One of the most common problems that Americans experience with their digestive system is heartburn. Other names for this condition include acid reflux, Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), indigestion, and acid indigestion. Heartburn and indigestion has also commonly been called “agita”. Whatever it is called, we recognize that uncomfortable sensation that occurs in the area of the chest between the stomach and the throat, usually after eating an aggravating food. Very often it is a burning sensation that could be associated with an acid taste in the mouth and possible regurgitation of food. Some people can experience other kinds of symptoms like a sore throat after eating or a persistent cough. The biggest problem with acid reflux is that it can damage the esophagus, and this can lead to a precancerous condition called Barrett’s Esophagitis. We want to avoid that.
The most commonly prescribed treatments for this condition include over-the-counter antacids, acid blocker medications, and prescription acid blocking drugs known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI). The problems with these medications is that they seldom address the underlying cause, and provide only symptomatic relief… at best! These medications attempt to neutralize the acid, or turn it off completely without really considering the cause of the acidity in the first place. Not to mention, some heartburn is not a product of low acid in the first place!
Stomach acid is actually a very important substance in the body. It is necessary to digest food. Proteins are broken down into their smaller sub-components, amino acids, by the actions of acid and a stomach enzyme known as pepsin. Stomach acid is also crucial for the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. Food is sanitized by the acid in the stomach, and this prevents infections further down in the GI tract. In fact, one of the side effects of PPI drugs is an increase in both respiratory infections and intestinal infections.
In order to preserve the normal functioning of the stomach, the best approach to addressing symptoms of heartburn is to identify what is causing it. There is an easy 3-part strategy that can help determine what is causing the symptoms.
The first part is to consider what things in the diet are exacerbating the heartburn symptoms. The most common triggers for heartburn include: spice foods, alcohol, coffee, citrus fruit, nuts, onions, food allergies, and tomato sauce.
The second part is to consider the possibility that the heartburn is the result of insufficient stomach acid levels, or inadequate digestive enzyme production. It can sometimes be helpful to take a digestive enzyme supplement with meals, if this is the case.
The third important part of the program is to address any physical or emotional stress which could be contributing to the symptoms.
Our naturopathic doctors in San Diego look for the why… determining the underlying cause so it can be addressed directly. If you would like additional help with your heartburn symptoms, we are here to help!
Naturopathic medicine in San Diego is a distinct system of medicine that skillfully combines natural therapeutic traditions with modern science to restore and optimize health. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Naturopathic doctor, please call NaturopathicRX at (858) 914-3444.