We’ve all been there. It starts as a twinge in the stomach, then a dragging burning sensation. Previously called heartburn or indigestion, an experience that most people occasionally had. Soon the expression became acid indigestion. Acid. Images of churning, smoking, mayhem were transmitted to us through the drug company’s favorite medium, the television commercial.
Back in the day, over the counter remedies abounded. We laughed at the Alka-Seltzer guy who ate the spicy meatball and marveled at the fact that some people took literally the words, “How do you spell relief? R-O-L-A-I-D-S”.
Generally indigestion free, I still vividly recall my most painful acid attack. Served up while I was pregnant, the awful burning effected me with every swallow and interfered with a much-anticipated night out. I worried that this sensation, which felt like I was swallowing tiny particles of glass, would plague the rest of my pregnancy. Luckily it did not, so I was not taken in by the misinformation that evolved over time.
Stomach acid became a disease.
Would you believe that stomach acid is not only NOT a disease, but has a purpose in our body? High levels of stomach acid, Hydrochloric acid, exist not only to help breakdown and digest our food, but to keep many of our systems on track for health.
Here are the top 5 functions of low stomach pH and adequate levels of strong acid.
- Absorption of minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc. The minerals are necessary for building bones, moving muscles, making blood cells and keeping your glands healthy, among many other functions.
- Absorption of Vitamin B12.(1) Many people think of vitamin B12 as a source of energy because one if its main function is to convert food into fuel for the body. It also helps in the production of DNA and red blood cells, among many other functions.
- Protein digestion. (2) How surprised are you to learn that without adequate stomach acid, protein digestion will be incomplete? The food will then stagnate in your stomach and begin to rot, releasing release irritating acids that burn. Sound familiar?
- Gastrointestinal infection prevention. That strong acid kills foreign invaders, those little microbes that make their way into our body via our mouth and digestive system.
- Triggers the release of enzymes which contribute to protein digestion.
Most people who have stomach burning have been lead to believe that they have too much acid and freely take medications to suppress its production. This comes with risks.
Low stomach acid has been indicated in calcium malabsorption and osteoporosis.(3) The consumption of proton-pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Previcid, Aciphex, Protonix and others) has been associated with hip fractures. (4) Acid suppressive medications have been associated with increased risk of pneumonia(5) and Clostridium difficile-associated disease. (5)
With a track record like this, why do people take these medication? Can you spell R-E-L-I-E-F ?
How do you know if you have low stomach acid?
Some common symptoms are:
- Allergies
- Anemia
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Fatigue
- Food intolerance
- Immune weakness
- Indigestion
- Mal absorption
- Skin conditions and many others.
There is a natural way to test yourself at home. While this may not be able to diagnose you with medical certainty, it can help point you in the right direction. And, it’s simple, safe and inexpensive. Simply take a teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar immediately before eating. If it decreases your symptoms, it’s a safe bet that your stomach acid is lacking. If it causes an increase in burning, you may have too much acid.
In either case, I recommend a natural health practitioner such as a Chiropractor, Naturpath or Nutritionist who specialize in nutritional advice and whole food supplements to support your body and aid in healing.
References
1. University of Maryland Medical Center – http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-b12-cobalamin
2. http://metabolichealing.com/your-digestive-fire-the-vital-role-of-stomach-acid/
3. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. 2010;45(2):133-8.
4. Gastroenterology 2010 Jul;139(1):93-101.
5. JAMA 2004 Oct 27;292(16):1955-60.
6. JAMA 2005 Dec 21;294(23);2989-95.