In our last newsletter we talked about a condition of underactive enzyme secretion in the stomach. We talked about how poor adrenal function is often associated with poor digestion and low gastric acidity. this was due mainly to the depletion of B-vitamins while under stress, that were needed to make enzymes. Digestive enzymes that contain hydrochloric acid (HCL) such as Food Enzymes (#1836-9) are normally the best choice. The vast majority of your digestive complaints are going to fall into an underactive digestive system. However if someone tries taking Food Enzymes and it increases the symptoms of heartburn and burning then they may actually have over-acidity in the stomach, or insufficient protection of the mucus lining the stomach.

First, lets consider low secretion of the mucus that coats and protects the stomach lining. Inadequate water intake (less than 8-10 glasses per day). can contribute to insufficient mucus secretion. So if your water intake is low try increasing it. At the same time I recommend taking 3 Slippery Elm capsules (#670-7) 10-20 minutes before a meal. This herb is wonderful for rebuilding the mucus lining of the stomach, intestinal tract, lungs, throat and sinus. And at the same time the herb soothes and coats the irritated mucus lining and protects it from the hydrochloric acid secretion. If you have had a history of ulcers or this has been a problem for quite some time, then you may want to combine the slippery elm with Gastro Health (#917-9) which I mentioned in the previous newsletter. This formula will soothe an irritated stomach lining and promote healing. The herbs in the formula includes deglycyrrhizinated licorice root (DGL) which has been shown in studies to be more effective in the treatment of ulcers than Tagament or Zantac. Other herbs such as Inula Racemosa, Pau D' Arco, and clove are effective against the H. pylori bacteria, and yeast which are often present when the stomach lining has been irritated for a while. Capsicum and cloves where added to promote circulation in the stomach area. Take 2 Gastro Health and 2 slippery Elm 10-20 minutes before meals for 2 weeks. This program alone often causes marked improvement in many of the persons digestive complaints. After two weeks try the Food Enzymes again, start with one with a meal, then 2 with the next meal. If there is no burning or indigestion you may have solved your problem by rebuilding the mucus lining of the stomach. If you do not get any symptoms when you take one enzyme but a warm feeling when you take 2 of them, reduce to 1 per meal and continue the Slippery elm and / or Gastro health for an additional 2 weeks. Normally after the 4 weeks the stomach lining is completely rebuilt and you will be able to take the enzymes without a problem.

Our second problem, over-acidity in the stomach is less common, but is may be the cause of heartburn for some people. Also, a condition called GERD, also known as acid reflux, may be the cause of chronic heartburn. With hyperacidity the acid splashes up into the esophagus lining where there is no mucus lining to protect it. Symptoms may include the following:

• Dysphagia (the sensation of food sticking in the esophagus)
• Chronic sore throat, difficulty or pain when swallowing, laryngitis
• Sudden excess of saliva
• Inflammation of the gums
• Erosion of the enamel of the teeth
• Chronic irritation in the throat
• Hoarseness in the morning
• A sour taste, bad breath
• Belching

Chest pain may indicate acid reflux. Nevertheless, this kind of pain or discomfort should prompt medical evaluation as possible heart conditions must always be excluded first. If you find you have relief of symptoms with the use of antacids such as Tums, hyperacidity may be the cause.

Note: If the Tums gives you relief from the burning sensations, but you still have belching, and a sense of fullness after a meal then the low mucus secretion as mentioned above is more likely to be the problem. You may have already been diagnosed with acid reflux by your Doctor and are on medication to lower the output of HCL, this may be adequate for the immediate symptoms but it doesn't reverse the problem. The following nutritional program will help return your digestion back to normal.

MSM (#4059-4) - This naturally occurring source of organic sulfur has been shown to help correct symptoms of hyperacidity, GERD, and heartburn. MSM balances the production of stomach acid back to normal levels and also helps in repairing the lining of the stomach. Studies have shown that people prefer MSM for controlling hyperacidity over antacids and it has no side effects. I normally recommend starting with 2 per meal for 2 weeks. At the end of the 2 weeks try cutting back on the use of antacids. Ask your Doctor how you can reduce the use of the prescription antacids like Pepsid. To improve digestion of your food I recommend you add in the enzyme Proactazyme Plus at 2 per meal. Proactazyme is a wide spectrum digestive enzyme from plant sources, which does not contain any hydrochloric acid, so it will not cause burning. Thirdly, as a substitute for antacids consider Stomach Comfort (#1820-0). This supplement contains calcium carbonate to neutralize stomach acid, and also contains kelp and slippery elm which protects the esophagus lining from irritation, along with licorice and ginger root to promote digestion. Chew 2 tablets after a meal if heartburn is present. Eventually, as your digestion improves from the MSM and proactazyme plus, you will find the Stomach Comfort is needed less often. One last thought, if you are under a lot of stress this is very likely the cause of the overproduction in stomach acid. This often occurs prior to the depletion of nutrients, which then triggers an underproduction of acid. So first the stomach is hyperactive, then eventually it can't keep up the pace and becomes underactive. If stress is a factor support the stress with Nutri-Calm or Adrenal Support.

Note: A simple test for acid production involves taking 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a meal, if digestion is improved you are likely suffering from low production of stomach acid and Food Enzymes will help. But if the heartburn is made worse, then it is likely you have either reduced mucus production or excessive acid production and should follow the programs outlined above.