Pharmaceutical companies and doctors are aware that drugs and antacids don’t actually resolve heartburn or acid reflux. Instead, they merely suppress the symptoms, perpetuating a cycle of reliance on medication. If you’re caught in this cycle, you risk serious malnutrition, as your body struggles to absorb essential nutrients, potentially leading to health problems later in life.
The stomach plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption. Regularly taking medications like Prevacid, Prilosec, Aciphex, Protonix, Nexium, or even over-the-counter antacids warrants a re-evaluation of their potential long-term effects.
Here are key facts to consider:
* **Fact 1:** A healthy stomach maintains a highly acidic pH of 3.0 or lower.
* **Fact 2:** Consistently elevated stomach pH (above 3.0) can create an environment conducive to disease.
* **Fact 3:** Heartburn and acid reflux medications, including antacids, raise and maintain stomach pH above the optimal level.
When the stomach functions at its proper pH, it effectively digests food:
* Proteins are broken down into amino acids for absorption.
* Vitamins are extracted and synthesized from food.
* Minerals are solubilized for absorption.
* Partially digested food enters the duodenum at the correct pH, triggering the release of pancreatic and gallbladder digestive juices.
* Bacterial overgrowth is prevented, ensuring proper vitamin B-12 absorption.
When medication elevates stomach pH above 3.0, the stomach attempts to compensate by producing more acid. However, the medication interferes with this process, disrupting normal digestive function. Instead of properly processing food, the stomach generates chemical combinations that the body cannot utilize effectively. This malfunction cascades down the digestive tract, impairing nutrient absorption in the duodenum and colon, potentially leading to various health issues.
The long-term consequences of chronically elevated stomach pH can manifest as seemingly unrelated health conditions that are difficult to trace back to an inefficient stomach.
Therefore, maintaining a healthy stomach pH is paramount. Explore natural remedies to address heartburn and acid reflux. If your condition has progressed to GERD, consult with a doctor or alternative healthcare practitioner to develop a comprehensive recovery plan.