It's Time to Break Your Memorization about Stomach Complaints - Part 1
The stomach environment is not intended to punish you for being acid. This is a normal, physiological requirement. Perhaps it will be amazing, but if you stay within the physiological limits, it is good for your health to have a high stomach acid.
We realize that what we're saying isn't like what you've been told. Since this subject was too long to fit into a post, we planned a 4-part series of articles. In this article we will talk about why gastric acid is so important, and in connection with that we will tell you about the health risks of suppressing gastric acid. In this context, we will consider the potential dangers of using proton pump inhibitors (PPI), one of the most commonly used drug groups to suppress gastric acid. “Industrial Western medicine savun argues that stomach acid increase is caused by complaints such as heartburn, reflux, ulcers and indigestion and PPI group drugs that suppress gastric acid should be used in its treatment. From this point of view, the reason why gastric acid is necessary is not considered. While the stomach is trying to produce acid with the strength of western medicine, it tries to destroy this acid with drugs with its strength. There is a paradox that cannot be accepted and needs to be rethought. We will examine this paradox from a holistic perspective.
We also want to emphasize this in order not to cause misunderstanding. The subject of this article is related to functional stomach acid elevation. Other than that, organic diseases such as Zolinger Ellison Syndrome (Gastrinoma), which are observed with excessive elevation of gastric acid, are not included.
We have already mentioned above that we will present you in the form of a series of articles due to the long topic. Topics consist of the following sections that are closely linked.
Section 1- Why is stomach acid necessary? Why do many health problems arise with the reduction of stomach acid?
Chapter 2- What are the symptoms and symptoms of stomach acid reduction?
What are the dangers of drugs that reduce gastric acid secretion (proton pump inhibitors PPI)?
Chapter 4 - How does Helicobacter pylori infection occur and what are the harms?
FIRST PART
Why is stomach acid necessary? Why do many health problems arise with the reduction of stomach acid?
If you have complaints such as heartburn, burning, or if you have been diagnosed with reflux, you should prescribe a prescription medication that suppresses stomach acid. Because from the point of view of “industrial medicine bu, it is accepted that these diseases are caused by excess gastric acid. But there is a serious contradiction with this theory. Ask me why? Let me answer right away. Statistics show that reflux and gastric complaints increase with increasing age. But we also know that gastric acid secretion decreases with advancing age. So, with age, both acid secretion decreases and the rate of reflux and stomach complaints is increasing. Don't you think it's irrational? At this point, the view of modern medicine about stomach complaints becomes open to discussion.
The graph below shows how much gastric acid decreases with advancing age.
Decrease in gastric acid secretion with the progression of age occurs because of what we call rof atrophic gastritis ”. People with atrophic gastritis are likely to experience many more important problems, including the risk of developing stomach cancer, in the later stages of their lives due to gastric acid deficiency. In other words, the reduction of gastric acid is a disease in itself. Although this situation is known, what can be the explanation of the long-term use of medication to suppress gastric acid? Unfortunately, industrial medicine is not interested in explaining this.
Why is stomach acid necessary?
In order to better understand the subject, we need to give some basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
The stomach is the widest part of the digestive tract in the upper left part of the abdominal cavity. It is located between the esophagus and the duodenum. The section where the stomach joins the esophagus is called iya cardia ”and the section where the duo joins with the duodenum is called“ pylorus.. Muscles that surround both the cardor and pylor like a ring and shrink like a bag mouth are called “sphincters.. Of these sphincters, LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) controls the passage between the esophagus and the stomach, and pyloric sphincter controls the passage between the stomach and the duodenum. These sphincters perform nervous and stimulated contraction and relaxation movements to provide controlled passage of nutrients.
LES (esophageal sphincter) prevents the food in the stomach and especially the gastric acid from escaping back to the esophagus, while the pyloric sphincter prevents the passage of food from the stomach to the duodenum. To summarize, the direction of food in the digestive system is always one-way. At any stage of digestion, the digested food content cannot return to the previous digestive section, there are mechanisms to prevent it. So why does this system work in one direction? There are, of course, some reasons for preventing backward escape. Because every step of digestion has a certain pH. Thus, the resistance of the cells forming different parts of the gastrointestinal system was also shaped according to their pH properties. For example, the cells lining the inner wall of the stomach are acid-resistant and not alkaline. In contrast to the stomach, duodenum is resistant to alkaline, but not acid-resistant.
What is this pH?
pH is the parameter that determines the acid or alkali property of the medium. The more acid an environment, the lower the pH. A high pH means an increase in alkaline properties. The pH 7 level is neutral. For example, the stomach has a working pH of 3 or less during digestion. So there is a strong acid environment in the stomach.
It is a physiological requirement that the stomach content is highly acidic. It is very important for the digestion that the foods we eat encounter with stomach acid. Digestion of proteins begins in the stomach. When the stomach acid goes below 3, the enzyme that digests the proteins (pepsin) becomes active. Stomach acid dissolves protein foods and makes a soup consistency. If the stomach acid is sufficient, the pylor sphincter at the exit of the stomach is opened when the food is thoroughly dissolved and the stomach content passes to the duodenum. If the stomach acid is not enough, the pylorus will not open and the contents of the stomach will be discharged.
A second benefit of high stomach acidity is the destruction of bacteria, parasites, fungi, toxins and chemicals that enter the digestive tract along with foods. The stomach is the first entrance gate of the digestive system. In many studies, if the gastric acid is pH 3 and below, the majority of the microbes entering the body with the foods consumed cannot survive for more than 15 minutes. It has been found that stomach acid is weakened and some bacteria can survive at pH 5 levels. Aflatoxins are well-known toxins with carcinogenic properties. Aflatoxins in the previous article we have mentioned in our article, when the stomach acid goes below 3, aflatoxins can be destroyed to a large extent as destroyed.
To summarize, the pH of the stomach is below 3 is very important both for digestion and for protection from bacteria and toxins. The cells lining the inner wall of the stomach have been created to withstand these highly acidic conditions. In addition, the secretion of mucus secreted by the stomach effectively protects the inner wall of the stomach against the effect of acid and thus, no problems occur. However, the structure of the esophagus and duodenum (duodenum) is not so high acid resistant.
We have said above that the progress of food in the digestive system is always one-way, that food digested at any stage of digestion cannot return to the previous digestive section, and that sphincters provide it. Pyloric sphincter is more powerful than esophageal sphincter (LES). This point that we emphasize is very important. We want you to keep this sentence in mind while reading our article. Because in the later part of the article, when the internal pressure of the stomach increases, you need to know this detail to understand why the stomach content is backing towards the esophagus.
What are the factors that cause stomach acid reduction?
1- Stress: It is the most important factor that reduces stomach acid. When we say stress, as is often the case, only psycho-emotional stress should not be understood. In addition, changes in environmental conditions such as physical stress, poor living conditions, insomnia, chronic alcohol use, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise caused by excessive fatigue, especially in the wrong diet, diseases, major accidents and surgical operations, economic problems etc. Many reasons such as stress factors. The functioning of the digestive system is also controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the functioning of all internal organs. We know that the digestive system works under the control of the parasympathetic nervous system, and especially that the gastric acid is secreted and increased by parasympathetic stimulation. Stress is a response to stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. In fact the sympathetic system is the system of combating stress and adapting to the body to these situations. When sympathetic activity comes to the fore, stomach and bowel movements slow down or stop. Stomach acid secretion and other digestive secretions are also reduced. Because there is danger and vital situations that need to be adapted, the body does not devote time and energy to digestion. Digestion can wait. For example, in acute infections such as flu and diarrhea, the appetite closes while the body struggles with viruses and bacteria. A body struggling with infection should not waste time with digestion and should focus on winning this struggle with all its strength. I suggest you read our article n What are the tricks of controlling stress and cortisol release?..
The factors that create stress due to today's living conditions have increased and sustained so much that the stress becomes chronic. The human body is therefore deprived of gastric acid protection, which is an important defense mechanism. As a result of stomach acid reduction, many other health problems that may be vital may arise. I will talk about them below.
2- Stomach acid suppressant drugs (PPI): Stomach pH during digestion is between pH 1-3 values. This is a very strong acid degree. In people using PPI drugs, it was found that gastric acid remained above pH 4 for 12-16 hours, in other words it decreased acidity (1), (2), (3), (4). Gastric acid does not reach the physiological value even during digestion. The damages of PPI group drugs will be explained in Chapter 3 of our article series.
So, what are the symptoms and symptoms of gastric acid reduction?
I stated at the beginning of the article that it is a physiological requirement that the stomach become acid during digestion. If this physiological event cannot occur and gastric acid is reduced, this can cause many health problems. So, what are they?
1- Diseases of the digestive system: reflux (gastro-esophageal reflux), duodenal ulcer, heartburn, indigestion, gallbladder stones
2- Stomach cancer
3- Lack of macro and micro nutrients
4- Autoimmune diseases (Hashimato thyroiditis, Basedow Graves disease, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune gastritis, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, Type 1 diabetes, SLE, vasculitis, etc.), Allergic diseases (dermatitis, eczema, urticaria)
5- Irritable bowel syndrome
6- Depression, anxiety, variable mood, sleep disorders, forgetfulness
7- Reduced resistance to infections and increased risk of infectious diseases. For example pneumonia, tuberculosis, typhoid and dysentery. In addition, increased risk of contamination with certain bacteria and parasites (salmonella, campylobacter, cholera, listeria, giardia, C.difficile, etc.).
8- Asthma
9- Anemia
10- Osteoporosis
11- Helicobacter pylori infection
Let's examine respectively how these problems occur when stomach acid decreases.
1- Gastro-esophageal reflux, duodenal ulcer, heartburn, indigestion and gallbladder stones: During digestion, the pH of the stomach should be 3 or lower, I have already stated. The insufficiency of gastric acid causes the following negativities.
- Bacteria entering the body with food cannot be destroyed
- Pepsin enzyme that digests proteins cannot be activated
- Pylor sphincter that closes the gastric outlet cannot be opened
- Stomach discharge is delayed.
As a result of this, undigested food waits too much in the stomach. Bacteria that come with food are not destroyed by gastric acid, but on the contrary, they encounter a nutrient medium with very favorable conditions for their reproduction. This environment is a reproductive environment that is not available to bacteria. They grow rapidly in this environment where all kinds of food are needed for their needs. Bacteria cause protein and carbohydrate foods to decompose and produce gas. The gas released by the decomposition increases the stomach pressure. As the stomach pressure increases, it causes recoil on the weak side of the stomach. As I mentioned above, pylor is stronger and spesific LES is weaker than sphincters located at both ends of stomach. Increased gastric pressure is not enough to open the pyloric sphincter, but the LES opens easily. As a result, the stomach content escapes back into the esophagus.
This condition is called “gastro esophageal reflux” or “reflux”. Stomach tissue is acid-resistant. Does not cause any damage to the stomach, even if the acid degree is high. However, the esophagus is not acid-resistant. Even weak acid causes damage to the esophagus. I would like to underline again that even if the acid secretion of the stomach is reduced, the contents of the weakly acidic stomach escaping backwards can cause damage to the esophagus and cause burns. It also causes belching gas escaping from the stomach to the esophagus. Indigestible carbohydrates and stinking proteins can cause indigestion and heartburn, as well as bad breath.
Negative events do not stop there. With the pressure of increased pressure in the stomach, the pylor is also opened after a while. Food passes to the duodenum. In normal digestive physiology, gastric acid needs to go below 3 to stimulate pancreatic secretions. When the stomach acid goes below 3, the following events occur in a sequence that triggers each other:
- The pancreas produces bicarbonate and digestive enzymes (chemotrypsin, amylase, lipase) and secretes it into the duodenum.
- Stimulate the gallbladder and allow the bile to flow into the duodenum.
The secretion of bile and the pancreas are bicarbonate alkali substances. Acid-containing foods from the stomach to the duodenum are mixed with bicarbonate and bile and neutralized without damaging the duodenum. Thanks to the digestive enzymes secreted by the bile and pancreas, digestion continues in the duodenum after the stomach.
When the gastric acid secretion is reduced, the mechanism described above is rendered inoperable and the normal digestive function described is impaired. When there is little acid in the stomach, the pancreas does not go into stimulation and does not secrete enough bicarbonate and digestive enzymes and the flow of saffron to the duodenum stops. Since the bicarbonate is not made and there is no bile flow, the acidic content from the stomach cannot be neutralized. Even if the degree of acid is reduced by using the drug, bicarbonate and bile to neutralize it are still not enough release, thus creating problems in the duodenum. Just like esophageal cells, cells covering the inner face of the duodenum are acid-resistant. Even if the stomach acid is reduced, this weak acid can still cause damage to the duodenum (ulcer).
Continuous suppression of gastric acid is not only a problem for the duodenum and esophagus, but also provides the basis for gallbladder problems. If bile flow fails, bile stagnation (bile stasis) occurs. Bile stasis leads to the formation of gallstones in the long term. Carbohydrates and proteins that cannot be digested sufficiently continue to smell in the duodenum, small intestines and large intestines. Hydrogen gas released as a result of decomposition causes noise, swelling and tension in the intestines and causes intra-abdominal pressure to increase. Increased pressure in the intestines is a second reason for increased reflux by compressing the stomach from bottom to top. Hydrogen gas, which is caused by insufficient digestion in the intestines, is also excreted through the lungs after absorption, causing bad breath. As a result of the research, it is stated that 10 grams of hydrogen gas can be produced in one day as a result of the decomposition of 30 g carbohydrate which cannot be absorbed because it cannot be digested. When you think about the volume of your digestive system this is a huge amount.
A bacterium called helicobacter pylori and settled in the stomach is accepted to play a role in the formation of ulcers and gastritis. 90% of duodenal ulcers and 65% of gastric ulcers develop due to helicobacter pylori. When the stomach acid is low, this bacteria settles in the stomach mucosa and causes inflammation. Another interesting situation was found in the researches. Helicobacter pylori creates some effects on the body in order to reduce stomach acid in order to maintain its living environment once it has the opportunity to settle in the stomach. Duodenum and gastric ulcers develop as a result of decreased gastric acid and inflammation. In Chapter 3, we will discuss more about Helicobacter pylori.
To summarize briefly the above: Gastric acid, reflux, ulcers, indigestion, swelling, gassing, the main cause of complaints such as stomach acid excess, but vice versa is the lack of acid. The discourse of “excess acid ıştır is wrong for the stomach, but true for the esophagus and duodenum. However, the increase in the acid content of the esophagus and duodenum is not because of the high acid content of the stomach, but rather because it is low. If the stomach were acid enough, the digestive function would proceed in normal flow, bicarbonate and bile buffering systems would work properly, no digestion and gassing would occur in the digestive system and many digestive system problems would not arise from reflux to ulcers, from souring to belching and bad breath.
I have been closely witnessing these situations that I have told you about my patients who have been treated with this perspective for years. When I stop the drugs that suppress gastric acid secretion in my patients experiencing the complaints I mentioned in my article and I increase the gastric acid naturally by various methods, I observe that my patients' complaints improve rapidly and permanent recovery takes place.
Low stomach acid does not only cause reflux and ulcers. Gastric cancer is another problem that may arise. This issue will be continued in Chapter 2. 2.Click for the section.
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