Heart burn
by J. Carlos Portillo D.C.
Heartburn is a common condition
that results from what is claimed to be an excess amount of acid
in the stomach. Billions of dollars are spent each year for over
the counter remedies for this condition.
Increased acid production in
the stomach is usually attributed to the expansion of the stomach
wall that results from eating an excessive amount of food. Symptoms
of excess stomach acid are not caused by a particularly low pH
of the secretions. The most common causes of heartburn are the
failure to reduce the rate of secretion, which results in a large
quantity of gastric juice, and a delayed emptying of the stomach.
Basicly we are talking about frequently overeating.
Heartburn can also occur if
the mucosal lining of the stomach is not able to protect the
stomach wall from the acid. The stomach needs mucus to protect
itself from the acid-and protein-digesting enzymes. A compromised
stomach cannot produce adequate mucous, and the digestive juices
irritate the exposed lining. Two commonly used herbs that enhance
the body’s ability to produce mucus and protect the gastrointestinal
tract are Slippery elm and Marshmallow root.
The major goal
of both prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies is reduce
or eliminate the production of hydrochloric acid and protein-digesting
enzymes. These products relieve symptoms but severely compromise
normal digestion and interfere with the delivery of nutrients
to the body that is necessary to maintain health. Remember the
main purpose of digestion is to provide nutrients to all the
cells of your body. Frequently taking antacids compromises your
body’s ability to perform this function, and further compromises
other functions of digestion, absorption, and elimination.
Antacids prevent digestion
in the stomach and transfer the entire stress of digestion to
the pancreas. Further stressing an organ that is constantly being
overworked by the high amount of sugar in the common diet. Plant
enzymes, on the other hand, relieve the pancreas of some of its
digestive burden by reducing the amount of pancreatic secretion
required. The digestion accomplished by plant enzymes occurs
early enough in the digestive process to trigger a reduction
in this secretion. Food will usually stay in the stomach for
up to on hour, plant enzymes do most of their work in the stomach.
Thus plant enzymes have the ability to lower stomach acid secretions
without compromising the digestive system.
Digestive Health-Wellness
572 Searls Ave.
Nevada City, Ca. 95959
530-265-6954
