More and more, I am seeing adults and even children taking acid blockers for heartburn and acid reflux. While these may temporarily reduce the uncomfortable symptoms, acid blockers are actually making the situation much much worse!
What are acid blockers?
They are pretty straightforward. Acid blockers block the body’s ability to produce stomach acid and bring symptom relief for a lot of heartburn sufferers.
But don’t we need stomach acid?
YES!! For the following reasons:
1. Stomach acid is essential to the process of digestion. You simply cannot digest protein without it!
2. It is our first line of defense of bacteria, fungus, viruses, and allergic substances.
3. Stomach acid is needed to absorb nutrients.
4. Your thyroid depends on stomach acid! The thyroid needs zinc, magnesium, and Vitamins A, B-complex, and other nutrients to function. Stomach acid aids the body in absorption of these valuable nutrients.
5. Stomach acid reduces the risk of depression by assisting in the production of neurotransmitters and keeping the intestinal tract healthy where serotonin production mainly takes place.
6. Vegetarians need stomach acid more than meat eaters because they are at risk of getting too little iron and zinc from their diets. They are much more dependent on stomach acid to pull minerals from plant sources.
7. Stomach acid helps prevent gallbladder disease because of its ability to stimulate the flow of bile. Without it, gallbladder stones can form.
If you’ve been taking acid blockers off and on for awhile or for an extended period, you most likely have low stomach acid.
Do you have low stomach acid?
Any of the following conditions may appear along with low stomach acid:
•Anemia or an iron deficiency
•Asthma
•Autoimmune Disease (such as chronic autoimmune hepatitis, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes)
•Candida yeast infection
•Celiac/sprue
•Constipation
•Food sensitivities
•Heartburn/acid reflux
•Increased hunger
•Osteoporosis or osteopenia
•Ulcerative colitis
So what can you do?
If you’ve been taking acid blockers and/or believe you have low stomach acid, there are a lot of natural alternatives to consider. I have helped numerous clients get off acid blockers and finally enjoy life heartburn free!!
Here are some natural alternatives to acid blockers:
•Digestive Enzymes- there are many kinds so it is best to consult with a professional that can test the best options for your body. Contact me to determine which ones are right for you!
•Probiotic- a really good quality probiotic. If you need help choosing one, please ask!
•Vitamin D3- very important to muscle strength of your digestive system and overall immune system
•Turmeric- helps reduce bacteria in the gut
•Avoid sugar and trans fats.
•Take a fish oil- I prefer cod liver oil, which is great at reducing inflammation in the body.
•Apple Cider Vinegar- sip 1/3 teaspoon before meals and hold it in your mouth for one minute before swallowing
•Fermented Cabbage Juice- Such as Farmhouse Culture’s Gut Shots
•Moderate protein consumption- a serving of meat should be closer to the size of your palm. Make sure to chew protein thoroughly before swallowing. Over-Consuming protein can overload the body’s capacity to produce stomach acid.
•Eat small meals throughout the day
•Check if you have food sensitivities. I help many clients uncover sensitivities to food that are contributing to heartburn.
•Quit smoking
Source: Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec, and Other Acid Blocks- Martie Whittekin, CCN
Questions? Just ask!
Want to work with me 1:1 to create the perfect diet for you and/or your family? Contact me today at dana@thrivekin.com.