We have all experienced dyspepsic symptoms, at one time or another, an uneasy feeling in the abdomen. It may be associated with indigestion, an acidic reflux, or GERD, which is also known to cause an acidic, burning sensation in the stomach or, possibly, in the mouth. Gastritis, an inflammation of the abdomen, may also cause dyspepsia. Helicobacter Pylori bacteria (h. pylori) are known to be the main risk factor in the development of stomach ulcers and even stomach cancer.
Dyspepsia signs
- Pain and fullness of the belly.
- Bloating.
- Sensation of acid in the mouth.
- Sore throat.
- Backpack pain.
- Cough acute and chronic.
- Symptoms of asthma caused by acid squirting in the lungs.
Why are these conditions?
Believe it or not, many theories exist. Others claim that the stomach contains acid and others say that the stomach does not produce enough. Excess acid is often the most common cause and anti-acid therapy is the cure many doctors use when treating patients with stomach problems.
On the other hand, some claim that the blame of a lack of stomach acid lies, because it allows the lower sphincter (LES) of the esophagus to relax. Even a small amount of acid that reflux into the esophagus when the LES muscle is relaxed. According to some, the LES muscle does not contract and protect the esophagus against acid reflux in the presence of acid insufficient.
Tobacco, fats, sugar and chocolate and certain drugs may weaken the muscle. Overcoming can also contribute to food making its way back into the esophagus from the belly to the mouth.
Foods that worsen digestive symptoms
- Processed foods
- Sugary foods
- Simple carbohydrates
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Tomato-based foods
- Coffee
Foods to which one is sensitive to, commonly dairy and grains
Popular medicines to improve reflux of acid
Such medications improve the effects of acid reflux by relaxing the muscles of LES:
- Albuterol: used for asthma.
- NSAIDs: ibuprofen (motrin, advil), naproxen (aleve, naprosyn), diclofenac, indomethacin and celebracoxib (celebrex). Such drugs are effective for short-term pain, but can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and promote acid reflux.
- Nitroglycerin: used for heart disease patients, angina symptoms.
- Blood pressure Medicines such as beta blockers (atenolol, metoprolol, carvedilol), and calcium blockers (diltiazem, amlodipine, nifedipine).
Don’t stop taking your medications until your doctor tells.
Lifestyle changes that can improve acid reflux symptoms
- Remove foods that worsen the acid reflux (can be unique for all).
- STOP if you smoke!
- Sleep on your back. Sleep on your left. You may get worse symptoms by sleeping on your right side.
- Heightened the bed’s head by six to eight inches.
- Remove too much alcohol. People should have only two drinks a day and girls one drink a day, overall.
- Prevent and/or limit, if not absolutely necessary, the use of anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). Do this with meat if you take them. Try acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain, which, if needed, will not upset your stomach or increase the risk of stomach ulcers. Natural anti-inflammatory substances can be considered and are beneficial for many, including omega-3 fish oil and turmeric.
Popular Acid Reflux medicines
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): omeprazole, esomeprazole (Nexium), rabeprazole (AcipHex), lansoprazole (Prevacid), dexlanoprazole (Dexilant).
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are often used to counter acid reflux pain. We should be used for the most part for the short term.
Reasons for the use of Acid Reducer Medication:
- Symptomatic acid reflux with dietary changes is not overcome. Use only for 4 to 8 weeks unless otherwise stated.
- Stomach ulcers should be treated for 6 to 12 weeks to heal. A bleeding stomach ulcer can endanger life, so that the benefits of taking this drug outweigh the risks.
- Those who have a precancerous disease in the esophagus, called the esophagus of Barrett, should also use daily PPI medicine. In 1 to 4% of those affected, this disease is associated with an increased risk of oesophageal cancer. PPI drugs can help prevent cancer progression.
- The doctor has diagnosed a rare condition such as Zollinger-Ellison with excessive acid. Those with this disorder must in most cases survive on the drug.
Side effects of drugs that reduce acidity
- Proton pump inhibitors improve the body’s ability to break down food protein if taken regularly. Proteins are separated into amino acids in the presence of stomach acids that are processed through our bodies to create proteins and brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin.
- This class of drugs decreases nutrient absorption, such as vitamin B12, vitamin C and folate. For addition, PPIs reduce mineral absorption such as iron, calcium and magnesium.
- In 2011, the FDA warned that in people who regularly take such drugs magnesium levels could be dangerously low. Low magnesium can cause heart palpitations and muscle cramps. Our bodies require magnesium and assist enzymes in conducting more than 350 chemical reactions. Reduced calcium and magnesium absorption increases the risk of osteoporosis. In addition, a 2016 study showed that people with these medications were at an increased risk of acute kidney failure while other studies show that these drugs are more likely to develop dementia.
- Acid reducers, particularly the PPI form, may need to be discarded because stopping abruptly may lead to worse acid reflux. Many take the medicine for two to four weeks every other day, before symptoms are overcome. Do not stop taking your medication without speaking to your doctor.
Main nutrients that lead to digestion
Betaine HCL
- Assuming a person is having digestive problems from inadequate acidic products, betaine HCL (hydrochloric acid) intake can be helpful up to three times a day before a meal. According to a review in
- Molecular Pharmaceutics, betaine HCL helps those with low acid intake and therefore reduced ability to digest protein. Similar findings were found in a 2014 study. Those with stomach ulcers and the esophagus of Barrett should NOT take it. Stop taking the supplement if it causes pain.
In a 2017 report, a supplement containing Betaine HCL and Pepsin was given to patients with acid reflux. The results showed that patients had decreased reflux symptoms. A 2017 Digestive Disease report concluded that the technique could be helpful.
Enzymes for digestion
Pancreatin, bromelain and papain may also be of use in the digestive process. These can be taken in additional form before a meal.
Suggested dose: Take the label as directed.
- Secondary nutrients that lead to good Digestion
- DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)
- For decades, studies have shown the value of DGL licorice. A research from 1968 showed the ability of this natural medicine to help heal stomach ulcers and intestinal ulcers. A 1978 review in the British Medical Journal found that the treatment of stomach ulcers could also be of benefit.
Vitamin C
Research suggest that patients with stomach ulcers have insufficient antioxidants in their stomachs, such as vitamin C. Low gastric vitamin C levels are also a risk factor for stomach cancer. Additional digestive aid can be helpful.
Typical dose: 500 to 2,000 mg daily.
Turmeric
Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa and Indian saffron, is an array of ginger families that are frequently consumed for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and digestive health properties. It is believed that curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, provides numerous health benefits. While many people use turmeric as a spice in the last 4,000 years to improve their food, turmeric has played an important role in natural medicine.
A 2001 study found that turmeric could help cure the intestinal stomach and ulcers after four weeks. In a 2005 study, turmeric could contribute to the abatement of excessive stomach acid by blocking H2 receptors, which is what famotidine and ranitidine reducers do. Eventually, a 2016 study showed that this herb could also help to reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Suggested dose: 500 mg once to three times daily.
Cayenne
A red pepper containing the capsaicin active ingredient. Interestingly, studies have demonstrated the therapeutic benefit of cayenne for digestion. In a 2002 study, red pepper could reduce more symptoms of upset stomach than a placebo pill.
Suggested dose: As per the tag.
Probiotics
- Probiotics include a class of healthy bacteria supplements. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the most commonly used strains. It is essential to restore bacterial balance and harmony to the digestive system. A 2016 study confirmed that those with dyspepsia have a gut bacterial imbalance. A research from the British Medical Journal in 2017 found that the recovery of good bacteria in the stomach and gut with probiotics could be beneficial for symptoms associated with dyspepsia. Prebiotic supplements can also be considered, which encourage healthy bacteria to develop. Suggested dose: 5-100 billion units a day.
- Certain foods and supplements that have been helpful to the digestive process include essential fatty acids, chamomile tea, apple vinegar and lemon juice.
Herbs to improve digestion
In his 2002 book Why Stomach Acid is Great for You, Dr. Jonathan Wright gives a list of bitter plants that have been shown to be helpful in stimulating the digestive juices required for good digestion. Such herbs can be used when dietary changes and the use of specific supplements mentioned above are insufficient:
- Dandelion.
- Ginger
- Source of Goldenseal.
- Milk cardboard.
- Wormwood
Education is important to a balanced digestive system
The food breakdown begins in our mouth and happens further in our stomach, allowing nutrients to be consumed in our small intestines. Our diet and intestinal microbiome strongly influence digestion capacity. When diet and lifestyle improvements are not enough to aid digestion, herbal drugs are often relied upon and can be very useful. Additionally, vitamins and herbs can help to restore the digestive system’s balance to optimum health. Eat healthy, think healthy, feel healthy!