If someone once told you to chew your food 100 times before swallowing, the advice may have been exaggerated, but the principle is sound. In our fast-paced world, we often wolf down our food, try to eat on the run or simply eat too much, especially if we were too busy and missed a meal earlier in the day.
Not surprisingly, digestive disorders are on the rise, including indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, bloating and acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when acid ascends from the stomach into the esophagus, often causing damage to the lower esophagus, heartburn, coughing and difficulty in swallowing. The worst-case outcome from acid reflux is cancer.
Increasingly, younger people are falling prey to digestive disorders including acid reflux. Culprits include poor diet and exposure to food additives and toxins. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the largest component of the immune system, extends from the mouth to the anus through about 30 feet of hollow tubing. This essential passageway is the body’s first line of defense against potentially harmful toxins, germs and pollutants that often enter our body from our modern environment.
In addition, most foods contain viruses, bacteria and fungi. If these germs are not killed, they can make you sick. Fortunately, the stomach produces hydrochloric acid (HCL) to kill the nasty organisms. However, if stomach acidity is low, we will typically experience reduced growth of good bacteria in the small intestine. HCL is critical in beginning the process of protein digestion as well.
Why medications are mostly ineffective
Ironically, frequently prescribed and expensive acid-lowering drugs are, of course, designed to reduce the acid we need to digest dietary protein and kill the germs. In fact, billions are spent annually on medications to “treat” GI disorders, but these drugs often deliver little or no relief or any benefit. Moreover, the drugs can inhibit absorption of the nutrients we need to maintain good health and can cause other medical problems. Medications can interfere with absorption of iron and vitamin B12, particularly problematic among elderly people who take acid-reducing medications.
Alarmingly, studies indicate that 40% of normal elderly people have a significant vitamin B12 deficiency and 80% of elderly who are chronically ill have the deficiency. Lack of vitamin B12 increases cancer risk and most people with Alzheimer’s disease are deficient in vitamin B12.
Aging brings more challenges
As we age, our body’s ability to produce enough hydrochloric acid to kill germs often declines dramatically. Not surprisingly, many digestive problems associated with aging result from diminished production of hydrochloric acid, which, in turn, can increase the likelihood of suffering from acid reflux. Also, poor digestion and utilization of dietary proteins are an underlying issue in muscle loss in the elderly.
Other key points:
- Low salt diets can be a problem; they limit the source of chloride for HCL.
- Betaine hydrochloride can be helpful for digestive weakness. It may take a doctor's supervision to use betaine hydrochloride effectively, or to even determine whether you need it, but it can be helpful in improving a weak digestive system.
- For the lower GI tract, probiotics and vegetable fiber for the probiotics to grow on are very important. Getting the right balance of microflora will help with indigestion and bloating at times.
- Getting rid of heavy metals, and thus being able to effectively eliminate yeast overgrowth, may be helpful too. This also helps to balance the microflora.
- Produce all molecules essential to sustain life
- Strengthen the immune system
- Repair cells and DNA
- Generate energy