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Antacid
Free in 2010
Marion Hauser, M.S,R.D.
The Holidays are here again and along with them come numerous
occasions to eat and drink. Many people talk about their weight gain
during this time of year, but they often keep their indigestion to
themselves. You would be surprised at how many people carry around a
bottle of pink stuff in their purses and purple pills
in their pockets. We have had patients come to Caring Medical who
consume up to twenty antacid tablets per day, and some combine that
with antacid prescription medications. The increased volume of food
eaten during the holidays causes even more people to rely on these
quick fixes for their digestive problems. Unfortunately these people
do not know the harm these antacids can cause and the simple diet
changes that can relieve their digestive issues.
The Problem
with Antacids
What is someone doing when they take antacids? They are
neutralizing their stomach acid. Unfortunately that is not a good
remedy for indigestion because now the acid cannot do its function.
The digestive process starts in the mouth where chewing and saliva
starts breaking down the food. Then the stomach secretes acid to
break the large food particles down into smaller particles. Without
stomach acid, big particles of food are trying to get into the small
intestines, but they are not broken down yet because the digestive
process has been halted due to the lack of acid. The result is
discomfort, heartburn, bloating, and more.
Isn’t that amazing?
Something that you are taking for supposed “acid” problems is
actually worsening your problem.
I attended a digestive enzyme seminar years ago and I clearly
remember the physician teaching the course talking about how
indigestion is not a stomach acid problem – but either a FOOD
problem or an enzyme problem. In other words, you are not eating the
right foods (or too much food) OR you are deficient in the enzymes
required to digest your food.
At Caring Medical, we utilize a
number of nutritional supplements that contain enzymes because we
feel that many people are devoid of them, as well as the fact that
many people consume “dead” foods – IE foods where the enzymatic
action has been chemically halted by pesticides and other
chemicals. Did you ever notice how quickly organic produce spoils?
The reason is enzymes!
Antacids (prescription and over the
counter) also increase the pH of the stomach, disrupting the natural
pH balance. The pH increase inhibits the action of pepsin, an enzyme
involved in protein digestion that can be irritating to the stomach.
Even though taking antacids relieved the symptoms, people have to
keep in mind that hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsin are very
important in digestion. When the secretion is low, or hindered,
proper digestion and mineral dissociation will not occur. The change
in pH can affect gut microbial flora, including the overgrowth of
Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial infection of the gut that has been
shown to lead to ulcer formation.
The Alternative to Antacids
It is imperative that a person eats
right for his or her
Hauser Diet Type. One of the most common things we see
is improvement in digestion when someone begins following the proper
Hauser Diet
based on his or her
Diet Typing test results. When someone eats a
healthy diet plan that is specific for his or her physiology,
natural body processes such as digestion begin to function
correctly. The body is fueled to work at its maximum potential.
Also, favorite foods are often the
cause of frequent indigestion. Food sensitivities can likely cause,
or worsen, indigestion. This is a good place to start for those who
have tested positive for food sensitivities, but have yet to cut
them out of his or her diet. Their bodies are telling them that it
does not need, nor want, the food they are eating.
So if you struggle with indigestion
that is exacerbated with holiday eating, it is time to give us a
call. Start the New Year of right with a healthy diet plan that will
leave you free of indigestion and feeling better than ever. Diet
Typing may be your answer, give us a call today! |
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Patient stories may not be typical, results may vary.
The information in this
website are the opinions of the authors and should not be
used as a self-help guideline. We are not responsible for
the use or misuse of this information. The information
presented here does not constitute a physician-patient
consultation. Every attempt is made to insure accuracy,
however, it is up to the reader to confirm any information
through other sources. Not responsible for errors or
omissions. Although there are many studies suggesting the
benefits of nutritional and herbal supplementation, there is
not enough evidence to suggest that supplements, in general,
have any beneficial effect on health and disease. Not
everyone will benefit from taking supplements.
© 2009-2010 The Hauser Diet
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