For some reason many people accept acid reflux as a part of daily life.  Few stop to consider just why they are getting the heart burn in the first place. By doing this, they are ignoring the body’s innate healing ability.  The body tells you that something is wrong by producing symptoms and simply turning off the alarm will not put out the fire. Gastrointestinal Acid Reflux (GERD) is caused by hydrochloric acid leaking from the stomach into the esophagus.  GERD can be due to an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter, hiatal hernia and some food triggers such as spicy foods, coffee, tea, and alcohol. By looking at the physiology of GERD one can see how it is essential to address the acid reflux in order to prevent dangerous adaptive changes called Barrett’s Esophagus.

Antacids and proton pump inhibitors inhibit acid production but in our society they actually have a paradoxical effect. These medications are indicated for short term use only but they end up being prescribed for years and even decades. Without acid, the stomach is unable to properly digest proteins and thus unable to properly absorb nutrients from food. Eventually this can lead to vitamin deficiencies. Also, due to the decreased acid, food sits in the stomach longer than normal. This means food is still being digested when going to bed.  Upon reclining, the acid is able to leak up and again causes symptoms, triggering the desire to take even more antacids. Unfortunately, once the Barrett’s esophagus changes have been made, the antacids are almost unavoidable.