When Bad Digestion Happens to Good People

Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Digestion

Now that summer’s here, the picnics, barbecues and outdoor fun and games are in full swing. But for many people all that hearty eating means tummy trouble, complete with annoyances like indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux. If your solution is to pop some antacids and grab some dessert, do yourself a favor and take the time to read on. Upset stomach and related discomforts may begin in the digestive tract, but they can have a serious impact on health all throughout the entire body.

So what’s wrong with using conventional remedies like antacids and acid suppressants? Several things. First, antacids and similar products may relieve symptoms, but the relief is temporary. In addition, these medications may also cause unwanted side effects or mask serious underlying ailments.

The good news is that safer, natural remedies are available. But before we look at those, it’s a good idea to understand how the digestive tract processes food. At its most fundamental, digestion is the process of extracting various elements from food and beverages, so that those substances -- including vitamins, minerals and other compounds -- can be delivered to various parts of the body.

Ideally, digestion takes place quietly and efficiently, without us having to do much. But when things go wrong, the body sends warning signals in the form of common disorders like heartburn, acid indigestion or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Stomach acid plays a role in each of these conditions. But it would be wrong to assume that stomach acid is the culprit. Actually, stomach acid is your friend. Without it, our bodies would not be able to access the essential vitamins, minerals, hormones and amino acids in our food.

The key to efficient digestion is in having the right amount of stomach acid. Although we tend to associate stomach problems with too much acid, it is more likely that your acid level is too low. For example, dangerous bacteria can gain a foothold in our intestines and wreak havoc throughout the body if stomach acid levels are chronically depleted.

Even worse, research has shown a link between consistently low levels of stomach acid and a long list of chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, asthma and allergies, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, depression, skin disorders, gallbladder issues, infections and parasites.

Clearly, your digestive system – actually, your entire body – needs stomach acid. But antacids or acid suppressors neutralize, block or slow production of the very substance that’s so vital to proper digestion and good health. Yes, antacids and similar drugs provide some temporary relief, but consider the cost! Your entire body suffers without the life-giving nutrients stomach acid helps deliver. At the same time, antacids can cause a whole host of side effects, including diarrhea, headaches and skin reactions. In addition, they can interfere with the metabolism of essential hormones, such as testosterone and estradiol.

Before discussing various alternatives to antacids, though, let’s take a closer look at three very common digestive disorders and how they occur.

How Heartburn Happens

Heartburn is simply the result of stomach acid leaking up from the stomach and entering the esophagus. Unlike the stomach, the esophagus has no protective lining, so the acid creates a burning sensation.

Some of the possible causes of heartburn include:

• Excess weight (35% of overweight individuals report heartburn)
• Inadequate stomach acid
• Alcohol
• Coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages
• Chocolate
• Fried or fatty foods
• Large meals
• Tomatoes and foods made with tomatoes, as well as citrus fruits and juices
• Tight clothing
• Swallowing air, from gulping food or talking while chewing
• Eating 2 to 3 hours prior to bedtime

WARNING: Because the pain associated with heartburn can be intense, it is sometimes mistaken for a heart attack. Please, be aware that heartburn accompanied by persistent chest pain lasting longer than two hours, light-headedness, rapid pulse and/or sweating may indicate a heart attack. Call 911 immediately if these symptoms occur.

All About Acid Indigestion

When that burning sensation is lodged in the pit of the stomach, rather than the chest, it may be from stomach acid that is irritating the stomach lining or other portion of the digestive tract.

Acid indigestion usually occurs because the protective layer lining of the stomach is not up to the job. Acid indigestion should not be taken lightly. It can burn the stomach so badly that peptic ulcers develop.

The chart below can help you tell the difference between heartburn and acid indigestion.

Heartburn Symptoms	Acid Indigestion Symptoms
Burning feeling in chest, behind breastbone	Upper abdominal pain
Burning feeling in throat	Abdominal fullness
Sour or bitter taste in mouth	Belching
Difficulty swallowing	Heartburn
Belching	Nausea
Chronic coughing	Early satiety (feeling full)
Hoarseness	Abdominal distention (bloating)
Loss of voice for no reason	Tooth decay
Wheezing or other asthma-like symptoms	Gum disease

Possible causes of acid indigestion run the gamut, including:

• Stomach flu
• H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori, a common bacteria)
• Stress
• Depression
• Nervous system disorders
• Intestinal gas
• Hormonal imbalance
• Peptic ulcer
• Food allergies
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Kidney failure
• Lactose intolerance
• Pancreatitis
• Stomach cancer

Getting To Know GERD (Acid Reflux)

Like heartburn and acid indigestion, GERD is a result of stomach acid flowing up into the esophagus and causing painful burning sensations. GERD is fairly common; as many as 25 million Americans live with the condition and it responsible for more than 1 million hospitalizations annually.

While there is some overlap with other digestive disorder symptoms, GERD sufferers frequently complain of difficulties like:

• Heartburn
• Chest pain
• Asthma
• Chronic cough, bronchitis and/or sore throat
• Morning hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Bloating
• Belching
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Periodontal disease
• Damage to teeth

Low stomach acid is one common cause of GERD. In addition, obesity, hiatal hernia, cigarette smoking, pregnancy, asthma, diabetes and certain medications may trigger the disease. Foods and beverages such as coffee, alcohol, fried or fatty foods, chocolate, garlic and onions and peppermint can contribute to GERD, too. Untreated, chronic GERD may result in long-term complications.

Treating Digestive Disorders

Good digestion requires balance between acid and alkaline content of the body. Acidity and alkalinity can be measured with a simple pH test that can be done at home. Later, additional tests may be required to pinpoint the exact cause of digestive stress, but the pH test is a good place to begin. The ideal pH level in the body is between 7.2-7.5, slightly alkaline.

If your test reveals excess acid, a condition known as acidosis, or an overly alkaline condition (alkalosis), a balancing regimen can correct the situation. In the case of acidosis, for example, recommendations might include the following:

• Adding more greens to the diet, particularly concentrated in supplement form
• Celtic sea salt to allow liquids to cross various membranes and provide nourishment along the way
• Vitamin B-12, which is typically low in individuals with inadequate stomach acid
• Plenty of clean drinking water
• Mineral supplements, including calcium
• Exercise, especially Rebounding on a mini-trampoline
• Meditation
• Dental visits
• Liver/gallbladder cleanse
• Parasite cleanse
• Infrared sauna or other detoxification

Heartburn, acid indigestion and GERD are among the most common digestive concerns, but there are others, including infection with the bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), parasites, and food allergies and sensitivities. All can be treated with safe, natural remedies. But the bottom line is that digestive disorders should be treated before complications occur. So do yourself a favor and exchange those antacids for remedies that solve the problem, not just the symptoms.

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Summer-Proof the Skin You’re In

From too much sun to too many bugs, summer can take a heavy toll on skin. Here’s how to protect yourself from the downsides of everyone’s favorite season.

Pop Quiz: What’s the body’s largest organ?

If you answered “skin,” congratulations! Our skin is indeed the largest organ, responsible for eliminating toxins, maintaining body heat at acceptable levels, permitting healthful substances to enter the body and preventing the not-so-healthful from gaining access to our organs and cells.

Given its importance, skin deserves to be treated with care and not just on the outside. Healthy skin actually starts inside the body. In fact, all the good-for-you behaviors that are typically touted as the foundation of good health also promote healthy skin. Drinking plenty (about two quarts) of fresh, clean water every day, for example, nourishes the skin. So does regular, moderate exercise, and a balanced diet built around fresh fruits and veggies, good fats, lean protein and whole grains.

In addition, here are a few other skin-soothing habits:

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking, which all have a dehydrating effect on skin.
• Skip the cold cream and other solid cleansers, as well as harsh soaps, when cleaning your face. Natural oils – olive or avocado oil, for example – are excellent, gentle makeup removers and facial cleansers.
• After cleansing, use a non-greasy moisturizing lotion. Avoid toners with alcohol in them. Witch hazel is preferable, plus it’s inexpensive and widely available.

When skin does not get what it needs, it lets you know. Dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, scaly patches, excessive dryness or very oily skin, and other skin disorders are all clues that something’s not right.

But even a healthy individual’s skin can suffer during summer if it’s exposed to too much sun. Spending 10 to 20 sunscreen-free minutes a day in morning or late afternoon sun (in other words, when the sun’s rays are lowest) helps the body produce adequate amounts of vitamin D (see our May, 2009, newsletter for details on this vitally important nutrient).

More than 20 minutes of sun exposure a day without sunscreen is a very bad idea, though. Sunburned skin is damaged skin, and damaged skin cells can become cancerous. Instead of risking skin damage, be sun smart. Make it a habit to use a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15. Ideally, your sunscreen should protect against both UVA and UVB rays. On days when you’ll be outdoors for long periods of time, maximize your protection by reapplying sunscreen every couple of hours. And don’t forget lips need sun protection, too. Plenty of lip balms, and even some lipsticks, now contain sunscreen ingredients.

About Those Bug Bites

Sun isn’t the only thing to be wary of this summer. With insects on the prowl, take precautions to avoid becoming their next meal. While it helps to keep arms and legs covered, hot weather can make long sleeves and pants uncomfortable. As a result, insect repellents are a good investment. Most insect bites are merely annoying, but some individuals have allergic reactions that can be serious, so it’s wise to avoid bugs altogether.

When shopping for insect repellants, read the labels. Many insect repellents contain toxic chemicals, like DEET (diethyl toluamide), that are best avoided. Safer choices are available.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. By taking a few simple precautions, you can protect yourself and your family from the all-too-common seasonal assaults that can spoil the fun.

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RECOMMENDED DIGESTIVE AIDS

Perfectlyhealthy MegaGreens Plus MSM™ 180 capsules $30.95, also available as a powder, 8 oz $30.95 A concentrated formulation of green grasses, vegetables, sprouted grains, herbs, and MSM (MethylSulfonylMethane). Mega Greens plus MSM™ contains alkaline forming ingredients to help balance your body's pH, while providing the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, and plant proteins you need for cell support.

Perfectlyhealthy Osteo Plus™ 90 capsules $30. A unique formulation of nutrient rich black pearl calcium, including magnesium malate, vitamin C, vitamin D-3, boron and K2 (menaquinone-7), with amino acids to provide maximum absorption and minimize calcium deficiencies.

Perfectlyhealthy pH Plus™ 120 capsules $34.95 Works synergistically with the proper supplements to provide the right balance of acidity and alkalinity within your body.

Perfectlyhealthy Heartburn Ease™ 180 capsules $34.95 Provides soothing relief from symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, GERD and indigestion. The unique blend of ingredients, when taken between meals and/or at bedtime, soothes your stomach naturally and restores digestive health.

RECOMMENDED SUNSCREENS AND RELATED PRODUCTS

UVNatural
Baby SPF 30+
1.7 oz. $17.99

UVNatural Baby is formulated with natural antioxidant oils and extracts to help maintain hydration and moisture while protecting your baby’s soft and sensitive skin against sunburn.

UV Natural Sun and Body Oil
4.2 oz. $19

More than just a sun tanning oil, UVNatural Sun and Body Oil contains natural oils that supply of vitamins A, C, B, D and E.

UV Natural
Lip Sunscreen SPF 30+
.17 oz. $10.99

A light and effective lip sunscreen using a blend of fine ingredients to soften and moisturise, while protecting from the sun’s harmful rays.

Solar Protection Formula
TIZO3 Protection SPF 40
1.5 oz. $37

A blend of titanium, iron and zinc designed to provide superb photo-protective performance. Specially formulated without “chemical sunscreen” filters.

Solar Protection Formula
SPF 58 Water Resistant 2.5 oz. $29.50

Contains micronized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as its only active sunscreen ingredients. Free of dyes, fragrance and “chemical sunscreen” filters to minimize skin sensitivity.

Eco Blends - Buzz-Off Insect Repellent
4 fl. oz. $10.95
DEET-free, natural insect repellent clinically proven to repel biting insects for up to 4 hours. Created with a selected blend of essential oils and based on Native American herbal wisdom.

Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Almond Pure-Castile Soap
8 oz. $7.59

A camper’s best friend! Organic, biodegradable and vegetable-based; wash your body and hair, moisturize and shave all with one product!

Klean Kanteen®

A great alternative to plastic water bottles! We carry a variety of these sustainably-produced, BPA- and toxin-free stainless steel water bottles for every member of your family. Please contact our Product Specialists at (949) 680-1913 or orders@cfnmedicine.com for more information and pricing.

Rancho SanDiego Emus
100% Emu Oil
2 fl. oz. $20

Softens and moistens dry skin, and can be used to treat burns, cuts and scrapes. Great to relieve sunburn, itching from bug bites and poison ivy/oak, and other skin conditions.

For more details or to order products, visit our website at: http://www.cfnmedicine.com/POMFlyer.aspx

This is just a small sampling of the many products we have available. Contact our Product Specialists at (949) 680-1880 or orders@cfnmedicine.com for more information and to order. Don’t forget, you receive $5 off when you purchase 2 of any product!

*Please see below for full disclaimer

Schedule for July 2009

Quote Of The Month

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"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going."

-- Beverly Sills

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*The above information and product descriptions are for information purposes only, and are not intended to provide medical advice to individuals. Consult with your physician if you have any health concerns, and before initiating any new diet, exercise, supplement, or other lifestyle changes.

Prices on products and/or services are subject to change at any time and without notice. Please contact our Product Desk to verify product pricing.

^†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.