Heartburn: The true cause of your acid reflux

Heartburn: The true cause of your acid reflux


(NaturalNews) Do you suffer from heartburn? Before you turn to the
antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and prescription medications, make
sure you actually need them. Stomach acid is necessary for proper
nutrient absorption, proper digestion, and to prevent bacterial growth.
If you rely on medications to ease the pain, you may be setting yourself
up for future problems.

How the stomach works

For the
vast majority of people, heartburn/acid reflux is due to a lack of
stomach acid (HCl), not too much. There are two valves in the stomach
where food enters and exits, the IN valve (lower esophageal sphincter)
and the OUT valve (pyloric sphincter). When you swallow food, it passed
through the IN valve and enters the stomach where stomach acid is
released along with other enzymes to break down proteins and inhibit
bacterial growth. The food is churned in the stomach with the acid and
enzymes until it reaches a low enough pH that it activates the OUT valve
to continue the digestive process.

Why most people suffer from heartburn

If
you are not producing enough stomach acid, the food will churn longer
and remain in the stomach for hours until it can reach a low enough pH
to pass through the OUT valve. As this food churns, its pH is not
lowering as much as it should and the IN valve loosens allowing some of
the contents to "splash" up into the esophagus causing irritation AKA
"heartburn."

Treat the cause, not the symptoms

Americans
need a quick fix for symptoms and rarely look to fix the cause. Antacids
will ease the symptoms by neutralizing the stomach acid so you don't
feel heartburn.
In return, proteins are not broken down, bacteria are able to grow,
digestion is prolonged, and you will not absorb as many nutrients.
Unfortunately, people will turn to prescription drugs to ease their
reflux symptoms and become dependent on them, unable to stop. Then
nutrient deficiencies, bowel disorders, and general fatigue set in,
leading to a new list of prescriptions to fix these problems. See this
cycle?

Special considerations

Want to find out where you
stand? The next time you have heartburn, take two to three tablespoons
of apple cider vinegar in four ounces of water (drink carefully). If the
apple cider vinegar alleviates your symptoms, you are one of those
people who have low acid
production. Not a vinegar fan? Try a warm four to eight ounce glass of
water mixed with unrefined sea salt (table salt won't work). There are
some cases in which a person actually does need an acid inhibitor. These
people truly produce too much stomach acid or have a condition that
leads to acid reflux like a hiatal hernia. If you are currently taking a prescription medication, DO NOT stop taking it cold turkey; consult your physician on reducing your dosage gradually to eventually eliminate it.

Disclaimer:
Apple cider vinegar is a weak acid; it can cause a burning of the
throat if you drink it straight (in some people). Mixing it with water
will make it easier to drink. After you drink it, rinse out your mouth
twice with warm water to prevent any effects on your teeth.

Source:-
http://www.naturalnews.com/039335_heartburn_acid_reflux_stomach.html