Pain in the gut

Digestive system-related diseases such as celiac/gluten intolerance (in varying degrees), Crohn's Disease, colitis, IBS, heartburn, reflux (GERD), chronic diarrhea, gastro-paresis, diverticular disease, chronic constipation, gallstones and others are really climbing. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) (related to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health and the NIDDK), 60-70 million people are affected by all digestive diseases at a cost of $141.8 billion (2004). How much is that today, 10 years later?

The stomach is the root of most all digestive disorders, whether in the stomach or the intestines. When symptoms start, most people control them the best they can - usually with over-the-counter remedies. These include antacids, which neutralize the acids in your stomach or acid blockers, which inhibit your body from releasing acid enzymes. When those no longer work, stronger prescriptives are sought. These seemingly simple fixes can come with a cost. Each has a set of problems that can be hard on the body, especially the kidneys, brain, or bowels. They also just mask the problem.

Then, when those fail, what's next? I have an idea - let's fix the problem! Sure, masking the problem with meds helps symptomatically, but what happened to resolving the issue?

With all the demonizing we do about stomach acid, we've forgotten that the body actually NEEDS stomach acid! Your stomach enzymes (particularly hydrochloric acid - HCL) are supposed to be acidic. When the stomach reaches the proper ACID pH of 1.0-2.0, not only does it digest the food in the stomach, but signals are sent to release or convert other enzymes throughout the digestive system. HCL has a very important job of killing any pathogen (bacteria, virus, parasite, mold, fungus, or yeast) that doesn't belong in the body. If HCL is insufficient, we can't break down protein or minerals, and could get sick from contaminated food.

HCL, which is almost as acidic as battery acid, does not damage the stomach because the mucus layers (with entrapped buffering agents) in the stomach are protective. The stomach lining also continuously regenerates itself. What causes burning and reflux are the organic acids released as part of the fermentation process the body goes through when there isn't enough HCL to enzymatically digest the foods. Basically, the food rots in your stomach and burns it!

There are many things that contribute to insufficiency of HCL. First is stress. As part of the stress mechanism, digestion is shut down. To counter that, don't eat when stressed or on the run. Relax when eating. Don't drink cold water with meals, as that can decrease enzyme release. Eat plenty of fresh food, full of live enzymes and avoid packaged, dead foods whenever possible.

Consider acupuncture. Acupuncture helps restore digestive balance. It reduces inflammation, stimulates proper HCL release, supports healthy immune functioning, lessens the pain associated with digestive issues and, along with expert guidance with food and supplements, can help stimulate healing of damaged tissues.

Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 32 years of experience. She is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health-care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. She can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.