Did you know that acid reflux can be caused by low acid in the stomach? Isn’t that ironic?! If you experience acid reflux, low acid needs to be considered as a major cause. If left unchecked it could progress in very unexpected ways (it can cause painful bursitis!). Digestive problems cause chronic pain – Brett Morgan, D.C.
What causes Acid Reflux?
Acid Reflux occurs when acid from the stomach interior moves “back up” to your heart/chest area. this causes the feeling of heartburn. Chronic heartburn is known as Gastro – Esophageal (GERD). Symptoms usually include heartburn, belching, nausea, and/or regurgitation.
The stomach is very acidic. Hydrochloric acid secreted by the stomach has a pH between 1 and 2. It starts the digestion of protein and helps sterilize the stomach from infection. As we age, hydrochloric acid production decreases. Stress, a lack of B vitamins, and Zinc also contribute to this.
Ironically, one symptom of low hydrochloric acid is acid reflux. When the stomach doesn’t have enough hydrochloric acid, it churns to spread over the food it’s trying to break down. The churning moves acid back up the esophagus, thus creating the sensation of heartburn. Jonathan Wright, M.D. theorizes bad research from the 1920s led to the use of antacids for most acid reflux cases. The Digestive Theory Of Aging Part 2 – Tahoma Clinic
Antacids Only Help with Symptoms
Taking antacids helps with symptoms, but if the real problem is low acid, they are only hiding the root cause. If you take antacids and the acid level in your stomach goes even lower, this makes the real problem even worse.
Your body needs the amino acids in protein for growth and repair. Your immune system relies on protein. The liver needs it for the detoxification of hormones and other substances. Your thyroid, enzyme systems, hormones, and many other substances must have adequate protein to function. If you can’t break down protein, the dominos of body function will fall.
Protein Digestion is Key
Make sure you’re eating enough high-quality protein. The average adult male needs 0.8 grams per pound of body weight and the average female needs 0.5-0.6 grams per pound, depending. Protein | Fat Loss, Muscle Building, How Much and When? (drtoddanderson.com) If you’re not eating enough protein, or you’re not digesting it, you can become deficient. Blood work could show a normal range of total protein, but that can be misleading. Check the globulin level: if it’s above 3, you most likely have an absorption problem. Globulin Calculation (vcu.edu)
What to do
Fixing the acid reflux requires an adequate amount of hydrochloric acid. As mentioned above, zinc helps to make it in the stomach. If that doesn’t help taking tablets of hydrochloric acid with meals may be necessary. Try apple cider vinegar, ½ to 1 tablespoon in water. Other factors can be proper diaphragm function, and stress levels.
Here’s to your health!
If you regularly experience acid reflux or GERD, please call our office or schedule an appointment!