The Heartache of Heartburn

Stomach acid is essential for absorbing nutrients as well as reducing harmful bacteria and candidias from the digestive track. Typically, physicians are prescribing antacid medication such as H2 antagonists in order to reduce acid reflux also known as GERD. But are the long term use of these agents really good for us?
Heartburn is not caused by excess stomach acid. Rather it is due to relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Many people with heartburn actually have normal levels of stomach hydrochloric acid and the real problem lies with the gastro esophageal valve. Contributing factors are obesity, body position and the amount of food that remains in the stomach at one time. Many older people produce less HCl, so reducing such acid is counterproductive. Furthermore there are other digestive enzymes in the stomach that can still cause reflux and heartburn.
Recent studies have indicated an increased risk in pneumonia and chronic intestinal disease caused by the bacterium C. difficile. These types of bacteria would not ordinarily survive in the normal acidified gastric juices.
So how do we address the real problem? The following are some of my suggestions:
• Strengthen your diaphragm through regular exercise and deep breathing -this will narrow the esophageal connection to the stomach
• Eat smaller and more frequent meals
• Be certain to sit up for a couple of hours after any meal and especially before bedtime
• Minimize chocolate, coffee, and alcohol as well as large amounts of high carbohydrate foods at any one meal
• Calcium stimulates the esophageal sphincter to close and can limit reflux in early cases
• When symptoms first arise take 250 mgs of calcium powder in 2 – 4 oz of water after each meal – be sure to consult your physician first if you’re already on medication
• You may have to phase off of your previous medication by switching to a less potent drug such as Tagemet or Zantec
• Remember it is much easer to absorb vitamins and medications in capsules (which are incorporated in the long small intestine) rather than in pill form, which requires stomach acid.

You may wonder why an ophthalmologist would be talking about this. Well, several large studies have indicated a relationship between antacids and macular degeneration down the road. All of your nutrition for you vision is metabolized and stored in the liver. So, the reason is that if you are not digesting your food and getting the necessary ingredients you may eventually be starving your eyes.
Not receiving adequate nutrition makes your eyes vulnerable.