Heartburn, also referred to as GERD, reflux, acid reflux, or indigestion, is a common symptom seen exclusively or as a manifestation of more complicated disease.
Too often we chalk this up to hyperchlorhydria, or the overproduction of stomach acid. This leads to the widespread use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s), also known as “acid blockers,” drugs that suppress the production of stomach acid. While having a crucial role in acute peptic ulcers and other such disease states, they are too often continued indefinitely.
More common than excess production of stomach acid, however, is hypochlorhydria, or too little stomach acid. What happens if we suppress the production of already low stomach acid?
- Impaired digestion of food, especially protein
- Increased risk for harmful pathogens to prevail when ingested in food or water
- Impaired absorption of vitamin B12 and other key nutrients
Chronically suppressing this vital fluid can yield a number of repercussions, including bloating, gas, irregular bowel movements, fatigue, nausea, hair loss, numbness and tingling in the fingers or toes, and more.
There are many potential contributing factors to explore in identifying the root cause.
Heartburn may be successfully managed naturopathically.
