Acid Reflux (Dyspepsia)

What is it?

The lining of the stomach contain cells which make acid and other chemicals in order to help digest food. The stomach cells also protect the lining of the stomach from acidic damage by making mucus. The sphincter which is a circular band of muscle between the oesophagus and stomach relaxes to allow food through, but tightens up again to stop food and acid leaking back up into the oesophagus (refluxing). When acid leaks back up (refluxes) into the oesophagus this is when acid reflux occurs. This is indicated by an increase in acidity, an overproduction of gastric acid.

Symptoms

Acid reflux symptoms may include a cough, hoarseness, changes in the voice, chronic earache and sinusitis. Pain in the upper abdomen and chest and occasional heartburn are common. Symptoms of feeling sick, having an acidic taste in the mouth, a bloated feeling, belching and a burning pain on swallowing are also associated with acid reflux. GERD (acid reflux) if left untreated can lead to oesophageal ulcers and in severe worst cases could possibly even lead to oesophageal cancer.

Causes

Acid reflux can be caused by severe things including obesity and yeast infections of the digestive tract. Conversely, hypochlorhydria which is when not enough stomach acid is being produced can also cause acid reflux. The valve that empties the stomach does not open if there is not enough acid being produced resulting in the stomach contents being churned up into the oesophagus resulting in irritation.

How can BioTech Healing help?

Certain foods and lifestyles can promote acid reflux. From our experience we have found excess coffee, alcohol, excess amount of vitamin C, foods high in fat, smoking, chocolate, spicy foods, acidic foods like oranges and tomatoes, and milk products can all contribute to acid reflux.

A link between stomach acidity leading to acid reflux and the colon has also been established. It has been suggested that years of candida, a fungal yeast infection, building up in the colon can lead to acid reflux. (Such a yeast overgrowth can depress the immune system, leaving the individual more prone to recurring viral/bacterial infections. This in turn causes the digestive system to malfunction which combined with dietary factors, causes reverse reflux.) For more information on Candida, click here.

When the accumulation of candida in the colon becomes massive, it begins to ferment and to reflux upwards through the small intestines, through the stomach, and then through the esophagus. Obviously, this fermentation causes gas, bloating, belching and difficulty in digesting foods. It also burns and erodes the esophagus. The burning is referred to as heartburn.

Antacids and other acid-suppressing medicines are often given for acid reflux in order to help the problem. However, as the name suggests these only suppress the problem which pushes it deeper into the system. The cause of the problem is never addressed.

The digestive system is often severely depleted of certain essential nutrients due to GERD (acid reflux). These nutrients are needed and required by the body for optimal health, well-being & healing. Here at BioTech Healing we screen for vitamin, mineral & nutrient deficiencies in a case concering acid reflux prior to corrective treatment. We also look at toxic levels and hormonal imbalances.

Our experience has also shown that it is advised to avoid foods that may increase sensitivities like sugar, dairy products, processed meats and toxic preservatives. Advising patients to consume six small, mainly plant-based meals rather than three larger, mainly meat-based meals a day often results in dyspepsia improving rapidly or even disappearing rendering medication unnecessary.

Treatment, however, needs to be based on an individual's current level of vitamin/mineral deficiencies , level of toxicity & dietary imbalances before dietary suggestions and nutritional supplements can be recommended from us.