Our body symptoms are often interpreted superficially and not investigated properly in orthodox medicine. This is because of a lack of holistic knowledge in physiology, time limits and because medicine primarily is based on symptom reduction and not prevention or investigation of root causes.

Our modern medical model is heavily reliant on synthetic drugs, but often fails and predisposes the body to other health conditions which manifest with time.

In orthodox medicine every time a patient experiences acid reflux, indigestion, a burning sensation in the throat (heartburn) or digestive disorders of various degrees, an antacid drug is prescribed.

Let’s have a look at some of the side effects of using antacid medications long term:

• Calcium deficiency which leads to bone density loss, osteopenia, osteoporosis and muscle spasm.
• Iron and B12 deficiency leading to anaemia, fatigue, low energy, depression and could lead to nerve damage.
• Vitamin A, D, E deficiency leading to increased inflammation, high oxidation processes in the body which affect the gut, skin and overall health.
• Magnesium deficiency - manifesting with the following symptoms including muscle weakness, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, mental disorders and cramps.
• Protein deficiency leading to a malfunctioning digestive system, imbalance in lipid profile, immune suppression and hormone imbalance.

In naturopathic functional approach, we know that leaching of the stomach acid beyond the stomach sphincter is caused by low stomach acidity and not high. To understand why let’s look at the physiology...

1) Our body is wise and it would never produce something in excess for a long period of time, its job actually is to preserve all possible resources which in fact determine our lifespan. For example, you probably noticed that elderly people start to eat less or often people with chronic conditions start to gain weight because by slowing down the metabolism, the vital bodily resources are preserved; meaning they will serve us for longer.

2) When we abuse our stomach capacity with unhealthy habits our stomach produces less acidity. Low stomach acid doesn’t activate many important cofactors such as the intrinsic factor, pepsin and cofactors responsible for tight closure of the lower oesophageal sphincter which separates the oesophagus and stomach. This results in stomach acid leaching in the oesophagus causing all sorts of problems because its lining is not protected against acidity.

3) Another point worth mentioning which contributes to acid reflux and all health disorders is the overstretching of the stomach by consuming big meals and constantly grazing and drinking. Our stomach is a muscle which, when un-stretched, its capacity is only 350ml but when stretched can reach up to 2kg. The size affects the tightness of the sphincter and concentration of the stomach acid which is also responsible for proper closure of the sphincter. Therefore, it is essential to eat small portions, adjust snacking and other bad habits which you can find on my website.

By understanding and addressing these three points you can greatly improve your stomach acid and long-term overall health. Contact a nutritional therapist who can offer you help and guidance.