Acid Reflux:
Too much or too little stomach acid??
Acid reflux, also call Gastro Eosophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD) is often attributed to excess acid production. Interestingly this condition
is more often not a case of over production of acid or excessive acidity,
it is in fact a case of the stomach acid rising up through the upper valve
of the stomach and into the oesophagus, leaving a burning sensation in
the chest and throat.
So why does the stomach have pressure and squeeze its contents back up
into the throat?
into the throat?
There are a few reasons:
1. Helicobacter Pylori (HP)- This can be tested by your GP and will need
to be treated with the appropriate medication
to be treated with the appropriate medication
2. Food allergies: Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, FODMAPs, spicy food, fizzy
drinks, dairy and gluten.
drinks, dairy and gluten.
3. Low stomach acid. That’s right, we’ve been led to believe that it is a case of high stomach acid but it’s more
often low acid. The stomach should be around 1 pH but often in this case it is around 3 pH- this is not acidic enough to kill bacteria like HP
often low acid. The stomach should be around 1 pH but often in this case it is around 3 pH- this is not acidic enough to kill bacteria like HP
4. IBS and gas: Increased gas in the intestine from fermenting undigested food creates pockets of air in the intestines, increasing intra-abdominal pressure, putting upward pressure on the stomach and squeezing the contents of the stomach up and out.
5. Stress: Has a relaxatory effect on the upper sphincter/valve of the stomach and a constricting effect on the lower.
What to do?
1. Test for Helicobacter Pylori with your GP
2. Test for Celiac disease or gluten intolerance
3. Test for Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
4. Consider an elimination diet to find food intolerances
5. If nothing comes up but the pain is severe, consider an endoscopy from your specialist.
Safe things you can try:
1. Treat SIBO if you have it with antibacterial herbs from your qualified herbalist
2. Try eliminating Gluten, dairy and FODMAP foods for a couple of weeks to see if it reduces
3. Remove alcohol, caffeine and spicy food
4. Don’t overeat or eat just before going to bed
5. Try digestive enzymes and probiotics
Call or email Chris if you have any specific queries to see if Chinese medicine can help you.
Chris Eddy is a registered doctor of Chinese medicine in Melbourne CBD.
He has 10 years experience in treating male infertility and is a clinical supervisor at RMIT university.
Please contact Melbourne Acupuncture Clinic @ Rowen D'Souza Chiropractic
clinic 712/365 Little Collins St Melbourne. (03) 8676 0599
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