Discover the underlying causes of heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD and the correlation between aging and stomach acid levels. Learn about the role of hydrochloric acid in digestion and how its deficiency can impact overall health. Explore the potential negative effects of antacids and acid suppressing medications and the benefits of using betain hydrochloride as a natural remedy.
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Quick takeaways
Heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD are caused by a lack of acid in the stomach, not by an overproduction of acid.
Low stomach acid can lead to issues with protein digestion, nutrient absorption, increased infection risk, anemia, and autoimmune diseases.
Deep dives
The root cause of acid reflux and heartburn is actually an underproduction of acid
Contrary to popular belief, acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD are not caused by an overproduction of acid, but rather by a lack of acid. When there isn't enough acid in the stomach, the valve at the top of the stomach doesn't close tightly, allowing acid to regurgitate up into the esophagus. This is a common issue as people age because the acidity in the stomach decreases. Low stomach acid can lead to problems with protein digestion, nutrient absorption, and increased risk of infection.
Low stomach acid conditions and their symptoms
There are two main conditions of low stomach acid: hypochlorhydria and achlorhydria. Symptoms of these conditions include GERD, acid reflux, heartburn, bloating, and gas. Low stomach acid can also result in anemia, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), development of food allergies and autoimmune diseases, increased risk of stomach cancer, H. pylori infection, and osteoporosis.
The importance of betaine hydrochloride as a natural remedy
Betaine hydrochloride is an effective remedy for low stomach acid. It is not a medication, but a natural solution. To maximize its benefits and prevent aggravation of ulcers, it is recommended to take betaine hydrochloride with food gradually increasing the dosage with each meal until warmth is felt in the stomach or the resolution of acid reflux occurs. The appropriate dosage varies from one to six, and it is important to monitor the individual's response to adjust the dosage accordingly. Proper nutrition, balanced electrolyte levels, and intermittent fasting can aid in maintaining healthy stomach acid levels.
Today I'm going to cover the #1 remedy for heartburn, GERD, and acid reflux.
We're told that the cause of acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD is too much acid. But, I've found that rather than the overproduction of acid, these issues are typically caused by an underproduction of acid.
Two main conditions cause low stomach acid: hypochlorhydria and achlorhydria. Symptoms of both these conditions include acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD.
Hydrochloric acid is there to help you break down food, absorb minerals and vitamins, and protect against pathogens. A deficiency in hydrochloric acid can lead to a myriad of health concerns.
One of the side effects of antacids or other acid-suppressing medications is a loss of stomach acid. This can temporarily cause someone to feel better but can lead to other health issues.
Top causes of low stomach acid:
• Hypothyroidism
• Poor diet
• A suppressed immune system
• Antacids
• Low-salt diets
• Potassium deficiency
• Zinc deficiency
• Iodine deficiency
• Eating too frequently
Betaine hydrochloride is the best natural remedy for heartburn, GERD, and acid reflux. However, you shouldn't take it if you have an ulcer, and don't take betaine hydrochloride on an empty stomach. Consuming the Healthy Keto diet® and doing intermittent fasting may also be beneficial.