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What is Heartburn / Acid Reflux?

By Brenda Watson,
Naturopathic Doctor, colon hydrotherapy, & founder of the Renew Life School of Natural Therapies

Heartburn, (also known as acid indigestion, acid reflux, or GERD), is an irritation of the esophagus caused by acid that comes up (refluxes) from the stomach.

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What causes Heartburn / Acid Reflux?

Many different things can cause heartburn to occur.

Too much stomach acid (hyperacidity)
Overeating
Processed foods
Carbonated beverages
Restrictive clothing
Not Enough Stomach Acid
A large portion of people with heartburn actually have too little stomach acid being produced.

When there is a lack of stomach acid, the stomach is no longer a sterile environment. This allows the bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens to infiltrate and colonize in the stomach.

The bacteria putrefy food in the stomach, causing volatile gasses and fatty acids to be produced. This creates pressure in the stomach that is greater than the pressure exerted by the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES).

This allows acids from the stomach to be forced up into the esophagus.

What are the signs and symptoms of Heartburn / Acid Reflux?

Heartburn is a burning discomfort that is felt in the chest just behind the breastbone. The burning sensation results when harsh stomach juices come in contact with and irritate the delicate lining of the esophagus.

How common is Heartburn / Acid Reflux?

Almost 30% of Canadians have upper gastrointestinal problems. Of that 30%, roughly 43% were heartburn. (American Journal of Gastroenterology, 1999)

What health problems are caused by Heartburn / Acid Reflux?

Frequent heartburn can severely impact the productivity, daily activities and quality of life of those who experience it. Chronic excessive gastric output can result in very serious gastro-intestinal problems such as:

gastritis
stomach irritation
stomach ulcers
esophageal cancer
Barrett's Esophagus (which often leads to esophageal cancer)

What can be done to help with Heartburn / Acid Reflux?

The following products can help control heartburn symtoms and provide long term relief.

Digestive enzyme blends help properly break down food quickly alleviate heartburrn symptoms by neutralizing existing stomach acid and temporaritly reducing stomach acid production. Some digestive enzyme products provides hydrochloric acid to help create a sterile enviroment in the stomach.

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