Acid blockers and malnutrition – what’s the connection
ACID BLOCKERS AND MALNUTRITION -THE MYTH OF HYPERACIDITY 2005 Your prescription for Osteoporosis, Visual Disturbances Heart disease, Dementia, Stomach cancer and so much more WHAT’S THE CONNECTION? By Juliana Mazzeo – MS, CDN – Medical Nutritionist
Acid blockers or proton inhibitors range from the
acid and its contents along with the gases up into
mild antacids, which neutralized stomach acid, to
the esophagus. The esophagus, unlike the
the powerful proton pump inhibitors that prevent
stomach does not contain acid secreting cells,
stomach, cells from producing stomach acid. We
and thus it is very sensitive to this acid. This
know them as the little purple pill, Nexium®,
action causes a burning sensation in the
Pepcid®, Aciphex®, Protonix®, or as calcium
esophagus, which can mimic signs of a heart
What is acid reflux? Acid reflux is plain old Physiology of the stomach
indigestion. Because of the pricey medicines
The stomach is a vat of acid. Specialized
advertised to patients, acid indigestion was give
parietal cells secrete this acid. This acid is
required to breakdown proteins [meat, fowl, fish,
eggs, cheese, nuts and legumes] into its smallest
What is the cause of acid reflux? There are
units of amino acids. When acid production is
many causes of indigestion. The main one being
neutralized or cellular function inhibited, food
poor diet, structural problems, obesity,
cannot be digested. Instead it will remain in the
hypochlorohydria [inadequate stomach acid],
stomach, rotting, fermenting and putrefying by
processed foods, consumption of vegetable oils
bacterial action. Thus, undigested carbohydrates
specifically foods fried in rancid vegetable oils
ferment, undigested fats rancidify and undigested
that have been hydrogenated, [cottonseed,
proteins putrefy. All this gives rise to gas,
soybean, corn, Crisco and other vegetable
bloating, and indigestion and ultimately
shortenings] consumption of sugar, excess
alcohol intake, smoking loss of digestive
enzymes, inadequate chewing, and large meals.
Consequences and side effects associated with use of acid blockers How do these factors cause the “hyper acidity”? Let’s say we just consumed a huge
Long term health complications related to acid
processed meal such as French fries, extra large
soda and 2 hot dogs on white buns. The arrival of
include nutrient deficiencies, increased risk of
this large bolus in the stomach contains foreign
stomach cancer, low immune function, poor
chemicals and preservatives that the stomach
digestion of proteins, osteoporosis, heart disease,
does not recognize. Let’s add to that,
depression, pernicious anemia, poor eye sight,
insufficient chewing [digestion of foods starts in
paralysis, severe neurological problems and
the mouth by proper chewing and salivary
dementia to name a few. We will discuss each
enzymes] and insufficient enzymes [which
one in detail, including how to manage this
anyone eating the Standard American Diet has]
will cause this mass to lay in the stomach-giving
rise to fermentation and bacterial action.
Fermentation expands and gives rise to gas and
Let’s start with stomach cancer. Your stomach
distension. As these gases rise, they are trapped
is your second line of defense with regards to the
mimicking chest pain. This pull and tension of
consumption. [The mouth and tonsils are the first
the overloaded stomach insults the gastro
line of defense]. Bacteria and viruses in our food
esophageal valve to the point where it is pulled
and water are generally destroyed by stomach
open. This overstretched valve allows stomach
acid. Once this defense is down, the foreign
invaders travel to the small and large intestines
where 2/3 of the immune system is located and
Arthritis
create other problems such as Irritable Bowel
Poor protein absorption causes the body to steal
Syndrome, arthritis, Colitis etc. A particular
protein from joint surfaces, with the end results
being arthritis. Glycoaminoglycans found in
considered the main cause of stomach ulcers and
cartilage are composed of proteins. Thus, no
can potentially lead to cancer. Yet many studies
show that most people harbor these bacteria, but
it only causes problems in certain individuals. H.
Pylori survives in a state of hypochlorohydria
Pernicious Anemia
that is inadequate stomach acid. Once it
This is a very prevalent condition in the elderly.
implants itself in the stomach it is generally
Methylcobalamin is the active form of B12 and
is the key nutrient to treat dementia. B12
absorption is dependent on intrinsic factor. What
Low Immunity
is intrinsic factor? Intrinsic factor is a protein
Immune cells are made of immunoglobulins,
made by the parietal cells in the stomach. These
which are made up of protein from the food we
are the same cells that secrete stomach acid.
eat. When protein digestion fails, there is
These are the same cells that are destroyed by
inadequate protein to produce a strong immune
these potent acid blockers medications. B12 and
system. A poor immune response can lead to any
several other vitamins are protein dependent and
health problem from a simple cold to cancer and
protein bound. In other words, once this nutrient
is ingested, it does not travel by itself in the
body, but it is escorted by protein. So if you
Osteoporosis
don’t digest protein because it is putrefying in
Calcium plays a major role in bone remodeling
your gut because you are blocking stomach acid,
and is dependent on the presence of stomach acid
for absorption. No stomach acid means no
deficiency is a very serious problem because it
calcium absorption. So the idea of taking
can mimic dementia. B12 deficiencies also
Tums® for calcium supplementation [which is
cause irreversible paralysis and neurological
recommended to all pregnant women by their
disorders. A good way to make sure you get
doctors] is absurd and a great marketing ploy.
optimal amounts of B12 is to supplement daily
Tums is nothing but calcium carbonate [lime
with at least 1-5 mgs [NOT micrograms] of sub
stone/dirt], a chalk, which neutralizes stomach
lingual B12 in the form of Methylcobalamin.
acid. If the acid is neutralized, how is the
Many of the elderly are being treated for
calcium absorbed? Bone matrix is much more
than calcium, rather, it is a matrix of many
dangerous anti-depressants, when in reality they
nutrients that include: magnesium, phosphorous,
are lacking a simple inexpensive vitamin. An
boron, manganese, vitamin D3, vitamin K,
important point to remember is that B12 is only
vitamin B6 and folic acid for cell division to
found in animal products. There is no such thing
name a few. Taking just calcium without the
as B12 from plant foods – that is a myth. B12 in
other co-factors causes calcium to end up in soft
plant foods are known as B12 analogs, which
tissues such as arteries, tendons, joints and teeth.
only increase the need for more B12. Don’t be
A side note: lack of gallbladder leads to
osteoporosis, weight gain, fat malabsorption, and
immune disorders. Without bile, the body
Heart Disease
cannot break down fat; it cannot absorb fat-
By now most of us are familiar with the term
soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, K,
and all fat-soluble co-factors such as Co Enzyme
Harvard first identified this marker in 1969.
Q10, Lutein or any of the other carotenoids.
Unfortunately, Dr. McCully, a pathologist, got
Vitamin D deficiency is a major cause of
kicked out of Harvard for his theory that
osteoporosis and as well, deficiencies have been
homocysteine causes heart disease, and not
cholesterol. Dr. McCully lost all his funding and
it took him 30 years to get his name back. Just
goes to show how politically motivated science
fibrillation, nausea, constipation, anxiety, joint
is, and how in the interim people suffer from
pain, hypertension, blood clots, impotence,
improper diagnosis and dangerous treatments.
headache and abdominal pain to name a few.
So what is homocysteine? It is a byproduct of
the amino acid methionine. Problems occur
What Are The Non-Toxic Therapies To
when there is insufficient methylation to convert
Managing This Condition?
this byproduct into a non-toxic compound. What
We obviously need to start with a clean whole
nutrients does this reaction require? It is very
foods diet, free of processed foods and rancid
simple: ample amounts of B6, B12 and Folic
fats. Eating fast and inadequate chewing must be
acid in its three forms. In fact the prescription
addressed. If you are overweight, a weight
version of folic acid is useless as it contains only
reduction program will be of great help in this
one form. So do not rely on your prescription to
condition. To improve digestion, I always
decrease your homocysteine levels. Once again,
consuming the typical standard diet. Vital
enzymes are only found in raw or fermented
Let’s get back to digestion. Folic acid, like B12
foods. The average person rarely consumes
is also protein bound and requires protein
transport. So in a stomach where no acid exists,
sauerkraut, beet kvass, or other cultured
folic acid suffers the same fate as B12. Folic
vegetables that enhance digestion and absorption
acid deficiencies cause neural tube defects [It
of nutrients. So every time we eat, we use up
took the FDA 30 years to admit this fact and to
precious enzymes to digest food. That is why
finally recommend supplements for women of
constant eating/grazing and chewing gum are a
child-bearing age, at the expense of thousands of
babies born with birth defects and spinal
specifically, pancreatic enzymes, have thousands
deformities, not to mention their immeasurable
of functions including searching and destroying
suffering and the suffering of the parents], heart
cancer cells. Therefore, eating excessively,
disease, cancer and Alzheimer due to elevated
eating sugar and refined carbohydrates we are
homocysteine levels. Insist on getting your
constantly stressing our pancreas to secrete
homocysteine levels checked which should be
If there is an active ulcer, the medication must be
Poor Eye Sight
continued until endoscopy shows a healing.
As stated before, lack of stomach acid inhibits
Gastrex®, from Standard Process, taken 10
absorption of protein. The eyes rely heavily on
minutes before meals. Gastrex® relieves
protein for proper function. Thus one of the first
organs to respond to lack of protein, are the eyes.
gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach and
Therefore, acid blockers are directly related to
the first part of the intestines, the duodenum.
This product quickly relieves an over acid
stomach. Great for gastritis, heartburn, Chron’s,
Acid Rebound
Taking these acid blockers on a regular basis
eventually leads to rebound where the person
Okra Pepsin® from Standard Process is used in
will make excess acid once the medication is
conjunction to heal any ulceration. This product
assimilation of nutrients by removing mucous
Side Effects of these drugs
Due to their cholinergic effects, some of these
medications interfere with nerve function. Side
Multizyme® from Standard Process are enzymes
effects of interfering with nerve function can
without the hydrochloric acid containing
lead to EKG abnormalities, potentially fatal
pancreatin, fig, almond and pineapple. They
assist in protein digestion and can be used during
for HMOs to take care of you once you are sick.
treatment of ulcers. Multizyme® can also be
There is no day but today to take charge of your
taken in between meals to alleviate muscolo
health and restore your vitality and health so that
you may live a productive, healthy and long life.
Zypan® from Standard Process is a digestive
enzyme containing hydrochloric acid, which
To your enhanced digestion and optimal health.
should be used upon resolution of ulcer.
Remember, acid reflux is more often than not
Juliana Mazzeo, M.S., CDN 2005
caused by achlorohydria, that is low or lack of
Medical Nutritionist
stomach acid. So supplementing with Zypan® will promote digestion, absorption and assimilation of foods, which will result in better health, and prevention of preventable diseases. For individuals who eat large amount of protein, they would benefit from using Betaine HCL® 1-3 tablets per meal. In my practice, I have had great success using this product for many types of gastro-intestinal problems, including food allergies and sensitivities. Cholacol® from Standard Process is a bile acid product. Bile is made in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile is essential for absorption of fat soluble nutrients, and metabolism of fats. In addition, bile acts as a cleanser in the intestines to remove environmental toxins inhaled through the lungs. Bile acids must be supplemented if you have had your gall bladder removed to prevent all the health issues associated with lack of a gall bladder.
Recommendations are 1-2 with each meal for the rest of your life. Conclusion Health starts in the digestive tract and death starts in the colon. Our basis for eating food is for it to give us energy to support life. The inability to digest our food and assimilate its nutrients is a sure prescription for many diseases. These western conditions are preventable.
According to the National Academy of Science, 95% of all disease is caused by diet, the environment and lifestyle. Only 5% can be attributed to our genes. In essence we cannot blame our parents or grandparents for certain conditions. This is a way of shunning responsibility for our health. Our health is in our hands. Don’t wait for the government or your doctor to take care of your health, and don’t wait
DAkkS Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH Appendix to Accreditation Certificate D-PL-14082-01-00 According to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 Validity: 10 June 2010 to 17 July 2013 Holder of certificate: LUFA-ITL GmbH Dr.-Hell-Straße 6, 24107 Kiel, Germany Testing and analysis in the fields of: Physical, physical-chemical, chemical and microbiological analyses of water, waste water, groundwater, surfa
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