Why do so many people rely on heartburn medications? You need to look at is why they may be a problem for you – and why you get it in the first place.
Heartburn medications affect how your body handles stomach acid. Some (proton pump inhibitors) reduce acid production by blocking an enzyme involved in the acid production. Others change the acid pH in the stomach (so it doesn’t burn as much when it comes up), or act as a barrier that sits on top of the acid to stop it getting up the oesophagus and giving the burning sensation we know as heartburn.
What we need (in most cases – unless for a specific reason to reduce it) is MORE stomach acid, not less. It is also having adequate acid to trigger reactions to tell the sphincters to close and stop the acid escaping up into the oesophagus – giving the burning pain.
Do they have a use? Yes probably – as a short-term help. Particularly if you have ulcers that need time to heal or another underlying problem. It can be wise to see a doctor to check if you have damage if you have had ongoing heartburn.
“Ok, so why can they be a problem then?”
Acid-controlling medications have effects on many parts of the body. Your stomach needs acid to break down food into components the body can use – this is what digestion is. If you don’t have the acid, then food doesn’t break down properly, so you can find yourself at risk of nutrient deficiencies, for example calcium and magnesium – which directly impacts your bone health and strength.
Deficient acid can also leave you open to infection by microbes that would normally have been killed off in the gut by the acid – and these bugs can make you sick, really sick. Not a good thing.
The use of proton pump inhibitors and increased risk of cardiovascular problems recently appeared in a news report. How is this the case? Put simply, they may damage blood vessel cells and can inhibit production of a substance called nitric oxide, which is really important for blood vessels to be able to dilate properly, and also impacts blood flow. This is not nitrous oxide (laughing gas) – as heartburn just isn’t funny! We need good blood flow, healthy vessels and good digestion – they help us avoid that whole inconvenience of dying.
There are other potential impacts on the body with proton pump inhibitor use, such as impaired cognitive function and negative impacts on kidneys, but this is getting to be a long post, so I won’t go into those.
“BUT I HAVE HEARTBURN!!! MAKE IT STOP!!”
Yep, I hear ya. Here are some suggestions for you.
- Chew your food properly. Makes a big difference not trying to swallow your food whole like a starving hyena.
- Pay attention to what you are eating – you will probably find certain foods cause you heartburn. Avoid or limit these. I can help you identify potential culprits.
- Don’t eat right before bed. Give your food time to digest before going to bed or lying down. Bananas or apples have been known to help, so might be worth a try for you.
- Cut the alcohol – yes, I said it (oh no!). Alcohol irritates the stomach.
- Check your weight – is this part of the issue?
- Control stress. Stress can cause really bad heartburn symptoms. IF stress appears linked to your heartburn, get in contact with me to book a consultation so we can address this.
- Apple cider vinegar – yes this actually works with many people. DO NOT use this if there is suspected damage to your oesophagus (such as ulcers) – it will burn and not improve anything.
Add 1 tablespoon to ¼ to ½ a cup of water and drink it down, 15 mins before meals. If you find you have heartburn after a meal, and you forgot to take it before, you can take it then. Wait 15 mins then have a little snack – such as a banana or a piece of cheese – just to give your stomach something to digest and make you feel better. - Don’t drink water with meals. This dilutes your stomach acid and affects how well your stomach can break down the food you put into it.
Heartburn can be a complex issue and unfortunately there are usually underlying issues that you need to deal with. I can help you with this, so please don’t ignore it as just an annoying condition you have to tolerate.
You also need to be aware that chest pain and burning may a sign of something far more serious, so if you have concerns about chest pain, especially if severe and unrelenting, please seek urgent medical assistance – from a doctor, NOT Dr Google!!!!!!