Acid Reflux and Stomach Acid

It is estimated that acid reflux affects more than 25 million Americans every day.  Most people think the issue with indigestion is too much acid. This is not surprising considering that all we see are ads by pharmaceutical companies who want to sell us medications that block production of acid by the stomach.  And if you go to your doctor complaining of this he will most certainly give you those same medications to help relieve your symptoms. Antacids such as Tums, sodium bicarbonate, and milk of magnesia and acid suppressing drugs, PPI's, such as Prilosec, Zantac and Pedcid all offer some temporary relief but do nothing to relieve the issue once and for all. 

The problem?  The root cause of the issue is exactly opposite of what the traditional treatment is.  If you suffer from acid reflux it indicates that you do not have enough stomach acid.  So by taking an acid suppressing medication you are doing nothing to resolve the problem.  

Most people who discover this are shocked and initially don't believe it.  This proves that we have all been lead down the wrong path, we've been lied to. I'm always surprised how these stories get started and how they become "the law".  There are many of these misconceptions out there that need to be dispelled.

An acidic gut environment helps the body break down food, absorb nutrients and fend against dangerous organisms. When you don't have enough acid you can experience malabsorption, which means you're not absorbing the nutrients from your food.  This can lead to numerous health problems.  Fatigue is a common symptom of this.  Stomach acid is an important part of the immune system. 

Acid suppression medications shut off acid production. When stomach PH is increased there is less irritation in the esophagus and stomach, which  relieves the burning symptoms associated with acid reflux.  Because we get relief we mistakenly think that the problem was too much stomach acid. 

The trick to getting your acid reflux under control is to take nutrients that promote increased production of the protective lining that coats your stomach.  A good place to start would be with digestive enzymes that aid in the proper breakdown of food.  Taking a digestive enzyme with meals will help your body break down the food more completely and reduce gastrointestinal irritation.

Continuous suppression of acid production for months or years isn't a good idea. In the stomach, hydrochloric acid plays a number of critical roles, including the destruction of Salmonella bacteria and other microorganisms responsible for food borne illnesses. 

Using PPI's over the long term can also cause other problems. In post menopausal woman it can increase the risk of fractors.   This is because you are not absorbing the calcium and vitamin B12 from the food you eat.

Coffee, soda, and alcohol can all contribute to acid reflux. Avoiding these foods while using natural aids will help to speed the recovery process. 

In you experience acid reflux you might be eating a diet that contain mostly alkaline foods, in which case you would need to add more acidic foods to your diet. 

Coconut Palm Sugar

Sugar that contains vitamins and minerals?  And is low glycemic?  Seriously?  Who'd a thunk!  It's true. 

If we can get away from the processed stuff sold to us in big grocery stores by giant corporations and look at more natural products we can find food items that are a much better choice for our overall health.  It sometimes takes time to find these products so when I do find them I like to share them with everyone.  And this is one of those items. 

Now that does not give us licence to eat as much of this stuff as we want, but its nice to know that occasionally we can have a little sweet and its not going to cause the health issues that regular white granulated cane sugar or high fructose corn syrup does.   I use this product in my coffee every morning. One teaspoon each day and its only 4 grams of sugar.   That is low.  If that's all the sugar I consume in a day, I am doing well.   I know you can bake with this product as well but I have not tried it as yet. It might be a little pricey to bake with as this 1 pound bag cost me almost $5.00.

This brand of coconut sugar is produced in Indonesia where farmers have harvested the nectar from coconut palm trees for herbal medicine and food for centuries.   It is 100% pure evaporated coconut sugar that certified organic, kosher, and vegan.

This is a healthy alternative sweetener that has a lower glycemic index than cane sugar, agave, or honey.  It is high in minerals including potassium, magnesium and zinc, as well as vitamins B2, B3, and B6.  You have to admit that is a big improvement over other sweeteners.  Look for it at your local health food store. 

I was recently at Costco and found a another coconut palm sugar product that is half the price.  Now I might try baking with it.  It pays to look around.