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What Good Is Stomach Acid?

Q. As a biologist, let me offer my thoughts on heartburn remedies. For all but a few people, suppressing stomach acid with drugs is the last thing to do. I suspect that most heartburn is due to insufficient stomach acid rather than too much.

A. Stomach acid is critical for digesting protein, absorbing calcium, iron and vitamin B12 and preventing bacterial infection (Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, Nov. 2012). For millions of years, virtually all animals have depended on strong stomach acid for digestion and protection (Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, Suppl. 193, 1992).

Although antacids and acid-suppressing drugs (lansoprazole, omeprazole, etc) are mainstays for treating heartburn, many readers have reported that low-carb diets can prevent symptoms. Others say that almonds or even apple cider vinegar ease their discomfort.

We discuss these and many other approaches to reflux in our Guide to Digestive Disorders. The most recent research suggests that popular acid-suppressing drugs such as omeprazole or esomeprazole may stiffen blood vessels, increasing the risk of hypertension or heart disease with long-term use.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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