.

Disclaimer:  The information contained herein is for research purposes only and should not be construed as medical recommendations for any disease or symptom. It is not intended to provide medical advice.