ACID REFLUX
posted 31st August 2021
I am seeing more and more cases now of people suffering acid reflux symptoms/heartburn than ever before, and even if it is not their main health issue, it most certainly appears to be one of their health problems. Whilst ageing is commonly associated with one of the causes of acid reflux, so too are foods that are high in acid or high in fat, low stomach acid, medications, stress and various digestive issues. If you have low stomach acid then you may have a problem digesting protein so a simple test for this is enormously helpful.
Symptoms can occur after certain foods such as protein, carbohydrates/starch or fats, in which case we need to investigate hydrochloric acid levels, digestive enzymes, pancreatic issues, H. Pylori infection and gall bladder function. There are natural and effective treatments for H. Pylori, a bacteria, which I have had great success with. Food sensitivities can increase if you do not produce enough hydrochloric acid and you may have problems absorbing iron and vitamin B12/folate. Apart from heartburn, some of the other symptoms that people with acid reflux may experience are a bitter taste in the mouth, trouble swallowing, a pain in the chest, burping, wheezing or a chronic dry cough.
Identifying the cause is a huge part of the solution as is of course correcting stomach acidity. In my Practice I find that grains, cows dairy, soya, refined oils, alcohol, tea/coffee, processed foods, spicy foods, salami, peperoni, peppermint, high stress levels, candida overgrowth or pregnancy can be common culprits. Having said that, there are numerous other foods too that can be involved in causing acid reflux symptoms and many people avoid tomatoes, onions and garlic, which they find can affect them. Once the gut microbiome/digestion has been addressed, many of these foods/drinks can cease to be an issue. Taking antacids doesn't really fix the problem and can deplete magnesium and vitamin B12 levels. What may be a gastrointestinal imbalance needs correction.