Heartburn aka GERD, Gastric Reflux, Ulcers

Heartburn Americans spend $10 billion annually treating gastric reflux

GERD GERD is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. All patients do not have the same symptoms, but many have some or even all of the following: Heartburn (the most common symptom, a rising, burning sensation in the chest) Sour or bitter taste from regurgitation of stomach contents Difficult or painful swallowing

GERD In GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter opens spontaneously, for varying periods of time, or does not close properly, and stomach contents rise up into the esophagus. The main symptom is heartburn, but patients may also experience a dry cough, asthma symptoms or trouble swallowing.

Other Symptoms of GERD Belching Chronic sore throat Waterbrash (sudden excess of saliva) Hoarseness Bad breath GERD can also lead to Inflammation of the gums and erosion of tooth enamel

GERD The drugs are designed to inhibit hydrochloric acid production, but that may be a bad strategy: Hydrochloric acid is needed to suppress the bacteria that cause gastritis. Some of the acid suppressing medication may be linked to osteoporosis and hip fracture They may interfere with the absorption of important nutrients

PPI Antacids Linked to Hip Fractures PPI stands for “proton pump inhibitor”. They inhibit the production of hydrogen ions in the body. Hydrogen ions are produced in the stomach, and the number of hydrogen ion in the stomach is how acidity is measured.

PPI Antacids Linked to Hip Fractures Proton pump inhibitors are used to control stomach acidity and gastric reflux. Use of the drugs has been linked to hip fracture in people over 50, according to research appearing in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2006;296: ). Makes sense—when you suppress acid production, you interfere with nutrient absorption

Anti Acid Medications may Aggravate Gastritis A study performed on mice done by researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute shows that acid suppressing medications (proton pump inhibitors, like Prilosec and Prevacid) may allow bacterial overgrowth and… …the drugs may actually aggravate the conditions that they are designed to treat!

Anti Acid Medications may Aggravate Gastritis The acid production is the body’s defense mechanism designed to kill the invading microbes. Interfering with acid production by using omeprazole (a proton pump inhibitor) interferes with the body’s defense against these bacteria.

Safe Alternatives? Diet is perhaps the best way to get this symptom under control. You need to eat slowly and chew food completely. Don’t drink with meals. Take Gastrazyme TM, which helps relieve heartburn and heal the esophagus. GASTRAZYME TM : Source of vitamin U and other nutrients known to oppose inflammation and assist with healing in the gastro-intestinal tract.

Safe Alternatives? Diet is perhaps the best way to get this symptom under control. Sometimes a “good food” can be bad for you. Food sensitivity can lead to GERD symptoms. The most common culprits are gluten and dairy. One way to find out is to avoid the food for two weeks and then reintroduce it into the diet. If symptoms return, the food is a problem.

Other Approaches Sometimes heartburn is the result of gastritis caused by bacteria. BIO-HPF R (H-pylori formula) A broad-spectrum herbal- based formula for gastric inflammation and erosion caused by H-pylori bacteria. Recent (1999) clinical studies have shown the product to be effective (reducing the antigen) in over 80% of the cases where H-pylori has been identified (serum, breath and/or stool testing). Use two capsules, three times a day just before meals.

It may seem counterintuitive… …but many people who have acid reflux actually are not producing enough stomach acid.

Not Enough Stomach Acid For the most part, traditional medicine does not recognize underproduction of HCl as a health problem. HCl is necessary to suppress bacteria and absorb nutrients.

Too Little Acid… … the pylorus does not open, creating pressure in the stomach. The pylorus is much stronger than the esophageal sphincter, so pressure forces the contents up into the esophagus. Giving HCl helps the pylorus to relax, facilitates stomach emptying and keeps the contents out of the esophagus.

Signs of Stomach Acid Need Fingernails break easily. Gas or bloating immediately after a meal. Distaste for meat. Vitamin supplements make you nauseous. Coated tongue (there are other causes of this). Constipation or diarrhea (there are other causes of this). Itchy anus (there are other causes of this).

Health Problems Linked to Inadequate HCl Allergies Asthma Depression (Neurotransmitters are made from amino acids—HCl is necessary to break protein down into amino acids.) Arthritis (Protein is completely broken down, so the body steals from the joints to fill its need.) A variety of digestive problems, including irritable bowel, constipation, diarrhea and Candidiasis

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