Heartburn is a common symptom that many people experience from time to time. It occurs when acid in the stomach flows backward into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as burning, regurgitation, and sometimes chest pain. When the condition is chronic, it can lead to damage and narrowing of the esophagus and even cancer. If you do get heartburn, it’s an important symptom to focus on and heal because it indicates that your digestive system needs support. Good digestion is the foundation for good health. It’s not just what you eat, it’s what you absorb.
Taking antacids for heartburn neutralizes the acid, but that in turn causes more problems downstream. Antacids alkalize the digestive tract and reduce the assimilation of nutrients, further exacerbating the problems of malnutrition.
The word “heartburn” is a misnomer because the burning sensation has nothing to do with the heart.
Heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), is the result of tissue breakdown. Its root cause isn’t excess stomach acid; it’s physical degeneration due to malnutrition. With GERD, the body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs to maintain healthy functioning.
Let me explain. Parietal cells in the lining of the stomach produce hydrochloric acid (HCl) for digestion. Having an abundant amount of HCl is important because it breaks down proteins, activates enzymes, protects the body from pathogens and facilitates the uptake of essential minerals like iron and calcium.
When the parietal cells become compromised, they don’t produce enough HCl. Without enough HCl the stomach can’t properly break down food, so the body turns to a different method of digestion: fermentation and putrefaction. Basically, the ingested food starts to rot. This process results in the production of organic acids that burn the esophagus. So, when we get heartburn, we aren’t feeling the HCl that our bodies naturally produce (it’s buffered); we are feeling the burn of organic acids that result from the rotting of meat and fermentation of starches.
Furthermore, the valve that keeps the contents of the stomach in the stomach is called the lower esophageal sphincter. There is a signaling loop between this sphincter and the amount of HCl the parietal cells produce. When there isn’t enough HCl in the stomach, the tone of this sphincter becomes relaxed, allowing for the backflow of gastric juices. This is where heartburn comes from.
While proton pump inhibitors and antacids temporarily relieve the discomfort of heartburn, chronic acid suppression impairs the absorption of vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and magnesium, leading to other health problems and nutritional deficiencies.
Acupuncture is an effective, drug-free treatment for heartburn that works with the body. By balancing the body’s systems and promoting the healthy function of the stomach, it helps the body heal from the inside out.
With the right guidance, your digestion can begin to move in a healthier direction. We’re here to help.
