Our bodies need the nutrients in food to sustain healthy life. Countless processes between enzymes and the food we eat take place in the stomach, where digestion begins.

We require stomach acid to dissolve and break down the good into particles small enough for us to absorb. There are enzymes that only function in the strong acids produced in the stomach. As digestion proceeds, the acidity becomes less and less strong, until digestion in the stomach is complete.

The acid becomes weaker, the enzymes finish their job, and the food is moved out of the stomach into the small intestines, where the nutrients are absorbed into the blood stream.

Severe GERD Symptoms? Tired of Harmful Drugs?
Not Quite Sure What To Do Next?
Try A Natural Remedy!
Sensitive Digestion Formula
Help your gut begin to function normally again,
from start to finish, as nature intended.

Side-Effects and Consequences

Using antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors interfere with normal acid production.

If stomach-acid regulating products are taken before a meal, stomach acid is not produced even though the stomach is filled with food. The food stays in the stomach for a while. Because there is no acid to dissolve and digest it, the food is not properly prepared to be absorbed, and it is passed into the gut to be eliminated as waste.

If antacids or acid-regulators are taken after a meal, stomach acid has already been created, and digestion is able to continue to some degree, although it is rapidly neutralized and digestion processes are stopped. Any food eaten in the next few hours, though, is unable to be digested, and it is passed into the gut to be eliminated as waste.

Malnutrition

If stomach-acid regulators or inhibitors are taken every day for gerd, acid reflux, heartburn, gastritis, dyspepsia, general indigestion symptoms, whether mild or severe, the consequences can be dangerous.

Eating becomes a waste of time and money. The basic building blocks of life are not available to the body, and imbalances occur from these types of gerd treatments. Symptoms can be handled in most people with the natural gerd remedies described above.

For example, we need calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and other minerals in order to build strong, healthy bones. Without these minerals, we can develop any number of health problems, from colon malfunction, to bone loss (antacids can cause osteoporosis and osteopenia), nerve system and muscle disorders, etc.

We require normal stomach acidity in order to be taken into the body. Our muscles and nerve system rely on proper balance of minerals in order to function; mineral imbalances cause other symptoms, like memory loss, visual problems, muscle weakness, etc. Calcium that should be available for bones is not there, and bone loss - osteoporosis - can result. Our bodies begin to malfunction, and our immune system becomes weak.

Doctors are telling patients to take these antacids, H2 blockers, and prton pump inhibitors 'for prevention'; this removes symptoms while ignoring the cause, and allows the body to become really sick as time passes. This approach makes no sense, but the drug manufacturers are reporting record profits from sales of these drugs.

Protection From Invaders

Normal stomach acid is strong enough to kill bad things that try to enter our body through our esophagus. The stomach is a first line of defense against these germs and parasites. The stomach is where invaders are supposed to be stopped, and it is the stomach acid that stops them.

Without normal stomach acid to defeat them, these bacteria and other invaders have an open door into our bodies.

Destruction of Normal, Helpful Bacteria

Interfering with the normal digestive functions removes many of the 'good-guy' bacteria that are supposed to be in the gut. This can lead to constipation and other problems.

H2 blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors do not function as an antacid.

Antacids such as Alka-Seltzer or Tums neutralize the acid that has been created, bringing relief to the symptoms. And while antacids disrupt the normal digestive process as well, the effects are not as long-lasting.

Although some doctors are telling their patients to take 1 or 2 Tums with every meal as a 'calcium supplement' to prevent osteoporosis, the antacid prevents calcium from being absorbed. This has an affect similar to taking H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors every day, and leads to the same kind of malnutrition.

Gerd Guidelines: Natural Alternatives

I have read about esophageal sphincter surgery for gerd. Surgery complications can create a beginning, not the end, of the problem.

The best alternative medicine for gerd is probably no medicine at all. These drugs are not 'gerd cures', they only help with symptoms, and the side-effects are potentially dangerous.

Try the simple home remedies for gerd. Natural treatments - and relief from gerd - begins before and during your meal.

Try to plan a 'gerd diet'. Foods to avoid? You probably know already what they are.

Slow down, chew your food, drink water instead of any other beverage, smaller meals, less fat.

Symptoms of gerd and gastritis would not require medicine or an alternative to medicine if the problem could be prevented.

Go to Part 1

Top of Severe GERD Symptoms 2 Page

Osteoporosis-People Home Page