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Heartburn, also known as acid indigestion or GERD (gastro-esophageal
reflux disease), is not always caused by excess stomach acid. Surprisingly
it can be caused by too little stomach acid.
Excess stomach acid is often the assumed cause of heartburn because
antacids and drugs that suppress acid production successfully relieve
heartburn. However a significant majority of the population is deficient
in stomach acid. Moreover a steady decline in stomach acid production
is well documented with advancing age, starting at age 40.
Heartburn occurs when the acid contents of the stomach flows backwards,
i.e., up into the esophagus. A sphincter or valve of sorts - at
the end of the esophagus where the esophagus connects with the stomach
- should prevent back-flow from the stomach into the esophagus.
However, the sphincter will not close and prevent back flow unless
there is sufficient acid produced in the stomach. Thus too little
stomach acid will fail to close the sphincter yet will be enough
to burn.
Sufficient stomach acid is necessary for all digestion. As stomach
acid declines there is less nutrient absorption. As nutrient absorption
declines the ability to produce stomach acid declines further. It
is a "Catch 22".
To break this vicious cycle it is often necessary to get enough
acid from an outside source with each meal until one's own production
is sufficient. The best way to get acid for each meal is taking
the combination of Malic Acid and a Health Equations Electrolyte
Formula with each meal. See DEHYDRATION,
the No. One Cause of Heartburn, for more information about the
Electrolyte Formulas.
The Health Equations Malic Acid capsules are 300mg. Up to four
capsules are recommended with each meal. Even four capsules is a
small amount of acid compared to the amount the stomach would ideally
make. Four capsules are well tolerated by most people. However it
is best to start with one capsule per meal and increase a capsule
at a time. The capsules should be discontinued if there is any burning.
Malic Acid should always be taken DURING the meal,
never at the beginning or at the end of the meal.
NOTE: Heartburn can have multiple causes. And
heartburn is indicative of failing digestion, which can cascade
into a host of health problems. A Health
Equations Blood Test Evaluation is recommended for thorough
evaluation and correction of heartburn.
© Health Equations 2007
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