Body and Soul Reconnection

Do you know of anyone who takes antacids as if they were candy?   Antacids are quick-fix remedies taken by millions to help relieve heartburn, acid reflux, bloating, gas and other uncomfortable digestive problems.  Americans spend billions a year on over-the-counter heartburn drugs and on prescription acid reducing drugs.   Taking antacids or purple pills doesn’t actually solve the problem; it merely eliminates one of the symptoms.  Sadly, when antacids are taken long-term it can lead to many degenerative dis-eases.  Why?  Because the Hydrochloric Acid (HCl), which antacids block, is essential for the breakdown and absorption of vital minerals, vitamins and proteins.

There is a false belief, however, that all acid reflux or heartburn is caused by too much HCl.  In fact, most digestive discomfort is caused by low HCl not high. I have observed that people who are under 35 years old tend to have overproduction of HCl if they are complaining of heartburn.  People over 35 years old usually have low HCl causing the digestive discomfort.  Therefore, they need to supplement with HCl until their body is balanced and it can produce it on its own.

WHAT HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN OCCUR?

Minerals and vitamins are needed for bone health, heart health, kidney and brain health.  Some of the minerals and vitamins not absorbed properly due to low HCl and antacids are:

• Iron – can lead to chronic anemia
• Magnesium – essential for the heart and all proper muscle contractions; reduces allergies and constipation
• Calcium – can lead to severe osteoporosis
• Silica (Horsetail) and Sulfur (MSM) – essential for cartilage, tendons and skin; deficiencies can lead to  joint degeneration
• Zinc – if low in a pregnant woman can cause baby to develop down syndrome; essential for prostate health; vision can deteriorate
• Folic Acid – essential for the female reproductive system, works with amino acids and forms red blood cells
• B12– essential for red blood cell formation; can lead to pernicious anemia; can affect brain memory and concentration

Additionally, partially digested protein molecules traveling through the digestive system can also cause a myriad of symptoms due to the lining of the small intestine being damaged:

• Fatigue
• Chronic joint or muscle pain
• Diarrhea
• Crohn’s disease
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Chronic Constipation
• Bacterial or fungus proliferation (HCl kills harmful bacteria and microbes)

Some time ago I had a client come to me which had been on some type of antacid (over the counter and prescription) for over 20 years.  When I met with the woman she had been suffering with anemia for over 4 years.  By then, she also exhibited many joint and spine issues.  Once we switched her over to the Food Enzymes product I recommend, her anemia corrected within 3 months.

HOW TO DEAL WITH INDIGESTION SAFELY

Indigestion is usually caused by stress.  Stress taxes the adrenal glands (glands which sit above the kidneys).   When the adrenal glands are overworking both digestive enzymes and HCl, which are essential for proper digestion, are affected.   Therefore, these glands need to receive the correct support.  I utilize an herbal formula which works wonders on these glands.  As the adrenal glands become less stressed the digestive juices increase and digestion works properly.

However, meanwhile the glands recover, digestive enzymes with HCl or just HCl (available as betaine hydrochloride) can be taken with each meal.  This allows for proper digestion and absorption of all vitamins, minerals and proper breakdown of proteins.  For individuals under 35 years of age which are suffering from acid reflux, sour belching and sharp stomach pains the herbs catnip or fennel work great.  I use a formula from Nature’s Sunshine called Stomach Comfort to reduce the overactive HCl.

In some instances the root cause of persistent and painful stomach problems can be a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, a.k.a. H. pylori.   H. pylori is the usual cause for gastric ulcers.  This bacteria burros into the stomach’s mucus layer and produces inflammation.  It neutralizes HCl which then cannot kill off the bacterium.  In respose to this attach, the stomach produces more acid and caustic oxidants that irritate the stomach lining.  A viscious, damaging and painful cycle ensues.  This bacterium can only be eradicated by either the proper antibiotics or by a proper herbal formula.  The herbal formula I once used personally and have recommended to my clients is Gastro Health.  By the way it is suspected that this bacterium can be passed on by utilizing the same cup or utensils of an infected person.

HOW DO DIGESTIVE ENZYMES HELP?

• Amylase – breaks down starches
• Lipase – breaks down fat
• Cellulase/Hemicellulase – breaks down fiber
• Glucoamylase – breaks down starches
• Invertase – breaks down sugars
• Peptidase – breaks down protein
• Protease – breaks down protein

There are a few more digestive enzymes I have not listed.  It becomes easily apparent how essential digestive enzymes are in preventing heartburn, acid reflux, stomach discomfort…etc.   I have had some clients which also resolved their chronic constipation issue once they supplemented with digestive enzymes and/or HCl.  More importantly, having people understand the dangers of antacids can potentially save them from a future of degenerative disease.  In my view this is priceless.

** If you would like to order some of the Nature’s Sunshine products (NSP) like Stomach Comfort and/or Gastro Health, call them at 1-800-453-1422 and you can use my account number of #576437-6. Tell them you want a drop ship order. For more information about NSP go to my Health Analysis page and read the last section.