Indigestion and Heartburn...

When faced with acid-reflux, do you reach for the tums like everyone else?

Well here's a thought to chew on next time you eat that delectable slice of sausage pizza that you have to pay for twice: beforehand in cash, and afterwards: in miserable discomfort...

Indigestion is caused by an acid deficiency. Yes, I did say that right.

Wait a second - if indigestion is caused by an acid deficiency, then why would it make sense to take an anti-acid? Well here’s the truth - IT DOESN'T.

We are talking specifically about a deficiency in HCL - hydrochloric acid. That’s right. Hard to absorb? (no pun intended!) If we don’t have enough HCL in our stomachs, the result will be that we simply can’t fully digest our food and, wait for it, the rotting food that sits around in our gut forms lactic acid which can move into the oesophagus and cause that nasty burning sensation we know as heartburn, acid reflux or indigestion.

It is in fact the lactic acid that burns the oesophagus, causing the discomfort that results in acid reflux. Lactic acid is a by-product or waste product produced either by muscles working hard during exercise, or, in this case by fermenting rotting food.

So, when you reach for that anti-acid remedy know that it will kill the lactic acid, bringing temporary relief, but it also kills the HCL – and that's NOT good. If the pain and irritation initially does go away, but keeps coming back, that’s when you know you’re not really addressing the issue. On top of that you're creating another problem - an acid deficiency.

It’s important to realise the difference. The good news is it can be easy to fix...

THE WONDERS OF HCL - THE BODY’S SPRING CLEANING AGENT!

What is it and why are so many of us deficient?

HCL or Hydrochloric acid is naturally produced in your stomach. You are born with it and it is crucial to your health for many reasons. Primarily:

1) To kill bacteria

2) As a necessary co-factor in mineral absorption.

3) To break protein down into amino acids for smooth digestion.

The true reason behind that uncomfortable, painful, burning sensation you have been experiencing is that the body should be producing hydrochloric acid, and lots of it, make no mistake.

So what stops or slows down HCL production then if it so important?

a) Aging. Once we hit 30 many of us start to produce less of this acid.

b) Stress. How much and how we deal with it can deplete our HCL reserves.

c) Taking anti-acid tablets, powder or liquid. They will destroy the by-product Lactic acid but also the crucial HCL.

So if you are suffering with acid reflux, indigestion or are dealing with stomach issues such as IBS, leaky gut, or just general bloating and discomfort, you might find HCL is your saving grace.

Want to delve a little deeper?

IN simple terms, we can see right here just how crucial HCL is for all of us in the digestive process, and why many of us need to supplement with it…

Protein gets broken down into amino acids in the stomach and passed into the small intestines for absorption. If you do not have enough HCL or food is eaten too quickly, those protein molecules will pass directly into the intestines, and the problem is they cannot be assimilated there.

Your intestines are lined with villi: finger like projections. Between each villi is something called a ‘tight junction’ acting like armour to protect that intestinal lining. Large molecules will eat away at that barrier, causing inflammation which equals discomfort, bloating and pain. Faced with chronic inflammation the villi will swell, allowing for the protein molecules to leak out of the small intestines and into the colon. This next part is important. Protein molecules most definitely do not belong in the intestines.

Once those large molecules start running amok, the immune system goes into attack mode as they are deemed “foreign.”

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) leaky gut, diverticulitis, colitis - all these conditions stem from the above process with inflammation being the result. You must have enough HCL in your stomach to break your food down into easily digestible amino acids and particles.

SO HOW DO YOU TAKE HCL IF YOU NEED IT? **

As mentioned, we all naturally produce this acid in our own stomachs, and like any acid, it is powerful. When supplementing, always start slowly as everyone is different; we don’t know how you may react, especially if you have been deficient for some time. But, if you have an ulcer then HCL is a no-no. *

In general if you are under 30, you should be producing enough HCL. But:

~ traumatic events

~ ongoing stress or the inability to deal with stress well may deplete HCL reserves.

In that case, we would start with something a little gentler first before moving onto HCL.

Taking a shot of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in water first thing in the morning are nature’s way of gently increasing the acid in your tummy, too.

As we now know, HCL is crucial to your health to kill bacteria, break down food for smooth digestion and as a necessary co-factor in mineral absorption.

My mantra is ALWAYS: Find the root cause(s), build health and watch the symptoms you have been suffering with start to disappear.

*Important note: If you are suffering from any type of ulcer, then taking HCL is not advisable. Throwing acid on acid will not help. We need to fix the ulcers first.

If you want to know more about Indigestion, HCL and other digestive issues you can dm at @mybellebymichelle