08-31-2015 by Bill Sardi
It is difficult to understand the conflicting treatments for common digestive tract problems such as heartburn, indigestion and gas that aim to de-acidify. Antacid treatment is incompatible with the common age-associated decline in the secretion of stomach acid with advancing age, a condition called atrophic gastritis.
The mass use of antacids like TUMS, and acid-blockers like NEXIUM that halt acid secretion, appears to be a mistaken direction. The chronic and prevalent symptoms of bloating, belching, burping and flatulence are characteristic of old age but the origin of these symptoms, the lack of stomach acid, goes unaddressed.
Furthermore, acid is the last defense against bacteria and fungi in foods. So it is no surprise to learn that individuals who use acid blockers are prone to gastric infections. An example is Clostridium difficile infection, a potential mortal threat, that is more prevalent among users of acid blockers. [Mayo Clinic Proceedings July 2012]
Even more concerning is that a large percentage of American retirees take prescription drugs, drugs that will be poorly absorbed and assimilated without an acidic environment in the digestive tract. [Forbes.com July 24, 2012; Pharmaceutical Research Feb 1993] Not to mention the impaired absorption of key minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc and B vitamins and vitamin C, all which require acid for absorption.
A landmark study was reported over two decades ago. That study showed (presented below) the percentage of senior adults who were vitamin deficient before and after vitamin supplementation. The gist of this report was that vitamin supplementation may be an exercise in futility without provision of supplemental acid to absorb essential nutrients.
|
Percentage of senior adults with vitamin deficiencies |
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|
Vitamin |
Non-supplemented |
Supplemented |
|
Vitamin B1 thiamin |
13-40% |
0-8% |
|
Vitamin B2 riboflavin |
3-42% |
0% |
|
Vitamin B3 niacin |
0-33% |
0-33% |
|
Vitamin B6 pyridoxine |
19-56% |
2-39% |
|
Vitamin B9 folic acid |
14-43% |
0-13% |
|
Vitamin B12 cobalamin |
4-43% |
0-18% |
|
Source: Geriatric Nutrition, Raven Press 1990, page 53. |
||
The prevalence of atrophic gastritis (inflammation, loss of cells that secrete acid) ranges from 20% to 50% in adult populations and increases with advancing age and often results in a shortage or complete cessation of stomach acid secretion (called hypochlorhydria and achlorhydria respectively). [Geriatric Nutrition, Raven Press 1990]
So why aren’t most senior adults receiving prescriptions for replacement stomach acid – betaine hydrochloride?
On a pH scale of 0-14 where a low pH number is acidic and a high number is alkaline, betaine supplementation lowers the pH of the gastric tract from 5.2 to 0.6 (4.5 units) and is considered a way to improve absorption of drugs. [Molecular Pharmacology Nov 4, 2013]
Heartburn is no small matter in America. About 44% of Americans report the problem at least once a month and 7% report daily symptoms that prompt pharmaceutical trained doctors to prescribe billions of dollars of prescription drugs to quell the problem.
The historical treatment of heartburn presumes stomach acid is the culprit. But in another misdirection, modern medicine now concedes it is not stomach acid but rather bile acid that provokes heartburn symptoms (burning in the esophagus) in most instances. Only 2 in every 10 patients with bile acid reflux find relief by taking acid blockers. [Wall Street Journal Nov 12, 2012; Neurogastroenterology Motility Aug 2012; Knowledge of Health Nov 22, 2012]
The bile problem is often caused by sludginess that impairs bile flow as it is secreted from the liver into the gall bladder, which acts as a squirt gun for bile when fats or oils are ingested.
Thick sludgy bile is like motor oil. It doesn’t flow well. In a study of gallstone patients, 86% had sludgy bile; 48% of patients with inflamed pancreas had sludgy bile. [Archives Therapy 2015; New England Journal Medicine Feb 27, 1992]
Vitamin C, apple pectin and the amino acid taurine may improve bile flow and may be tried by chronic heartburn sufferers without side effect. [European Journal Clinical Investigation May 1997; Drug Development Industrial Pharmacy Dec 2007; Pediatric Research July 1988]
Vitamin C alone reduces symptoms of heartburn. [Digestion 1999] Apple pectin with vitamin C has been demonstrated to improve bile flow. [International Journal Vitamin Nutrition Research Supplement 1982] Note: bile is made from cholesterol. Vitamin C promotes the breakdown of cholesterol to bile. [American Journal Public Health Aug 1998]
Humans do not secrete vitamin C internally as most other animals do. In guinea pigs, which also do not secrete vitamin C internally, acute vitamin C deficiency results in a rise in cholesterol and a decline in bile acid secretion. [Journal Nutrition March 1989]
Infection of the gastric tract with Helicobacter pylori shuts off acid secreting cells. [Gastroenterology July 1997] H pylori infection affects more than half of the American population. Antibiotics are effective in eradication of this sometimes-pathogenic bacterium. The mass use of antibiotics to treat all non-symptomatic cases of H pylori would be foolish and induce antibiotic resistance.
However, there are dietary constituents that help to normalize the digestive tract and may be helpful in H pylori control. Garlic and vitamin C top the list. [Journal Antimicrobial Chemotherapy June 1999; Clinical Research Hepatology Gastroenterology Nov 2011; Indian Journal Pharmacology Nov 2011] Allicin is the critical molecule in garlic that controls H pylori. [Biotechnology Progress Jan 2004]
Lactose (dairy) intolerance is yet another prevalent cause of indigestion that affects certain populations in higher numbers – Asians, African Americans and Italians. [Journal National Medical Association Summer 2013] Approximately 70% of the world population is lactase deficient. Lactase is the enzyme that breaks down lactose. [Nurse Practitioner July 10, 2013]
The symptoms of lactose intolerance overlap the symptoms caused by lack of stomach acid or sludgy bile. Lactose supplementation may increase digestive comfort when eating meals with dairy products. [Clinical Pharmacology June 1992]
There is a crying need for a universal digestive aid that provides supplemental acid, promotes bile flow and provides lactase to relieve symptoms of dairy intolerance for adults. Such a product has been recently invented (Garligest™) and includes the following ingredients: betaine, taurine, vitamin C, apple pectin, garlic powder, fennel seed (to help adsorb air and gas) and lactase. – –
It may be a superior approach to providing relief and comfort when eating meals than conventional therapies that block stomach acid secretion or absorb air and gas (simethicone) without addressing the cause of chronic gastric distress. While simethicone may reduce air and gas pockets and provide relief for digestive discomfort, it does not address nutrient malabsorption that is prevalent among adults. ©2015 Bill Sardi, Knowledge of Health, Inc.
