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Many people suffer from poor digestion with resulting acid reflux (heartburn), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and/or chronic gas and bloating.  While some cases require ongoing medical care to handle these problems, the vast majority of people with these issues can be helped with a couple of simple and inexpensive natural approaches.

First, contrary to popular belief, the problem is usually not too much acid in the stomach.  The stomach is built for extremely high concentrations of hydochloric acid.  Proper digestion requires acid, so taking antacids and acid blockers like Nexium do not improve digestion, they merely decrease the symptoms of poor digestion. 

In most cases, the problem is excess gas production in the stomach and GI tract which is usually linked to insufficient digestive enzymes and possibly even too little acid production in the stomach!  Without sufficient enzymes and/or stomach acid, food does not digest fully and begins to putrefy in the stomach and intestines, and this produces gas.  In the stomach, this gas production increases pressure and may force stomach acid up through the valve between the stomach and esophagus.  This is called acid reflux, which over time causes damage to the lining of the esophagus at which point it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  Poorly digested food entering the intestines produces gas there as well, resulting in bloating and flatulence. 

For most individuals, digestion can be greatly improved by means of supplementing with digestive enzymes.  There are a number of good enzyme products on the market.  I have had excellent results in my practice with NutriWest’s Total Enzymes, and that is a good option if you don’t want to try to figure out what you should get at your local healthfood store.  If you prefer to buy something in your local area, make sure you get a full-spectrum enzyme product that contains enzymes for digesting protein (protease),  fat (lipase), and carbohydrate (amylase and cellulase).  Some enzyme products contain just proteases that only help with protein digestion, and that may not be enough.  If you also are lactose intolerant, or you think you might be because dairy creates problems for you, also look for lactase in the ingredients of your enzyme product.  For most people, one or two enzyme capsules with each meal is sufficient to correct most digestive problems. 

This brings me to one last point.  A “sufficient” amount of enzymes depends a lot on what you eat and how much.  High protein and fat meals typically require more enzymes for proper digestion, and nothing is going to solve your digestion problems completely if you simply overeat.  Your stomach will usually be full a few minutes before you feel full, and if you stuff yourself you are going to pay the price.  So use a little common sense.  A 16 ounce steak with a large baked potato and  a slice of pie for dessert is way too much to digest in one meal, even with added enzymes. 

If you tend to overeat despite intending not to, my suggestion is to set aside half your meal right from the beginning to save for later.  If you are in a restaurant, get your “to go” box at the beginning of the meal and place half the food in it before you even begin eating.  At home, dish out a small serving of everything first, eat that, and wait at least 15 minutes before going for seconds - and only get seconds if you’re legitimately still hungry. 

Stay tuned to my blog for more natural remedies.

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