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function is like the first domino in a row: if it doesn’t fall as it should, the The authors do an excellent job of address-
rest won’t, either.” If digestion in the stomach is compromised, then the ing a host of conditions that result from too little
breakdown and absorption of nutrients in the stomach and beyond won’t stomach acid, many of which conventional doc-
be optimal. In fact, they can be reduced to the point where even if someone tors don’t associate at all with digestion. They
is consuming a nutrient-dense diet, they can suffer both sub-clinical and explain this is because “many of the potential
overt deficiencies because they’re not assimilating those nutrients. As the accompaniments of long-term acid suppression,
authors put it, “If, because of inadequate stomach acid, our breakfasts, including asthma, allergies, skin disorders, rheu-
lunches, and dinners aren’t being digested, then we can’t absorb the amount matoid arthritis, insomnia, osteoporosis, gastro-
of nutrients from that food that Nature intended. How can we expect to stay intestinal infection, depression, and many, many
healthy if we have chronically poor nutrient absorption due to incomplete others, can take years or even decades to develop.
digestion?” They would seem to have nothing to do with
Furthermore, the physical problems that can manifest from poor stomach acid and, therefore, would rarely, if ever,
stomach acid are only one side of the coin. We know that individual amino be reported.” They further note that while some
acids (particularly tyrosine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine) are required of these conditions take a long time to manifest,
to make neurotransmitters that facilitate stable moods and psychological clinical trials of most acid-lowering drugs gen-
balance. If, due to insufficient stomach acid, we don’t break down proteins erally last only months, making it easy for drug
properly, we will not be able to absorb these critical molecules. Thus, companies to ignore (at best) and cover-up (at
there’s a logical link between low stomach acid and depression, anxiety, worst) any long-term complications. Moreover,
and other debilitating mood imbalances. This link is compounded when they have little interest in exposing flaws in their
we think about the role of fatty acids in mood stabilization. Low stomach research. As the authors put it, “It’s going to be
acid will not trigger the correct environment for pancreatic enzymes to a long time before conventional medicine gives
function optimally in breaking down fats. Sub-optimal fat digestion means up its antacid/acid-blocker cash cow.”
we won’t benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fats, Besides too little acid, another cause of
nor the wide array of beneficial effects of fats for fertility, skin health, digestive distress is a weakened lower esopha-
immunity, etc. geal sphincter (the ring of muscle between the
Things get even more interesting when Wright and Lenard address esophagus and stomach). According to the au-
allergies, food sensitivities, and autoimmune conditions. Their book was thors, other things that can weaken this sphincter
written in 2001, and even though some doctors had been talking about the and cause heartburn and GERD are NSAIDs,
issue of “leaky gut” decades earlier, it seems that with the resurgence of calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, and
the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and the popularity of the GAPS protocol many other OTC and commonly prescribed
TM
in the last couple of years, these authors were at least a few years ahead drugs. So our modern, fast-paced age of stress,
of their time. They acknowledge the compromised physiology of a leaky chronic dehydration, and popping pain pills and
gut but also contend that if digestion were working full-steam (courtesy blood pressure medication like they’re candy is
of good stomach acid), food molecules would be broken down properly a recipe for heartburn and indigestion.
earlier on and fewer large, semi-undigested particles would reach the parts Wright and Lenard lay out many strategies
of the small intestine where they’re absorbed and pass into the bloodstream, for preventing indigestion, none of which require
triggering sensitivities and autoimmune reactions. a prescription or a trip to the corner drugstore.
Beyond this, too little stomach acid can lead to other compromised A grocery store, maybe, and possibly a health
health situations, many of which are becoming more common: parasitic food store with a reputable supply of herbs.
infection, yeast overgrowth, and overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria. Again, Why? Their suggestions include taking apple
the connections are clear: strong stomach acid is designed to neutralize cider vinegar or lemon juice a little while before
food-borne pathogens. Also, if foods are not broken down properly, op- meals to ramp up stomach acidity. They also
portunistic bacteria in our GI tracts feed off of them, leading to microbial recommend herbs and other natural digestive
imbalances in the gut and all the consequences that result. supports, including ginger, turmeric, bitters,
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