The hidden danger of lowering your stomach acidity when seeking symptomatic relief

 by Karen McGarrick (BHSc, BSc (Hons))

Currently, there is an alarming trend against all acid in the body. The body is an amazing combination of systems that function together. There are many different optimum pH levels (acid levels) in different areas of the body. They vary greatly from the alkaline (pH of 8 to 8.3) of the pancreatic secretions to the stomach, which is acidic at a pH of 1 to 3.5. These pH levels are optimal for the functioning of the specific area of the body. It is this acid in the stomach which has received such a bad rap. In this article, I am going to explore the importance and function of stomach acid. Did you know that reflux and indigestion is often due to too little stomach acid and not too much stomach acid?

The importance of stomach acid.

The reason is in Stomach acid’s function, which is all about digestion. Stomach acid is produced in the stomach by cells in the stomach lining, which uses various minerals to make it on demand. Stomach acid consists of Hydrochloric acid (HCl), potassium and sodium and has a pH of 1 to 3.5.  The stomach lining is specially adapted to handle this acid environment.

So what does it do? 

Stomach acid has many functions, the most important of which is its function in protein digestion. Firstly it is involved with cleaving apart the complexed and large protein molecules that we consume in many forms (meat, eggs, legumes). Secondly, it activates an enzyme also secreted in the stomach, Pepsinogen to Pepsin. Pepsin is also involved in protein digestion. The building blocks that make up these proteins, once released from the protein can be used to not only help make and repair muscle but also make enzymes, hormones, and neurotransmitters in our body.

Stomach acid is not only involved in digestion of proteins, but with food as a whole. The food that is chewed and swallowed in a bolus is further broken up by the stomach acid so that by the time it leaves the stomach it is in a liquid “milkshake” form called chime. This allows for better digestion later in the digestive tract.

When the chime exits the stomach into the small intestine, the pH drop (acid drop) stimulates receptors to send signals to the pancreas to release digestive juices and enzymes used to further break down and digest the food. This stimulus also stimulates the initiation of peristaltic movements of the intestines. These movements not only move the food along the digestive tract; but also crush the food further helping with its breakdown.

The work of the stomach acid does finish there. It plays an important role in the bodies immune system. It does this by destroying bacteria and parasites taken in with food. As such it is part of our first line of defense.

Many nutrients rely on stomach acid to release them from food complexes and to help them absorb into the body. One such nutrient is vitamin B12. This vitamin is used in the brain, nervous system and in blood formation. Other minerals that are affected by stomach acid are calcium and magnesium absorption. Magnesium and Calcium are important in the muscles and nervous system and Calcium is also important in bones.

One of the less known functions of stomach acid is probably the one that provides the most obvious symptoms when the acid is low. This is its effect on the Lower Oesophagal Sphincter and the pyloric sphincter. The Lower Oesophagal sphincter is found between the stomach and the Oesophagus and allows food into the stomach, whilst preventing stomach contents from refluxing up the Oesophagus. In response to increased stomach acidity, the autonomic nervous activates this sphincter. The closing pressure of this sphincter increases as the acid (HCL) increases, this is stimulated by acid sensors in the sphincter. When the stomach acid does not reach the levels to stimulate this, the sphincter remains slightly open. This results in reflux. Ironically the sphincter that is between the stomach and the small intestine (pyloric sphincter) works in the opposite manner. If the low pH (high acid) environment is not reached the valve will not open, hence keeping the food in the stomach. Isn’t nature amazing, it does this to try and ensure that we digest the food provided to us. This delayed emptying causes a full feeling and indigestion. The delayed time in the stomach along with the presence of bacteria normally not found in the stomach due to the high acidity results in the food fermenting. This causes increased amounts of gas, bloating and burping. This, as well as upward pressure, results in more reflux. These are the obvious signs and symptoms of low stomach acid levels.

Lower stomach acid levels often occur as we age.

How do we treat this condition? 

Well, the scary thing is most people treat the symptoms of this problem with a method that relieves the symptoms but aggravates the underlying problem. This is generally through antacids or protein pump inhibitors (PPI). Antacids are alkaline products that neutralize the stomach acid, making it less acid. PPIs are medicines that stop the production of the stomach acid, thereby making the environment less acidic. The problem of this is two-fold. Firstly the lower acid environment means an exacerbation of the problem long term. Secondly this lower acid results in a lowered digestion of the food resulting in nutrient deficiencies. These can lead to serious problems with blood building, in the brain and the body in general. There is an additional problem to these medicines, and that is as a result of the lack of stomach acid being produced, more and more Gastrin is produced. Gastrin is a hormone which stimulates the release of stomach acid. It is this elevated level of Gastrin that results in a terrible rebound effect when someone stops taking their PPI. The resulting symptoms are far worse than the original condition. It is for this reason that people find it hard to stop taking PPIs once on them.

The solution is obvious and that is to treat the underlying cause, which is the lowered stomach acidity. As a holistic practitioner, I would look at the whole person. This would include diet, lifestyle and family history. From this, I will find the right treatment for them that will help result in an increase in the stomach acidity, whilst providing symptomatic relief that does not influence the acidity. It is all about getting the body to behave and be as it should.


Nature is amazing in how it does everything for a reason. It can also be confusing. It is for this reason why sometimes you need to use acid to douse the fire.


Karen McGarrick is a degree qualified Medical Herbalist offering consults in Toowoomba and surrounds with the objective of enabling people to experience the pleasure of wellness.
Telephone 1300525111 or email karen@wellnessinnovations.com.au.

References:

Daley, J 2012, ‘The Gastrointestinal System’, in L Hechtman (ed.), Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, Kindle Edn, Churchill Livingstone, Chatsworth, p. 109544.

Hawrelak, J 2014, ‘Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease’, in J Sarris & J Wardle (eds), Clinical Naturopathy 2e - An evidence-based guide to practice, 2nd edn, Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

Hoffmann, D 2003, Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine, 1st edn, Haling Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont.

Janssen, S, Laermans, J, Verhulst, P-J, Thijs, T, Tack, J & Depoortere, I 2011, ‘Bitter taste receptors and &;-gustducin regulate the secretion of ghrelin with functional effects on food intake and gastric emptying.’, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, vol. 108, no. 5, pp. 2094–2099.

Kim, K-Y, Jang, JY, Kim, J-W, Shim, J-J, Lee, CK, Dong, SH, Kim, HJ, Kim, B-H & Chang, YW 2013, ‘Acid suppression therapy as a risk factor for Candida esophagitis.’, Digestive diseases and sciences, vol. 58, no. 5, pp. 1282–6, viewed 5 November 2014, <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23306845>.

Bone Broth!

What your Grandmother always knew.

Health Benefits of Homemade Broth

Bone broth or gelatin is one of the most nutrient foods that we can consume. It is rich in collagen and amino acid. Broth contains minerals in a form that the body can absorb easily such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, Sulphur and trace minerals. It contains broke down material from cartilage and tendons such as chondroitin and glucosamine.

Gelatine

Gelatine is a protein that contains the amino acids arginine, glycine, and proline. Gelatine has been found to be useful in the treatment of a long list of diseases including peptic ulcers, tuberculosis, diabetes, muscle diseases, jaundice and cancer (Siebecker 2005); (Western A. Price 2014).

Collagen

Collagen is a protein that makes up the bulk of the cartilage that makes up your joints (ROSENBAUM n.d.). It is critical to reducing friction and keeping joints healthy. It is beneficial for skin hair and nail growth; poor wound healing, soft tissue injury (including injury) as well as cartilage and bone injury (Western A. Price 2014).

Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in bone and the most abundant mineral in the body. The calcium in bone broth is easy for the body to absorb and digest. Calcium is necessary for normal functioning of nerve conduction, muscle contraction and it facilitates neurotransmitter release as well as hormone action. Blood clotting, tissue repair and immune function are also dependent on calcium (Siebecker, 2005).

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is an ingredient of ATP, the body’s source of energy. It is essential for the makeup of our DNA, Cell membranes, and messengers that relay information into the cells. Phosphorus can be beneficial for symptoms and conditions such as decreased attention span, fatigue, weakness, muscle weakness, celiac disease, primary hyperparathyroidism and seizures (Siebecker, 2005).

Chondroitin

Chondroitin sulfate is a jelly-like substance, now famous as a supplement for joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. It functions to support and provide adhesiveness. It lines blood vessels and plays a role in lowering atherosclerosis, cholesterol and heart attacks (Siebecker, 2005).

Magnesium

Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymes reaction in the body and is present in enzymes that generate and stabilise ATP. It can be beneficial for symptoms and conditions such as nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, confusion, hyperactivity, insomnia, muscular irritability, weakness, fatigues, allergies, and cardiovascular disease (Siebecker, 2005).

Sodium and Potassium

Sodium and Potassium are electrolytes that have a major influence on electrolytes balance and their electrical conductivity is necessary for nerve signals, muscle contraction as well as hormone and neurotransmitter release. Both minerals are involved in our adaption to stress, and during periods of prolonged stress, the body’s stores can be depleted. Potassium can be beneficial for symptoms and conditions such as cramp, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, increased urination and heart attack (Siebecker, 2005).

Sulphur

Sulphur is a component of connective tissue (cartilage and skin), proteins (enzymes and antibodies), hormones, and B vitamins. It is involved in energy production, blood clotting and bile secretion from the liver. Sulfur can be beneficial for use in degenerative arthritis and detoxification (Siebecker, 2005).

The vinegar used in broths helps extract the nutrients from the bones.

Slow Cooker Beef Broth

Ingredients:

• 1-1 1/2 kg beef bones, meat bones and marrow bones (preferably from grass-fed cows) 
• Filtered water 
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 
• Onions, carrots, celery – coarsely chopped 
• a few sprigs of thyme (optional) 
• bay leaf (optional) 

Method:

• Preheat oven to 220°C. Place the bones in a roasting pan and roast uncovered for 30 minutes. 
• Transfer the bones to the slow cooker. Add the vegetables, thyme, bay leaf. 
• Add enough water to cover the bones. Add apple cider vinegar. 
• Cook on low for 8-48 hours. 
• Remove all vegetables and bones, and put broth through a strainer. 
• Refrigerate overnight. The fat will have solidified by the next day; remove it and discard or reserve for another use. 
• Discard thyme and bay leaf. 
• Refrigerate broth and use within a few days or freeze.

Slow Cooker Chicken Broth

• Chicken skin is rich in collagen, and also a great addition to broth.
• Make a broth using a whole chicken. Cook for about 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Allow broth to cool, remove meat from the carcass, put the bones and carcass back in the slow cooker and continue to cook for the remainder of the time. Use the meat for salads or making soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 Whole chicken or chicken pieces (carcass, including necks and backs). 
• 4 chicken feet (optional) 
• 1 leek, cut into several pieces 
• 1 large onion quartered 
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut in half 
• 2 ribs celery, cut in half 
• 2 bay leaves 
• Handful of parsley 
• filtered water 
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Method:

• Place the bones, chicken heads and feet (if using) in the slow cooker or pot. 
• Add the vegetables, bay leaves and add enough water so the bones are completely covered. 
• Add apple cider vinegar. Cook on low for 10-12 hours. 
• Remove all vegetables and bones and put broth through a strainer. 
• Refrigerate overnight. The fat will have solidified at the top by the next day. Remove fat and discard or reserve for another use. 
• Refrigerate broth and use within a few days or freeze.

Enjoy the health benefits of these lovely broths.

(an adaption of Caroline Toner's handout)

References:

Western A. Price 2014, “Broth is Beautiful”, accessed at http://www.westernaprice.org/health-topics/broth-is-

beautiful/

ROESNBAUM S n.d., “Novel Mechanisms Protects against Arthritis”, no October 2013, pp. 22-29, viewd August

2014 <http://content.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.endeavour.edu.au.

Siebecker, A 2005, “Best of Naturopathy Traditional Bone Broth in Modern Health and Disease”, no March, viewed

28 August 2014 <http://content.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.endeavour.edu.au.

What does a Low Functioning Thyroid (Hypothyroidism) mean?

Tired and fatigued? Always feeling cold? Hair falling out and dry skin? Weight gain? Foggy brain? These can be signs of an under-active thyroid. What does this mean? 

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland found surrounding the windpipe on 3 sides in the lower neck. 

It is responsible for making Thyroxin (T3), which is important for the functioning of all cells.

This hormone is a stimulatory hormone and is responsible for such things as energy levels, cognition, brain (1), tissue regeneration, bone formation (2), normal digestion, and emotional stability (3).

When the thyroid is under active (hypothyroidism) it causes symptoms (4) such as fatigue, Increased cold sensitivity, Dry skin, puffy face, weight gain (5), constipation, muscle weakness, increased cholesterol levels (6,7), hoarseness, thinning hair, stiffness, pain or swelling of joints, Depression, heavy or irregular menses, impaired memory and a slow heart rate. The gland may be swollen which is known as a goiter (3).

When you get your thyroid tests, acronyms such as TSH, T3, T4 and rT3 are thrown around. There may also be words such as autoimmune, antibodies, nutritional status used. These can be quiet confusing.

Here are some things to provide some clarity (3):    

1. As in all things the brain is the master controller. It tells the hypothalamus in the brain to produce TRH (thyroid release hormone), which stimulates a little gland at it’s base called the pituitary gland to produce a Hormone called TSH otherwise known as Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.    
2. Just as its name implies, it “talks” to the thyroid to stimulate it to produce a hormone T4, which is the inactive form of thyroxin. The 4 in T4 refers to the 4 iodine atoms that it has (8).
3.  This is then converted to T3, which is the active form of thyroxin and contains 3 iodine atoms.
4. The T3 is then used by the cells (9) in their functioning (previously discussed).

When there is too much T3/T4 the brain is singled to decrease its production of TSH, which will intern decrease the formation of T4 T3.

If there is too little T3 and T4 the brain is signaled to increase its production of TSH normally resulting in an increase in T3 and T4.

However if there is malfunction (3) we may get the low T4 and T3 signaling the brain to produce more TSH but no more T4 and or T3 is produced. This causes increased levels of TSH but still low T4 and/or T3. This lower level of T3 would result in Hypothyroidism.

At this time we need to bring in a little thing called Reverse T3 (rT3) (3). This is an alternative product produced instead of T3 from T4 (10). When this happens the low levels of T3 tells the brain to produce more TSH, which tells the thyroid to produce more T4 only this is not resulting in more T3, but rather rT3. This is not only inactive, but also blocks the T3 at cellular level. The result is elevated levels of TSH, normal to elevated levels of T4, elevated levels of rT3 and low levels of T3 resulting in hypothyroid symptoms (3).

There are a number of causes of hypothyroidism:

Nutrient deficiency (3), namely Iodine (8,11), Selenium, Tyrosine, Zn B vitamins, folate, vitamin A and C. Selenium is used for the conversion of T4 to T3. If deficient it can result in rT3.

Autoimmune problems (3,11,12), which is when the body produces antibodies against the thyroid and its production of T3. This is effectively the body fighting against itself.

High levels of cortisol produced by stress. This results in high levels of rT3 (3).

Pathology testing:

As can be seen there are many complicating factors which, can result in this condition not being correctly diagnosed (13). 

For this reason, when testing for thyroid issues I like to have a full profile done of TSH, T4, T3, rT3 and Antibodies. 

Additionally, depending on the individual and the above results I may also request Iodine status and cortisol levels. 

This provides a better picture allowing us to be more directed in our treatment of the problem (14).

I hope this has provided a better insight to the Thyroid and how it is impacted by diet and nutrients, autoimmune conditions and stress. 

Coming Soon:

Please look out for my article on the Stress and Adrenals 

Reference:

1.         Howdeshell KL. A Model of the Development of the Brain as a Construct of the Thyroid System Developing a Timeline Model of Thyroid System and Brain. Environ Heal. 2002;110:337–48.

2.         Gogakos AI, Duncan Bassett JH, Williams GR. Thyroid and bone. Arch Biochem Biophys. 2010;503(1):129–36.

3.         Gruner T. Thyroid abnormalities. In: Sarris J, Wardle J, editors. Clinical Naturopathy 2e - An evidence-based guide to practice. 2e ed. Sydney: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2014. p. 399–417.

4.         Canaris GJ, Manowitz NR, Mayor G, Ridgway EC. The Colorado thyroid disease prevalence study. Arch Intern Med [Internet]. 2000;160(4):526–34. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10695693\nhttp://eutils.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&amp;id=10695693&amp;retmode=ref&amp;cmd=prlinks

5.         Laurberg P, Knudsen N, Andersen S, Carlé A, Pedersen IB, Karmisholt J. Thyroid Function and Obesity. Eur Thyroid J [Internet]. 2012;1(3):159–67. Available from: http://www.karger.com/doi/10.1159/000342994

6.         Lu M, Yang CB, Gao L, Zhao JJ. Mechanism of subclinical hypothyroidism accelerating endothelial dysfunction (Review). Exp Ther Med. 2015;9(1):3–10.

7.         Tognini S, Pasqualetti G, Calsolaro V, Polini a, Caraccio N, Monzani F. Cardiovascular risk and quality of life in elderly people with mild thyroid hormone deficiency. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) [Internet]. 2014;5(October):153. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25339939\nhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4188129/pdf/fendo-05-00153.pdf

8.         Pesce L, Kopp P. - Iodide transport: implications for health and disease. Int J Pediatr Endocrinol. 2014;1(8):1687–9856.

9.         Hennemann G, Docter R, Friesema ECH, Jong MDE, Krenning EP, Visser TJ, et al. Plasma Membrane Transport of Thyroid Hormones and. Endocr Rev. 2006;22(4):451–76.

10.       Reverse T3 , or rT3 - Understanding The Role This Thyroid Hormone Plays In Hypothyroidism [Internet]. 2016 [cited 2016 May 25]. p. 1–39. Available from: www.holistic-hypothyroidism-solutions.com/reverse-t3.html

11.       Ergür AT, Evliyaoǧlu O, Şiklar Z, Bilir P, Öcal G, Berberoǧlu M. Evaluation of thyroid functions with respect to iodine status and TRH test in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. JCRPE J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol. 2011;3(1):18–21.

12.       Autoimmunity IT. Induces Il-8 Production : a New Mechanism for Hcv. 2009;31(4):339–44.

13.       Kek PC, Ho SC, Khoo DH. Subclinical Thyroid Disease (2).pdf. 2003;44(11):595–600.

14.       Collins J. Phytotherapeutic Support of Thyroid Function. 2007;(January).