Not everyone affected by these foods is diagnosed with a chronic disease; more than 60 million Americans experience episodes of acid indigestion as often as once each month and some studies suggest that as many as 15 million experience episodes of acid indigestion daily. Many people self-medicate with antacids when they could adjust their diet including reducing coffee and caffeine consumption in order to find relief. These conditions are serious: at least 10 million people are hospitalized each year for gastrointestinal disorders and the annual total of health care costs associated with these exceeds $40 billion. 1

Heartburn Acid Reflux & GERD

Heartburn, or pain behind the breastbone, is a condition in which there is reflux of acid from the stomach into the sensitive esophagus, often caused by a relaxation or weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter, the ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach. Foods, including dietary fat, chocolate, mints, coffee, onions, citrus fruit, and tomatoes, have been associated with increased incidence of acid reflux in susceptible persons.2

When symptoms are recurrent or esophageal tissue is damaged, GERD develops. GERD affects 5-7% of the global population.3, 4 When untreated, it can cause complications such as chest pain, bleeding, esophageal stricture (narrowing or obstruction of the esophagus) or Barrett�s esophagus (a pre-malignant condition). Symptoms that indicate damage to the esophagus has occurred include: pain, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), bleeding and choking. Some risk factors of these more serious conditions are alcohol use, pregnancy, weight gain and coffee consumption.5

Ulcers

Ulcers are another common problem, afflicting approximately 20 million Americans, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Ulcers can occur in the stomach or duodenum, and are regions where the lining has been destroyed by stomach acids or digestive juices. Even small areas of damage can cause intense pain. The presence of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori is also implicated as a predisposing factor in ulcer development, but not everyone infected with H. pylori develops ulcers. It is unknown why this is the case, although a strong immune system provides protection against the bacters ability to colonize damaged areas of the stomach lining. Increased levels of cortisol and other stress hormones stimulated by caffeine consumption and coffee drinking suppress the activity of the immune system and raise stress levels which are associated with ulcer formation. Other predisposing factors include: being male, family history, prolonged stress, skipping meals, cigarette smoking and coffee ingestion⁶.

Of all the dietary habits that people find difficult to change, coffee drinking is one of the most challenging because it is so entrenched in cultural habits and caffeine addiction.⁷ Withdrawal symptoms can involve painful headaches, nausea, vomiting, and loose stools.⁸ People whose health problems would be ameliorated if they gave up coffee can improve their chance for successfully quitting coffee if they have both a satisfying alternative and a method to slowly decrease their caffeine intake to reduce withdrawal symptoms.

The Following Characteristics of Coffee have an Adverse effect on the upper GI tract:

• Coffee Decreases Pressure in the Lower Esophageal Sphincter
  • Coffee has been shown to decrease pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, contributing to gastroesophageal reflux. This suggests that coffee can either cause or exacerbate heartburn in susceptible individuals.^{9, 10, 11}
  • The type of coffee bean roasting method used does not reduce the tendency of coffee to produce gastroesophageal reflux. Sensitive individuals, even when consuming coffee produced through different roasting processes, while fasting or after a meal, experienced heartburn, regurgitation and dyspepsia.¹²
  • Coffee consumption has been associated with greater incidence of heartburn than drinking other fluids such as water.¹³
  • Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee exacerbate gastroesophaeal reflux, and coffee creates more reflux than caffeine added to water, suggesting that other components of coffee contribute to its aggravating effect.¹⁴

• The Acidity of Coffee Irritates the Stomach
  • Coffee is highly acidic and it can stimulate the hypersecretion of gastric acids. Decaffeinated coffee has been shown to increase acidity to a greater degree than either regular coffee or caffeine alone.¹⁵ Both caffeine and coffee stimulate gastric acid secretion and decaffeinated coffee raises serum gastrin levels.^{16, 17} A study comparing the ability of decaffeinated coffee with that of a high protein meal to increase gastric acid secretion and gastrin levels found that decaffeinated coffee was a more powerful stimulant of acid secretion and gastrin release than the high protein.¹⁸
  • Coffee tends to speed up the process of gastric emptying, which may result in highly acidic stomach contents passing into the small intestine more rapidly than normal. This may lead to injury of the intestinal tissue.¹⁹
  • There is a clear relationship between reduction of stomach acid and heartburn relief.²⁰

• Coffee Is a Risk Factor Associated with Ulcer Susceptibility
  • Coffee is linked to ulcer susceptibility. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees have an acid-stimulating effect, and therefore it is recommended that people with ulcers restrict not only caffeinated but also decaffeinated coffee intake.²¹

• Coffee Elevates Stress Hormones
  • Caffeine in coffee elevates the stress hormones cortisol, epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) and norepinephrine.^{22, 23, 24, 25} These hormones are responsible for increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and a sense of “emergency alert”. Blood is diverted from the digestive system which can cause indigestion. The circulation of oxygen to the brain and extremities is decreased and the immune system is suppressed.
  • The purpose of the body’s “fight or flight” response initiated by the release of cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine is to provide the body with a temporary energy boost for intense physical activity. With today’s sedentary lifestyle, the continual state of increased stress resulting from caffeine consumption may affect symptoms of heartburn and GERD. Although the relationship between stress and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux is still unclear, evidence suggests that anxiety, along with exhaustion resulting from sustained stress, are both associated with exacerbation of heartburn and esophageal reflux.²⁹

• Coffee Supresses Immune System Function
  • Immune system suppression caused by chronic increased levels of stress hormones induced by caffeine intake can create a situation in which the bacteria Helicobacter pylori can thrive in the stomach. Infection by H. pylori is implicated in ulcers.

• Caffeine Interferes with GABA Metabolism
  • GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that is naturally produced in the brain and nervous system as well as the GI tract. It plays an important role in mood and stress management and it exerts a calming effect on the GI tract.
  • Caffeine has been found to interfere with binding of GABA to GABA receptors, preventing it from performing its calming function.²⁶ Studies suggest that stimulation of GABA receptors may be beneficial for people with reflux arising from low lower oesophageal sphincter pressure.^{27, 28} In addition to its direct effect on the GI tract, GABA�s role in stress management is also compromised in the presence of caffeine. This is significant as psychological stress has been shown to be an exacerbating factor in heartburn and ulcers.²⁹

Recommendation:

Individuals who suffer from or are susceptible to problems with the upper gastrointestinal tract, would do well to avoid coffee as it has been demonstrated to be a contributing factor associated with increased incidence of gastritis, ulcers, acid reflux and GERD. Dietary changes that include weaning off of coffee and all other sources of caffeine can help relieve symptoms of these disorders.30 Nutrition professionals can support gastrointestinal patients by guiding them through the process of substituting a non-caffeinated, alkaline herbal coffee that brews and tastes just like coffee.

Kicking the Caffeine Habit:

The social prevalence of coffee drinking and the addictive side effects of caffeine can cause problems with patient compliance. Caffeine-free herbal coffee marketed under the brand name of Teeccinoi helps coffee drinkers replace their regular or decaf coffee with a satisfying alternative. Coffee drinkers need a dark, full-bodied, robust brew to help satisfy their coffee craving. Teeccino satisfies the 4 needs coffee drinkers require in a coffee alternative:

1. Teeccino brews just like coffee, allowing coffee drinkers to keep their same brewing ritual.
2. It has a delicious, deep roasted flavor that is very coffee-like.
3. It wafts an enticing aroma.
4. People experience a natural energy boost from nutritious Teeccino.

Teeccino offers the following health benefits to people suffering from upper GI tract disorders:

The Pain-free Way to Wean off of Coffee

Start by mixing normal coffee 3/4 to 1/4 Teeccino Herbal Coffee. Gradually reduce the percentage of coffee over a two to three week period until only 100% Teeccino Herbal Coffee is brewed. Gradual reduction of caffeine is recommended.31 Side effects such as headaches, fatigue, and brain fogginess can be avoided as the body gradually adjusts to less reliance on stimulants.

Example: Use the following proportions if you make a 10-cup pot of coffee daily:

References

1. American College of Gastroenterology. Copyright 2004.
2. Terry P, Lagergren J, Wolk A, Nyren O. 2000. Reflux-inducing dietary factors and risk of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastric cardia. Nutrition and Cancer. 38(2): 186-91.
3. International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. Copyright 2004.
4. Richter JE, Katz PO, Waring JP. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. IFFGD, 2000.
5. Wang, J.H., Luo, J.Y., Dong, L., Gong, J. and Tong, M. 2004. Epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a general population-based study in Xi’an of Northwest China. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 10(11):1647-51.
6. Abu Farsakh, N.A. 2002.Risk factors for duodenal ulcer disease. Saudi Medical Journal. 23(2):168-72.
7. Braun, S. Buzz: The Science and Lore of Alcohol and Caffeine. Copyright 1996.
8. Strain, E.C., G.K. Mumford, K. Silverman, and R.R. Griffiths. 1994. Caffeine dependence syndrome. Journal of the American Medical Association, 272:1043-1048.
9. Thomas, F.B., Steinbaugh, J.T., Fromkes, J.J., Mekhjian, H.S., and Caldwell, J.H. 1980. Inhibitory effect of coffee on lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Gastroenterology, Dec; 79(6): 1262-6.
10. Boekema, P.J., Samsom, M., van Berge Henegouwen, G.P. and Smout, A.J. 1999. Coffee and Gastrointestinal function: facts and fiction. A Review. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology Supplement. 230: 35-9.
11. Cohen, S. 1980. Pathogenesis of coffee-induced gastrointestinal symptoms. New England Journal of Medicine. 303(3):122-4.
12. DiBaise, JK. 2003. A randomized, double-blind comparison of two different coffee-roasting processes on development of heartburn and dyspepsia in coffee-sensitive individuals.Digestive Diseases and Sciences. 48(4):652-6.
13. Feldman, M. and Barnett, C. 1995. Relationships between the acidity and osmolality of Popular Beverages and reported Postprandial Heartburn. Gastroenterology. 108(1): 125-31.
14. Wendl, B., Pfeiffer, A., Pehl, C., Schmidt, T. and Kaess, H. 1994. Effect of decaffeination of coffee or tea on gastro-oesophageal reflux. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics. 8(3):283-7.
15. Cohen, S. and Booth, G.H. Jr. 1975. Gastric acid secretion and lower-esophageal-sphincter pressure in response to coffee and caffeine. New England Journal of Medicine. 293(18):897-9.
16. Coffey, R.J., Go, V.L., Zinsmeister, A.R. and DiMagno, E.P. 1986. The acute effects of coffee and caffeine on human interdigestive exocrine pancreatic secretion. Pancreas. 1(1):55-61.
17. Borger HW, Schafmayer A, Arnold R, Becker HD, Creutzfeldt W. 1976. The influence of coffee and caffeine on gastrin and acid secretion in man. Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift. 101(12):455-7.
18. Feldman EJ, Isenberg JI, Grossman MI. 1981. Gastric acid and gastrin response to decaffeinated coffee and a peptone meal. JAMA. 246(3):248-50.
19. H. Glatzel and K. Hackenberg, Effects of Caffeine Containing and Decaffeinated Coffee on the Digestive Functions: X-ray Studies of the Secretion and Peristalsis of Stomach, Intestines and Gallbladder, Medizinische Klinik, April 21, 1967;62(16):625-28.
20. Huang, J.Q., Hunt, R.H. 1999. pH, healing rate, and symptom relief in patients with GERD. Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine. 72(2-3): 181-94.
21. Marotta, R.B. and Floch, M.H. 1991. Diet and nutrition in ulcer disease. The Medical Clinics of North America. 75(4): 967-79.
22. Robertson, D., Frolich, J.C., Carr, R.K., Watson, J.T., Hollifield, J.W., Shand, D.G. and J.A. Oates. 1978. Effects of caffeine on plasma renin activity, catecholamines and blood pressure. New England Journal of Medicine. 298(4):181-6.
23. Lane, J.D., Adcock, R.A., Williams, R.B. and C.M. Kuhn. 1990. Caffeine effects on cardiovascular and neuroendocrine responses to acute psychosocial stress and their relationship to level of habitual caffeine consumption. Psychosomatic Medicine. 52(3):320-36.
24. Lane, J.D. 1994. Neuroendrocine Responses to Caffeine in the Work Environment. Psychosomatic Medicine. 546:267-70.
25. Kerr, D., Sherwin, R.S., Pavalkis, F., Fayad, P.B., Sikorski, L., Rife, F., Tamborlane, W.V. and During, M.J. 1993. Effect of caffeine on the recognition of and responses to hypoglycemia in humans. Annals of Internal Medicine. 119(8):799-804.
26. Roca, D.J., G.D. Schiller, and D.H. Farb. 1988. Chronic Caffeine or Theophylline Exposure Reduces Gamma-aminobutyric Acid/Benzodiazepine Receptor Site Interactions. Molecular Pharmacology, May;33(5):481-85.
27. Cantu, P., Carmagnola, S., Savojardo, D., Allocca, M. and Penagini, R. 2003. Effect of non-selective gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor stimulation on motor function of the lower oesophageal sphincter and gastro-oesophageal reflux in healthy human subjects. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics. 18(7):699-704.
28. Koek GH, Sifrim D, Lerut T, Janssens J, Tack J. 2003. Effect of the GABA(B) agonist baclofen in patients with symptoms and duodeno-gastro-oesophageal reflux refractory to proton pump inhibitors. Gut. 52(10): 1397-402.
29. Naliboff BD, Mayer M, Fass R, Fitzgerald LZ, Chang L, Bolus R, Mayer EA. 2004. The effect of life stress on symptoms of heartburn. Psychosomatic Medicine. 66(3):426-34.
30. Roberfroid MB. 1997. Health benefits of non-digestible oligosaccharides. Advances in experimental medicine and biology. 427: 211-9.
31. Silverman, K., Evans, S.M., Strain, E.C. and Griffiths, R.R. 1992 Withdrawl Syndrome after the Double-Blind Cessation of Caffeine Consumption. The New England Journal of Medicine. 16(327): 1109-14.
32. Cherniske, S. Caffeine Blues: Wake Up to the Hidden Dangers of America�s #1 Drug. Copyright 1998.
33. Fetrow, C.W. and J.R. Avila. Professional�s Handbook of Complementary and Alternative Medicines. Second Edition. Copyright 2001.
34. Murray, M., and J. Pizzorno. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Revised Second Edition. Copyright 1998.
35. Physicians Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines. Second Edition. Copyright 2000.
36. Roehl, E. Whole Foods Facts: The Complete Reference Guide. Copyright 1996.
37. Biddle, W. 2003. Gastroesophageal reflux disease: current treatment approaches. The Official Journal of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates 26(6): 228-36.

(Reviewed by Meri Rafetto, RD, Theresa Grumet, RD, and Gerri French, RD, MS, CDE)

To back this claim, the marketers explain that ‘more doctors are turning to Zoton. . .Zoton is now on 85 per cent of UK hospital formularies.’ So for ‘people’s champion’ read ‘doctors’ champion.’ And the reason why doctors are turning to it is because, after just two weeks of treatment, Zoton ‘relieves significantly more symptoms than omeprazole’.

Zoton is designed to treat gastro oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or duodenal ulcer. It is also designed to treat reflux like symptoms, such as heartburn.

As such, it’s a little surprising it is so successful among doctors, particularly following the discovery of the ulcer causing H pylori bug. To be fair, it has been tested as a dual therapy with an antibiotic, and has been effective in treating the bug, and in preventing its recurrence.

Similarly, it’s been a successful treatment for heartburn, but terms involving words such as ‘sledgehammer’ and ‘nut’ come to mind, particularly when you look at the litany of possible side effects. Ironically these include gastro intestinal disturbances (that’s right, the very thing it is supposedly treating), headache, dizziness, malaise, taste disturbances, headache and dizziness.

More serious, but rarer, reactions have included myalgia, depression, hallucinations, vertigo, jaundice, hepatitis, impotence, hair thinning, and blurred vision.

Serious skin reactions are also rare, but have included rashes, says the manufacturer.

As usual, nursing mothers and children should not be taking the drug.

A recent study conducted to determine the outcome of surgery versus drug use in GERD found that nearly two thirds of patients who underwent an antireflux surgical procedure still required antireflux medications afterwards. The researchers also found that 92 per cent of medical patients and 62 per cent of surgical patients used antireflux medications on a regular basis.

Worse, the 10 year survival rate among those who had surgery was significantly lower, with more deaths due to heart disease.

The authors observed that the idea that surgery may prevent cancer is somewhat misleading as the mortality rate due to oesophageal cancer with or without surgery is similar and very low. With only two deaths because of oesophageal cancer in the study, the researchers suggest that the risk of cancer development with GERD seems to be very much exaggerated (J Am Med Assoc, 2001: 285: 2331-8).

A related small study has found that simply chewing gum can ease the symptoms of GERD. Eating increases gastroesophageal acid levels, leading to uncomfortable symptoms, but chewing gum for one hour after a meal had a sustained benefit, more so than walking or sitting still (Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2001; 15: 151-5).

Looking in the WDDTY archive, we find that one of the most effective antidotes is to chew gum after every meal. Natural remedies such as charcoal and ginger can also help.

Frequent and severe reflux – where stomach contents back up into the oesophagus – could be an early sign of cancer of the oesophagus. Patients are therefore screened just in case.

But GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is one of the most common problems seen by doctors. It’s been estimated that half of all Americans suffer reflux once a month, while 20 per cent suffer it once a week, which translates into a vast screening initiative.

Even if the resources were in place to cope, endoscopic screening can produce unreliable findings while putting even more stress on an already overstretched health system. Perhaps the best argument against routine screening is the simple fact that the link between reflux and cancer is very slight, say researchers from the University of North Carolina (JAMA, 2002; 287: 1972-81).

To find out if you have an underlying problem, you’ll have to undergo a series of tests. There’s a gut permeability test to check for a leaky gut, a blood test for signs of gut fermentation and a stool test to reveal parasites. It is also worth having a gastric analysis done to determine how much gastric acid you produce, and whether you have sufficient pancreatic enzymes. Labs that offer these tests are listed at the end of this box.

In the meantime, you can do much to control reflux through your diet. One dietary approach suggests:

* eating foods rich in fibre, and preferably wholegrain breads and cereals rather than ‘hard fibres’ like oats

* drinking a wineglass of freshly squeezed juice, made up of equal parts of apples, carrots and beetroot

* avoiding all refined carbohydrates, red meat, pips in foods, and foods that commonly cause flatulence, such as peas, beans, broccoli, cabbage and onions, as well as alcohol and caffeine

* peeling foods that have tough skins

* avoiding drinking liquids with meals, and any drinks that are either too hot or too cold.

You should also avoid cow’s milk products and any other dairy that includes carrageenan, a seaweed used as a stabiliser in ice cream, yoghurt and cottage cheese.

There’s also a range of supplements that can help regulate the stomach’s digestive enzymes, and avoid overproduction of stomach acid. These include products such as BioCare’s Polyzyme Forte and all pancreatic-enzyme products by Solgar.

A US product called Chirozyme T5-T9, specifically formulated for hiatus hernia, contains a number of herbs and vitamins to soothe and heal the digestive tract.

You’ll also need a good probiotic to repopulate the gut with ‘friendly’ bacteria. Lactobacillus GG, a variety of L. acidophilus purified in Finland, has proved effective in preventing diarrhoea and treating ulcerative colitis.

Finally, there’s one thing you can do straightaway – start chewing gum. A small study has found that chewing gum can ease the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Eating increases gastroesophageal acid levels, leading to uncomfortable symptoms, but chewing gum for an hour after a meal had a sustained benefit, more so than either walking or sitting (Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2001; 15: 151-5).

* Where to go for the tests

Gut permeability tests are carried out in the UK at: Biolab Medical Unit, The Stone House, 9 Weymouth Street, London W1W 6DB, tel: 020 7636 5959; and in the US at: Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratories, 63 Zillicoa Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801-1074, tel: + (828) 253 0621.

Stool analysis is available at: Parascope, Department of Microbiology, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Chapeltown Road, Leeds LS7 4SA, tel: 0113 392 4657.

Parasite infestation analysis can be carried out at The London Clinic, 20 Devonshire Place, London WD1 2DH, tel: 020 7723 6581, or at the Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratories (as above).

This novel approach has been tested on 46 children, aged between 5 and 10 and, not surprisingly, it proved to be very effective.

The children had moderate asthma, which was being treated with bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids and antagonists – powerful drugs that come with their own side-effects.

Twenty-seven of the 46 children had GER, which was treated with dietary changes or drugs. In the following 12 months, the children used far less of their prescribed medication. Interestingly, even those children who had no signs of GER, but were nonetheless treated for it, also saw a dramatic reduction in their medication.

(Source: Chest, 2003; 123: 1008-13).

Impaired digestive function is one of the most common problems of the first 3 to 6 months of life. Reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD) and colicky symptoms often plague infants and parents, disturbing the harmonious interactions of young families. The symptoms of night waking, crying, spitting up and painful feeding can be heart-wrenching and worrisome. If severe, these problems can also impair growth. Although many infants grow out of these symptoms on their own as the digestive tract matures, there are several forms of treatment that can soothe the symptoms and normalize digestive function.

Holistic treatment

Holistic pediatric treatment of these infants is simple and straightforward. Since the problem involves impaired stomach and intestinal function, treatment is directed at encouraging a healthy digestive tract while relieving symptoms.

The primary and most direct forms of treatment include acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and homeopathy. Acupuncture or acupressure treatment includes the essential points Stomach 36 and Spleen 6 (located on the legs). Parents can learn to press on these points for symptom relief at home as well. An effective Chinese herbal formula is Grow and Thrive (Chinese Modular Solutions), designed to encourage development and maturity of the digestive tract. This formula is available to health care practitioners through Kan Herb Company (www.kanherb.com). It may also be combined with other formulas (Tummy Tamer, Replenish Essence, or others) as indicated for the individual case.

Homeopathic treatment will address the underlying cause through constitutional treatment (e.g. nosodes, Lycopodium) and/or the relief of symptoms through more acute/symptomatic medicines (e.g. Colocynth, Nux vomica) as determined by a qualified practitioner.

All of these children should also receive a probiotic supplement. A Lactobacillus bifidus supplement if solely breastfed, or a more broad-based formulation for those infants fed any supplemental formula.

Parents can also soothe infants with other techniques such as rocking, abdominal pressure, swaddling, baby-wearing with slings, and propping positions during feedings and at night. Colicky symptoms may also respond to elimination of some aggravating foods from the mother’s diet (dairy, spices, caffeine, beans, broccoli, cabbage, and nuts).

Standard treatment

Conventional medical treatment for reflux typically includes
drugs that inhibit gastric acid production. The theory is
that if stomach acid production is blocked then acid will
not irritate the stomach and esophagus. However, stomach
acid is there for a reason, to help in digestion and inhibit
harmful bacteria. The drugs used to treat reflux fall into
two categories – H2-blockers such as ranitidine (Zantac) or
famotidine (Pepcid), and proton-pump inhibitors such as
omeprazole (Prilosec) or lansoprazole (Prevacid).

Unfortunately, these drugs do not address the underlying
problems of reflux, an impaired digestive tract, and they
may cause other illnesses and digestive problems. A study
published in May 2006 in the journal Pediatrics has shown
that infants prescribed gastric acid inhibitors of either
category have an increased risk of pneumonia and digestive
system infections than healthy children even after treatment
is discontinued. This study of children aged 4-36 months
treated by gastroenterologists revealed that those children
treated with Zantac or Prilosec had an increased risk of
pneumonia and gastroenteritis during treatment and in the 4
month period following drug treatment. The incidence of
these diseases was attributed to the inhibition of white
blood cell function as a direct result of these drugs, and
to the change in gastrointestinal microflora induced by the
drugs. For example, children given gastric acid inhibitors
have an increased number of bacteria (beta hemolytic Strep)
that cause pneumonia.

Holistic medical treatment of reflux in infants, children, and adults is a far better alternative than the use of these drugs that do nothing to fix the problem and result in impaired digestive function and consequent disease.

Canani, RB, et al. Therapy with gastric acidity inhibitors
increases the risk of acute gastroenteritis and
community-based acquired pneumonia in children. Pediatrics
May 2006; 117(5): 817-820.

If you still think your problem is too much acid, keep this in mind. The older people get the more likely they are to use antacids. This is interesting as stomach acid production decreases dramatically as people get older!

We seem to forget that having stomach acid is both necessary and normal. In fact, the body has gone to great lengths to be able to produce stomach acid without digesting the stomach itself! Your body needs to have proper nutrition, however, to make the mucous lining that protects the stomach. Instead of giving your body what it needs to heal, we sometimes make the mistake of turning off our stomach acid to solve the problem.

Most of your indigestion symptoms occur when any stomach acid refluxes (squirts) back up into the food pipe (the esophagus). Your food pipe is not made to resist stomach acid and even a little bit will cause it to burn. Because of this we give medications that turn off all the stomach acid. Because there is no stomach acid, the burning stops and we get deluded into thinking the problem was too much stomach acid.

What happens when you turn off stomach acid?

Unfortunately, using anti-acid medications for an extended period causes 2 problems. Firstly, with no stomach acid, your body is not able to optimally digest food and you become nutritionally deficient. This makes it even harder for your stomach to make the mucous lining it needs to protect itself and can set you up for even more reflux. Secondly, in your body’s attempt to make stomach acid (when you take anti-acid meds), it makes huge amounts of a hormone called Gastrin that stimulates stomach acid. Because of this, as soon as you stop your antacids, the stomach makes massive amounts of acid– which it cannot protect against. In essence, you become addicted to the antacids. It is no surprise that Prilosec, Nexium, Zantac and other antacids are some of the biggest money making pharmaceuticals!

So what can I do?

A wonderfully effective way to resolve your reflux and indigestion is the following (in mild or occasional cases, the DGL licorice for a few days may be all you need. For more severe cases, use the entire program below to restore healthy digestion).

1. Improve your digestion by taking the proper enzymes (see below and the “Enzymes and digestive health” info sheet) and drink sips of warm liquids instead of cold while eating (cold temperatures inhibit digestive enzyme function). Long-term use of digestive enzymes can also dramatically improve your over-all health and well being!
2. Avoid coffee, aspirin products, colas, and alcohol until your stomach heals and then use them in limited amounts.
3. Take measures to heal up your stomach lining. Using DGL licorice (must be the DGL form as others can cause blood pressure problems-see below) can be powerfully effective in resolving your symptoms. Research shows that it is as effective as tagamet, but is healthy for you! Mastic gum 500 mg capsules two capsules twice a day for two months is also highly effective. Both of these can be used separately or together. As they help to heal the stomach instead of just masking symptoms, they may take 3-4 weeks to work in severe cases .You can use your antacids during that time if you want.
4. In many patients, stomach infections (H. Pylori) can be a major cause of long-term indigestion. Most doctors treat this with Prilosec combined with 2-3 antibiotics used simultaneously! A better approach is to add Limonene (Heartburn Free by PhytoPharmica) 1 every other day for 20 days once your indigestion has settled down a bit with the licorice/mastic gum. It may initially aggravate reflux symptoms, but, by killing the infection, may give long-term relief after only one 10 capsule course!

How can I come off my prescription antacids?

After you have been on this treatment regimen for 1-2 months and are feeling much better, ask your doctor if you can stop your prescription antacids and switch to Tagamet (or stay on the DGL licorice/ mastic gum). This will decrease your stomach acid instead of totally turning it off. By doing this, you’re body can slowly ease back to normal production of acid. Decrease the dose of Tagamet or DGL licorice until you are able to come off of it. After two months, most people can stop the licorice/mastic gum. They can be used as long as you want, however. If symptoms recur down the line, simply use the DGL licorice for a few days. If needed, you can repeat the course of DGL licorice/mastic gum (and even the heartburn Free if the stomach infection recurs) whenever you like. Meanwhile, you’ll have broken your addiction to antacids and allowed your body to have the stomach acid it needs for proper digestion!

To Summarize:

1. Similase(by Tyler) or Complete GEST Enzymes (Enzymatic Therapy) – 2 capsules with each meal to help digest your food properly and drink warm liquids with meals. If the enzymes are irritating to the stomach, switch to Similase GS and wait till your stomach feels better on # 2&3 below before resuming the other enzymes.
2. DGL Licorice – 380mg (not the sugar free one) from Enzymatic Therapy or Rhizinate from PhytoPharmica. Chew 2 tablets 20 minutes before meals.
3. Mastic Gum (any brand) – 1000mg twice a day for 2 months – then as needed.
4. Heartburn Free – (Enzymatic Therapy). 1 every other day for 20 days (may initially aggravate reflux, but can give long term relief.