Medical doctors and TV commercials may have you believing otherwise, but the underlying problem with heartburn or reflux is too little acid, not too much.
Otherwise, we’d see school children popping Rolaids instead of middle-aged men:
By taking an antacid to lower stomach acid (which is already declining with age), our ability to break down and absorb the nutrients in our food worsens, and we permit bacterial overgrowth in our gut. Which, in addition to consuming inflammatory foods, overmedicating with antiobiotics, and chronically stressing, is largely why gastrotintestinal problems and the diseases related to them have exploded.
With acid reflux now being one of the most common disorders in North America, and the market for acid-lowering medication totaling more than 13 billion dollars!
(not including the over-the-counter stuff!)
The truth is, an increase in heart burn and reflux with age, is a combination of low stomach acid and excessive carbohydrate intake. With most individuals consuming far too many carbohydrates, not secreting the proper juices to break them down, and ending up with bacterial overgrowth in their gastrointestinal tract.
Ultimately leading to an increase intra-abdominal pressure, bloating of the stomach, and any acid and digestive juices that are present getting shot up into the esophagus and causing a burning sensation.
Acid-suppressing drugs are hampering our ability to digest food properly (causing bacterial overgrowth), and decreasing the acid that suppresses the bacterial overgrowth.
But what’s worse, is that this bacterial overgrowth can suppress acid production. Resulting in more heartburn and reflux symptoms, higher antacid dosages, and a consistent overabundance of ‘bad’ bacteria.
Fortunately, the solution is easier than you think. And can be broken down into 3 simple steps:
- Reduce your carbohydrate intake (1, 2)
- Increase your digestive juices (click here)
- Repair your gut (click here)
If you’re already experiencing heartburn regularly, I’d suggest getting on this immediately – as this is only the tip of the iceberg with respect to the future health consequences of indigestion and bacterial overgrowth. With a study from 2002 determining that:
71% of patients with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) also tested positive for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
And IBS setting the stage for a damaged intestinal lining (leaky gut), and all of the potential chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions associated with that.
Or simply put – ditch the Tums, and fix your tummy. Before it’s too late.
Stay Lean!
Coach Mike
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