If you have ever had heartburn or acid reflux, you know it can be unpleasant or very painful! Many turn to antacids for relief. But, studies performed in the past have shown that while antacids may bring quick relief, they may actually aggravate the conditions they are designed to treat, causing other problems in the long run.

Bacterial and inflammatory conditions are already present in the stomach by the time you experience heartburn or acid reflux. Because antacids cut of all production of acid, additional inflammatory changes continue to develop along with the bacterial infection. This was proven in a study performed on mice wherein the mice were given acid suppressing medication for two months. After the two months, they noticed that these mice developed acute stomach inflammation with bacteria.

Why does heart burn and acid reflux occur? The bacterium causes an inflammatory response in the stomach. This in turn causes the over-production of hydrochloric acid (HCL) that surges into the stomach. Chemicals called cytokines are produced, which cause production of a hormone called gastrin.  The cells of the stomach produce too much hydrochloric acid (HCL) in response to the gastrin production, resulting in heartburn.

Your body is trying to defend itself by trying to kill of invading bacteria. Interfering with your body’s ability to produce any acid (by taking antacids) interferes with your body’s defense against bacteria and other invaders.

The goal in the past with medications has been to increase the pH of the stomach and protect the stomach lining from ulcers, which was initially believed to be from excess stomach acid. Now, we know that most ulcers are caused by helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria. Helicobacter pylori has been linked to ulcers, gastritis and cancer. Only a low-level acid environment can inhibit helicobactor pylori, so some acid is necessary. This is why cutting of the acid does not end the digestive problem.

It is a much better strategy to lower the bacteria and inflammation, normalizing the stomach acid to a low level, where it can be your best digestive immune system defense. In this way, there are no future complications, such as intestinal and colon problems that result from using the medications that halt hydrochloric acid. So, how can this strategy be accomplished?

Natural Answers: There are supplements specifically designed for this particular issue with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, as well as supplements that stop the growth of helicobactor pylori and restore the stomach to its natural balance. Not only that, but even natural diatoms from the earth can also aid in this, as well as other homeopathic and herbal remedies. One such herbal remedy, when put in water and drank, has been known to put out the digestive fire of heart burn and acid reflux immediately! There are many other modalities that can be used such as energy work, laser, bio-electric and biofeedback that also work on these digestive issues and correct them.

We have top Practitioners and Technicians with 6-16 years of experience to help with digestive or any health symptoms.  Whether you have a current health issue or want to work preventatively on your health, call us for a free consultation or stop in with your questions and receive a free bio-mat or infrared sauna session!

Janet L. Hall has a Bachelor’s degree in Science and a Master’s degree in Holistic Health along with a Doctorate in Naturopathy. Janet is a Certified Medical Intuitive, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Kinesiologist, Herbalist, Biofeedback Technician, and Nutritional Consultant,
as well as Owner of Alternative Wellness Center. Janet’s Wellness Center is dedicated to healing, preventative health, life change and empowerment…helping people to “rise above” anything in their life!

www.alternativewellnesscenter.org, 505-294-WELL (9355).