Tummy Troubles

Tummy Troubles: Understanding Acid Indigestion, Acid Reflux, Low Stomach Acid and the Hiatal Hernia

If you’re one of the millions of people who experience acid indigestion or acid reflux and are taking antacids or acid blockers, we have news for you. The problem you’re having isn’t due to an excess production of stomach acid and neutralizing the acid isn’t helping the real problem. In fact, neutralizing or blocking the production of hydrochloric acid may not only make your problem worse, it can lead to more health issues.

It comes as a surprise to most people to learn that the most common cause of a sour (acid) stomach is actually low stomach acid. The hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach is not only one of the strongest known acids, it’s also essential to holding down the growth of bacteria and yeast in the small intestines. When stomach acid is low, bacteria are able to multiply in the upper part of the digestive system. These microorganisms ferment the carbohydrates in food producing two products—acid and gas.

So, if you have acid indigestion that starts about one hour after eating, and is accompanied by belching or bloating, you’ll get temporary relief from antacids, but they actually make the underlying problem worse. The hydrochloric acid in the stomach is essential to the digestion of proteins and the assimilation of minerals. When it is low, you’ll have a hard time assimilating both, which can result in a loss of muscle tone and bone mass. Antacids can also contribute to these problems.

For those who suffer from acid reflux, the problem is also not due to an excess production of acid. It’s due to a problem with the valve at the top of the stomach which keeps the acid in the stomach from moving into the esophagus and causing the problem many people call heartburn. Typically, the valve isn’t functioning properly because of a hiatal hernia, a condition where the stomach is pushing against the diaphragm. Although the hiatal hernia has several causes, one of them is the gas and bloating caused by low stomach acid putting pressure on the stomach.

The bottom line is that these tummy troubles aren’t just causing digestive distress. They have negative effects on overall health, including bone and muscle development, immune function, mood, weight, breathing, and heart function.

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Sunshine Sharing - Vol. 32 #11

Low Stomach Acid, Intestinal Dysbiosis, and Hiatal Hernia Are The Hidden Causes of Many Health Problems

This this issue of Sunshine Sharing covers the importance of stomach acid, the problems associated with low stomach acid, and how to correct it properly with natural remedies. In it you'll also discover how to recognize and correct two other…

Read this issue of Sunshine Sharing