STOMACH ACID 101 (and how to manage acid reflux)
WHAT IS STOMACH ACID FOR?
Stomach acid (aka hydrochloric acid or HCl) is one of the most important players in the domino effect of digestion.
When you eat food, this acid is produced by parietal cells that line the stomach.
Beyond its role of breaking down and sterilizing the food you just ate, HCl also triggers the next stages of digestion in the small intestine.
Imagine the consequences of NOT having adequate HCl: stomach discomfort, bloating, infections, and impaired digestion the rest of the way through.
ROLES OF STOMACH ACID
activates pepsin (main enzyme in stomach)
breaks down proteins
kills bacteria & viruses (sterilizes food)
stimulates hormone cascade, leading to release of bile & digestive enzymes
WHAT ABOUT ACID REFLUX?
Acid reflux (aka heartburn or GERD) affects many people.
It occurs when stomach acid/contents flow back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest.
It is often caused when the flap of tissue that controls that junction is weakened, which allows stomach acid to escape and irritate the tissue.
HOW TO IMPROVE ACID REFLUX
If you experience acid reflux, try eating smaller meals, reducing alcohol consumption, chewing food to a liquid, and minimizing water with meals.
Melatonin, d-limonene, licorice, chamomile, aloe vera, and turmeric have also been shown to relieve symptoms and promote healthy stomach function.
SUPPORT HEALTHY STOMACH ACID
TASTE BITTERS
gentian, fennel, dandelion, or a tincture made from bitter herbs
ADD ACID
sipping a bit of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in water stimulates stomach acid production
ENJOY ENZYME-RICH FOODS
pineapple, papaya, kiwi, kefir, yogurt, bananas, mango, miso, soy sauce & tempeh, sauerkraut & kimchi, avocado, bee pollen
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References
Jones, D. S., Bland, J. S., & Quinn, S. (2010). Textbook of Functional Medicine. Institute for Functional Medicine.Wright, J. V., & Lenard, L. (2001). Why Stomach Acid is Good for You: Natural Relief from Heartburn, Indigestion, Reflux, and GERD. M. Evans.
HCl Challenge. (2019). Nutritional Therapy Association.Kines, K., & Krupczak, T. (2016). Nutritional Interventions for Gastroesophageal Reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Hypochlorhydria: A Case Report. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 15(4), 49–53.
Patrick, L. (2011). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): a review of conventional and alternative treatments. Alternative Medicine Review, 16(2), 116.
Cuomo, A., M. Romano, et al. (2003). "Reflux oesophagitis in adult coeliac disease: beneficial effect of a gluten free diet." Gut52(4): 514-517.Hawrelak JA. 2010. Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease. In: Sarris J. Wardle J. Clinical Naturopathy: An Evidence-based Guide to Practice. Churchill Livingstone. Sydney.
Kandil, T.S., et al., The potential therapeutic effect of melatonin in Gastro-EsophagealReflux Disease.BMC Gastroenterol, 2010. 10: p. 7.Nachman, F., H. Vazquez, et al. (2011). "Gastroesophagealreflux symptoms in patients with celiac disease and the effects of a gluten-free diet." ClinGastroenterolHepatol9(3): 214-219.
Park, J. H. and C. N. Conteas(2010). "W1074 Curcumin, a Possible Alternative Treatment for GastroesophagealReflux." Gastroenterology138(5, Supplement 1): S-646.
Sun, J., D-Limonene: safety and clinical applications.AlternMed Rev, 2007. 12(3): p. 259-64.