In last month’s article, I presented the benefits of eating an apple each day. In my clinical practice, I love to present the ways that food can be used as medicine. Nutrition is designed for healing. Nutrition is the original health program. When you recognize what foods will provide the nutrients your body needs, you are on your way to managing your health well.
But where do you start? First, consider the current health symptoms that you are managing. How long have you had these symptoms? Have you considered that your symptoms may be related to what you are eating?
For example, many clients will mention they have acid reflux. Acid reflux is also called GERD or “heart burn” because of the burning sensation located near the heart, especially following meal time. Many medical doctors will recommend antacids such as TUMS or Rolaids, or will prescribe a medication to reduce stomach acid. However, too much stomach acid is not the problem. Not enough stomach acid is being produced. How can this be?
The problem is with the special muscle that connects your stomach with your esophagus. This muscle squeezes shut when stomach acidity gets high. If the stomach acidity is not high enough, it will resist closing. So the problem is not too much acid in the stomach, but not enough. Additional reasons this muscle may not close properly include: a hiatal hernia, H. pylori infection, obesity, smoking, some medications, and some foods like chocolate, onions, or alcohol, which relax the muscle that is supposed to close.
When prescription medications are taken to stop the production of stomach acid there are side effects. The chemical pathway to make stomach acid will be reduced, and the chemical pathway that makes energy for muscles can also be reduced. The energy pathway is affected by the same medication that slows down stomach acid production. In addition, lower stomach acid will increase the risk of bacterial infections coming through the digestive system. When the digestive system is working well with quality stomach acid then most bacteria are killed in the acidic stomach. A report from 2021 stated a 77% increased risk of dying from COVID infection among those who were taking prescription medication for acid reflux. Your digestion system has great defenses to keep you protected. You do not want to reduce these defenses.
Quality stomach acid is produced from foods that are rich in hydrogen. Fresh fruits and vegetables will provide much of what your body needs. Hydrogen and chloride will combine to make stomach acid that will be effective to digest your food. Good sources of chloride include – sea salt, rye, lettuce, celery, and olives. If you notice an event of acid reflux coming on, eat some stalks of celery, some olives, or drink some celery juice and notice if this resolves the event. If you do improve quickly, you know that your body needs more chloride to produce the necessary stomach acid.
Some additional ways to address acid reflux may include:
- 1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar mixed in a large glass of water with a meal
- Eat some sauerkraut or drink some cabbage juice with a meal
- Eat some papaya with a meal
- Eat fresh pineapple with a meal
- Take a digestive enzyme supplement such as Betaine HCl with a meal
As we get older, the body decreases its production of enzymes. Digestive aids from various foods or supplements will help to keep the digestion strong. In order to get all the nutrients from your food, you need to have quality digestion.
I welcome your questions and enjoy the opportunity to discuss healthy options with those who reach out to me with questions.
If you would like to present a question for a future article please write to:
Dr. Noel Aldrich, P.O. Box 167, Northfield, MN 55057
or send an email to: nutritionproportion@gmail.com
If you would prefer to meet for a personal consultation, you can contact me at nutritionproportion@gmail.com, or check out my website at www.nutritionproportion.net
