Stomach health!

Did you know that stomach medications are the most prescribed drugs in the USA?  That fact says alot about how we take care of our digestive tracts, especially our stomachs.  Read on to find out more information to take care of your digestion and your stomach.

Your stomach is a very acidic environment.  This acid condition serves to helps destroy bacteria and parasites.  The acidity also allows the stomach to secrete intrinsic factor needed to absorb vitamin B12 and it's necessary for the absorption of minerals that trigger the release of hormones by the pancreas (without which diabetes can occur).  The stomach also secretes enzymes, especially pepsin, which is needed to convert proteins into amino acids.  When undigested proteins make it into the intestines, inflammation begins, causing leaky gut syndrome, chronic allergies, chronic constipation (or diarrhea), and inflammatory bowel disease. 

Without proper stomach acidity, you develop colonization of bacteria that have been associated with ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease.  One of the root causes of this bacterial overgrowth is the deficiency of stomach acid, which can be induced or aggravated by antacids, acid blockers, and acid stoppers. 

Many medical doctors promote more and more antacid usage on a daily basis, especially if an ulcer develops.  However, acid blockers make your stomach less acidic.  That encourages all the problems associated with a low acid stomach. 

Conservative approaches would be to remove the high stress activities from your daily routine, drink plenty of water, get more rest, a better diet, exercise, and chiropractic adjustments.  If those therapies are unresponsive, it may be time to consider medications. 

There are also several supplements to help with this condition that are available here at the office.  Just call us and we'll be glad to have them ready for your purchase.  601 924 4647.