Acid Reflux Treatment

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Conventional Western medicine treats acid reflux on the premise that if we can stop or neutralize the hydrochloric acid (HCl) produced in our stomachs, we can solve the problem. If the acid is causing the burning, then take away the acid — right? This can certainly help some people in the short-term. But in truth, the approach only solves a portion of the problem: the symptoms. And inappropriate or long-term use of antacids (like TUMS or Mylanta), proton pump inhibitors (like Nexium — the “Purple Pill ”, Protonix, and Prilosec), or H2-receptor antagonists (like Tagamet, Pepcid or Zantac) can set you up for more problems down the road.

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In my experience, most patients with acid reflux are suffering from too little acid, not too much. Let me explain. During healthy digestion, your stomach uses an acid cocktail made up of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and the powerful digestive enzyme pepsin to break down food into the vital nutrients your body needs. Pepsin requires a highly acidic environment to do its job, and when HCl is low — which can happen for many reasons, including age, poor diet, infection and overusing antacids or other medications — it becomes increasingly difficult for your stomach to fully process your food.

Wanting to get the job done, the stomach may initially respond to low acidity by releasing more gastric acid. This effect, sometimes referred to as acid rebound, can also occur after taking antacids such as TUMS: in response to the acid-neutralizing effect of the tablets, the stomach works to replenish its acid supply. But ultimately, prolonged use of acid-inhibiting medications such as PPI’s or H(2)-receptor blockers can induce a state of hypochlorhydria , or chronic low acid, perpetuating the cycle of indigestion. And once you stop the meds, you may yet face the issue of acid indigestion because you have not yet addressed its underlying causes.

So, even if medication to block acid production helps in the short-term, it’s not a solution, and over time it can actually exacerbate the problem. Instead of masking your symptoms, investigate the root causes. This is the best way to prevent acid reflux from worsening — and even cure it.

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