Gastric esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is such a common condition that acid reducing medications, like Nexium and Pariet, are some of the best sellers. To alleviate the symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, and reduce the risk of esophageal damage, medications like these that lower acid secretions in the stomach utilize an effective strategy.
To their dismay, many patients are told by their doctor that they will require a lifetime of acid control medication. A few will challenge this prediction and be met with either a resumption of symptoms, unfortunately, or surprisingly, recovery. Of course, those who do recover often have modified their situation through diet, lifestyle, weight management or a reduction of stress.
Something to consider, if you are one of the ones who needs to continue to use acid controlling medication, is that there could be a compromise to your nutrient status over time.
Since hydrochloric acid is required for the proper absorption of vitamin B12, this nutrient becomes depleted. B12 deficiency can cause neuropathy (a condition of pain, tingling or numbness) and is a significant reason for neuropathy in people over sixty.
Long-term usage of acid reducers can also affect the absorption of other nutrients like zinc and vitamin D. This drug-nutrient interaction helps make a case for nutrient rich supplementation.
For people with food sensitivities, reflux medicines pose an added obstacle. Perhaps the GERD or stomach distress is in fact a symptom of food sensitivity. If the triggering proteins are not properly digested, the sensitive individual will experience symptoms.
On these medications, the reduction of hydrochloric acid leads to a consequential reduction in activation of digestive enzymes.
When this happens, the offending proteins in the diet are not thoroughly broken down and can bother the sensitive individual.
For people who want to try to get along without acid controlling medication, there are a few things you could try.
Some people notice that certain foods trigger acid reflux like: fried foods, acidic foods and coffee. Avoiding these and eating smaller meals can help manage symptoms.
After the evening meal, going to bed with an incline can reduce the reflux.
At my clinic, I recommend a short rebalancing protocol along with what I call a “clarified diet.” Through the elimination of suspect foods and managing acid and digestion naturally, many will recover.
Overweight individuals may require a weight management program along with the above protocol in order to get their system working properly.
What a relief to be able to eat and live without suffering and not have to compromise one’s long term nutritional status.
If you have GERD and don’t want to be on acid reducing medications forever consider investigating a naturopathic approach to correcting your digestion.
On the other hand if you must continue acid controlling medication, consider boosting your nutrients through a quality multi vitamin and some select supplements that would prevent vitamin depletions.
A naturopathic physician is best suited to providing insights to this complex biochemistry.
— Dr. Tara Macart owns Opti Balance Naturopathic Medicine in Qualicum Beach with her husband, Jonathan.
