Dangers of Antacids

Antacids Do More Harm Than Good

 

Are you taking antacids for heartburn and upset stomach?

 

Millions take over the counter drugs to suppress stomach acid. Stomach acid is most likely NOT your problem. So what is causing your stomach issue? Probably too little stomach acid.

 

Your body requires stomach acid to perform digestive functions. It’s actually a good thing. Without it, you cannot absorb nutrients from food. Over time this leads to diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, depression, anemia, nerve damage, dementia and more.

Despite the Studies

 

Despite countless studies proving antacids do more harm than good; and cause potentially life-threatening conditions, antacids are promoted as the best thing for chronic indigestion and heartburn. According to U.S. News & World Report, experts say patients are left on FDA approved antacids indefinitely, even after they no longer need them or don’t provide therapeutic benefit.

 

OTC (over the counter) antacids should be taken short term. Most state clearly not to be taken for more than two weeks. The main ingredient in many antacids including Tums, Equate, Rolaids, and Maalox is calcium carbonate, a common calcium supplement.

Toxic Inactive Ingredients

 

Every antacid has inactive ingredients also. Why they call these toxic chemicals inactive is another deceptive advertising ploy used to discard toxic by-products of the chemical industry. Not to mention poisoning the innocent and naïve.

 

Unscrupulous corporations seduce millions with deceptive media campaigns, bombarding the masses with ad after ad until the lie sounds true because it has been embedded within the subconscious mind. The tobacco industry used it and today the pharmaceutical, industrial food, and chemical industries are using it to psychologically control the public while reaping billions at the cost of human suffering and lives.

 

The multibillion-dollar pharmaceutical industry uses Bernays’-style propaganda to convince you that your overeating, improper diet and lack of water are caused by nothing other than too much stomach acid.

Misled by Misinformation

 

Why have we been misled by such misinformation? 

For the usual reason, profits. Unethical corporations’ profits will always surpass compassion for humanity.

 

From the words of the infamous

“Poisoner of the Public Mind”

 

 ''You can get practically any ideas accepted, if doctors are in favor, the public is willing to accept it, because a doctor is an authority to most people, regardless of how much he knows, or doesn’t know … By the law of averages, you can usually find an individual in any field who will be willing to accept new ideas, and the new ideas then infiltrate the others who haven’t accepted it.”

 

-Edward Bernays 20th Century American Propagandist

 

 

Our desire to “fix” things quickly and attempt to cover up symptoms has led to an epidemic of disease.

 

Nature has given us all that we need. Peruse our article “Eating to Live,” to discover the best foods for health & wellness. Natural food/medicine heals the body and when instructed properly, will heal, virtually every time.

 

Heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux, are NOT diseases, although they may cause “dis-ease.” Diseases are symptoms of underlying issues. Something else to ponder, there is NO magic in a pill, no matter what it is. Nothing can replace wholesome fresh, real food. Food our bodies were designed to eat. Herbal and nutritional supplements are adjuncts to a healthy diet that is rich in life-giving nutrition.

 

When it comes to staying healthy and fit, prevention is your best defense. By learning how and what to eat you can prevent many of your stomach woes.

What Kills Your Beneficial Bacteria?

 

Prescription Antibiotics

It’s a common notion that most antibiotics are prescribed by doctors.

This is only a myth. Sadly, the practice of Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO’s) has created an environment that is not only cruel and inhumane, but rife with disease. Disease that necessitates the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics given to feed animals are then passed on to those who consume them, attributing to antibiotic resistance and death to your immune building beneficial gut bacteria.

 

Sugar

Bad bacteria thrive on sugar, which creates an imbalanced ratio of good-to-bad bugs in your gut.

 

Tap Water

Chlorine and its by-products kill your good intestinal flora which compromises your immune system. Another reason to filter it.

 

 

GMO Foods

That’s pretty much any processed food. The toxicity (found in glyphosate/Round Up) has been shown to increase harmful bacteria in cattle.

 

Stress

Anyone who works too much or doesn’t get enough sleep, knows stress can make you ill. Obviously, if your immune system is healthy, you’re healthy.

 

Chemicals & Medications

These are both toxic to the system. A body that is toxic is out of balance.

 

Thanks to the media, commercial yogurt is mistaken for “digestive healthy” food. It’s far from that. It’s actually closer to candy in sugar and redeeming qualities. Traditional, live cultured yogurt, bears little resemblance to Yoplait or other popular brands. Authentic yogurt is made from wholesome, organic, grass-fed goat, sheep or cow milk. Good rule of thumb when buying yogurt: Choose organic with no sugar or with natural sweeteners added such as honey. Visit the Cornucopia Institute for more information and their report on the Yogurt Industry.

Diet & Lifestyle Changes to Prevent & Heal Your Digestive Upset

 

How do you get natural probiotics in your diet?

You can restore your digestive health by balancing the bacteria in your gut. (You need more good bugs than bad ones!) There are probiotic supplements and there are many probiotic rich foods.

 

Fermented foods are rich in beneficial bacteria. For thousands of years cultures around the world have consumed fermented foods for good health and longevity.

 

The Germans eat sauerkraut, Bulgarians consume kefir, Asian cultures eat kimchi, Russians consume raw yogurt, while others enjoy the probiotic benefits of the popular brew called Kombucha.

 

Raw cheeses from goat’s milk, sheep’s milk or cow’s milk, are especially rich in probiotics.

 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Not just any vinegar though. Use Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar "with the mother." One tablespoon before meals can greatly improve your digestion. Bragg's ACV helps to replenish your body's beneficial bacteria.

 

The health benefits of apple cider vinegar are legendary and many people can attest to its efficacy treating heartburn and stomach upset. Scientists have discovered its high acetic acid content can increase the body’s ability to absorb important minerals from the foods we eat.

 

Choose Your Supplements Wisely

 

There are many versions of digestive enzymes and probiotics available today. Many are ineffective and a waste of your money. We recommend Pure Encapsulation brand for their reputation and quality products.

 

#1 Digestive Enzymes

Supplemental enzymes can work wonders for those having problems breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Enzymes enhance nutrient absorption and are absolutely essential to optimum health.

 

#2 Probiotics

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that live in your gut. Amazingly, 80% of your immune system is located in your digestive tract! Your friendly bacteria are constantly battling it out with unfriendly bacteria. Common to most people is the bad stuff called yeast. Yeast loves sugar. If you’re addicted to sugar, chances are your bad bacteria are winning the fight and your immune system is compromised. Boost your immune system with beneficial probiotics. 

 

Your digestive system is also the largest part of our neurological system. That’s why it’s called our second brain.

 

60-70 million people are affected by digestive diseases, according to the National Institute of Health (NDDK). Health issues such as thyroid imbalance, chronic fatigue, joint pain, mental health issues, psoriasis, autism and others.

 

#3 Eat Less, Slow Down, and Fast Periodically

Chew your food slowly. Digestion begins in the mouth. If you’re barely chewing and just gulping your food down, it’s most likely your food is not being digested. And you’re probably experiencing gastric upset.

 

Eat smaller portions. Our stomachs might look like they can hold a lot, but we weren’t made to eat plates heaping with food at one sitting. Too much food in your gut and there’s no room for digestion. Strive for feeling about 80% full. Don’t eat until you’re stuffed. It’s counterproductive to good health and a sure fire way to get a belly ache.

 

Fast on occasion. Even one day will help. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and always consult a healthcare practitioner prior if you have any medical issues.

 

#4 Water

Stay hydrated. Pure water is vital for every bodily function. Your body needs about half your body weight in ounces every day.   For example, a 120 lb. person would need a minimum of 60 ounces or 7.6 cups of water daily for maintenance.

 

With devastating health consequences, we have become a nation of pop (sugar water) and coffee drinkers. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger, making matters worse. We consume countless empty calories trying to fill a void that could easily be fulfilled if we only knew that we needed water. For more information please read "Your Most Vital Nutrient."

 

If you’ve been taking antacids for a long time, a functional medicine practitioner (trained in healing with nutrition) or a naturopathic doctor can help you determine if you have adequate stomach acid and get you on the road to recovery.

 

“Let food be your medicine, and medicine be your food.”

–Hippocrates, Father of Medicine

Resources:

Pure Water: This Simple Drink Improved Stomach Acid in Just One Minute

by Mercola, M.D.

 

Therapeutic Effect of Daily Vinegar Ingestion for Individuals at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

by Arizona State University

 

Should You Stop Taking Your Heartburn Medicine?

by U.S. News & World Report

 

Some Common Heartburn Drugs May Increase Heart Attack Risk

by Houston Methodist & Stanford University

 

Apple Cider Vinegar

by D.C. Jarvis M.D.

 

Health Benefits of Vinegar Health

by Health/How Stuff Works

 

Probiotics Benefits, Foods and Supplements

by Josh Axe, M.D.

 

The Importance of Gastric Hydrochloric Acid in the Absorption of Nonheme Food Iron

by National Institutes of Health (NIH)

 

Digestive Diseases Statistics for the United States

by National Institutes of Health (NIH)

 

How GMO Farming and Food Is Making Our Gut Flora UNFRIENDLY

by Green Med Info

 

Glyphosate Suppresses the Antagonistic Effect of Enterococcus spp. on Clostridium Botulinum

by National Institutes of Health (NIH)