Over 60 million Americans suffer with the discomfort that comes from acid indigestion. Acid indigestion is a general term used to describe the abdominal discomfort that results from food intake. Heartburn is one common symptom of acid indigestion; heartburn is often described as a burning sensation and/or pain in the center of the chest behind the breastbone. If heartburn is a repetitive issue, occurring two or more days a week, the problem may be more seriously identified as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Common symptoms of acid indigestion are gas, bloating, nausea, shortness of breath, acid or sour taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing; other symptoms may include persistent cough, hoarseness, non-cardiac chest pain, fatigue, poor sleep, allergies, and candida.
Acid indigestion is caused by an imbalance of acid in the stomach that moves up into the esophagus. This can be caused by a number of underlying health concerns, some of which are only theories. First, if the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (LES) is not functioning properly (opening and closing only to let food into the stomach), hydrochloric acid will escape to burn the sensitive esophageal lining. Often a hiatal hernia is the culprit; when the upper part of the stomach is trapped above the diaphragm, the diaphragm no longer helps the LES from keeping acid out of the esophagus, and acid can more easily escape. Second, women who have high levels of estrogen (found with the various stages of menopause, pregnancy, and the use of birth control pills) may be more susceptible to a weakened LES. When this muscle is too weak to keep acid within the stomach, acid can escape into the esophagus.
One interesting theory looks at the natural digestive enzymes (substances that help to break down food) and/or hydrochloric acid in our bodies that tend to deplete with age and abuse. Although it is still a mystery, many people experience relief by using potent digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid and/or bitter herbs. Another interesting theory takes the necessity of acid/alkaline balance in the body into consideration.
The measure of pH (meaning “potential hydrogen”) is an indicator for the acidity or alkalinity of the water environment in the body. The pH scales measures between 3.0 and 9.0; with 7.0 being neutral, a higher number indicating an acidic environment, and a lower number reflecting an alkaline environment. If testing your pH with litmus paper, attempt to stay around 7.1 for women and 7.3 for men; this number will fluctuate between 5.0 and 8.5 upon waking, before meals, and after eating. Although this theory has not yet been completely examined, many people experience relief by noting their personal acid/alkaline imbalance and working with their diet and/or supplements to balance their system, and consequently have relief with acid reflux.
Acid reflux, indigestion and flatulence are warning signs of poor eating habits, including: eating too rapidly, overeating, inadequate chewing, eating under stress, drinking too much with meals, improper food combinations, and excessive intake of raw or uncooked foods. Although raw foods are packed with nutrients, when the body is not used to processing them, they can cause digestive upset. Attempt to gradually add more raw foods to the diet, along with several small meals of: organic foods, whole unprocessed foods, lean protein, cultured foods, and super foods (a green drink, gogi berries, acai, cacao, etc.). Supplementing the diet with amino acids (the building blocks of enzymes), a whole food multi vitamin and mineral, probiotics, homeopathics, essential oils, and/or herbs may help to remedy the problem. Apple cider vinegar (1tsp in water) has also been helpful for many. Since all bodies are different, please talk to a qualified wellness counselor to establish a program that works with the individual person.
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