Taken together, digestive enzymes and probiotics, can alleviate most acid reflux
symptoms. It is recommended to take two capsules containing natural ingredients rather than antacids, which neutralize acid in the stomach and are at best only a temporary fix. They are also loaded with harmful ingredients such as sodium and aluminum.
Probiotics are beneficial microbes which protect the digestive tract by keeping the natural flora in balance. The most well known is lactobacillus acidophilus, which is found in yogurt and in supplement form.
A good probiotic should contain at least five billion live microorganisms per capsule. The ideal composition should include L. acidophilus, L rhamnosus, S. thermophilus and L. bulgaricus. These are considered “friendly bacteria”. They are of great benefit to the health of the colon and to the immune system, in general. Taken in conjunction with digestive enzymes, they balance the digestive system and reduce the possibility of acid reflux.
Digestive enzymes, which are normally secreted by different glands in the digestive system, help break down food molecules into smaller particles in order to aid in digestion process. Each enzyme has a specific function related to different elements of food. For example: lactase breaks down lactose (milk sugars), protease and pepsin break
down proteins and diatase digests vegetable starch.
People suffering from acid reflux symptoms are lacking the required amount of digestive enzymes normally produced by the body. They may need to take a digestive supplement to help regulate their digestive system. A good digestive enzyme supplement should contain protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, diastase, invertase, lactase, pectinase and alpha galactosidase.
In addition to these supplements we recommend checking your pH Levels. The normal rate of acid excretion through the kidneys gives urine a pH that falls between 6.75 and 7.25. By testing the degree of acidity of the urine, you can determine whether your body is eliminating a normal quantity of acids. If the acid excretion rate is higher than normal, the urinary pH will be more acidic. A low urinary pH is also an indication that the body is saturated and therefore in an acidic state.
Another indicator of the overall pH balance in your body is the pH of your saliva. When your body has the mineral reserves that it should, the abundance of minerals will show up in a saliva ph test as a pH reading of 7.0 to 7.50. A low saliva pH reading indicates that the mineral reserves in your body are low, and are being used to buffer acids elsewhere in the body.
There is a strong correlation between the pH of the body’s internal environment and that of the urine and saliva: urine and saliva become acidic when the body’s internal environment becomes acidic. You can discover the pH of these fluids by using pH test strips. These strips are made specifically to test saliva and urine.
When cells in the body work in an alkaline environment, the digestive system will function properly. You should be drinking at least eight glasses of water each day. Water hydrates the body and flushes out the toxins that build up in the digestive track. Do not drink anything with a meal as it dilutes stomach acid and the body produces more acid to compensate. Maintain a daily diet of 80% raw food and vegetables as often as possible. Eat fruit and nuts for breakfast and a salad for lunch to reduce the acidity in the stomach.
Refrain from lying down too soon after a meal. You should allow at least two hours before doing so. Take a walk instead. Walk for thirty minutes each day. A proper Aerobic exercise regimen is essential for the overall health of the body. Chew gum between and after meals. Chewing produces saliva, which is alkaline in nature and counteracts the over production of acid. Remember that stress is a major cause of poor digestion and the measure of ill-health in general.
We at American Nutrition hope that this recommendation will help you to feel better and puts you on the right track to a life free of reflux symptoms.
Supplement suggestions for those suffering from acid reflux symptoms:
Acidophilus and Aloe – These important resident bacteria should always be present for optimal intestinal health and function.
Acidophilus Bifidus – Acidophilus helps support a “friendly flora” environment in the colon while Bifidus, the most prevalent naturally occurring colon bacteria , further helps the colon produce B-Vitamins.
Bacillus coagulans are a beneficial probiotic that forms highly resilient structures which create a protective barrier around each cell and support healthy intestinal flora.
Bifidyn is an advanced and potent bifidus product. It contains two complementary forms of bifidus. Bifidobacterium longum is an acid-stable and viable strain of bifidus for successful implantation into digestive tracts.
Green PhytoFoods deliver additional vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber; these natural foods remain the most popular and unblemished source of perfect nourishment helping to naturally support healthy pH levels.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is part of the normal vaginal flora. The acid produced by L. acidophilus in the vagina may help to control the growth of the fungus Candida albicans, thus helping to prevent vaginal yeast infections. The same beneficial effect has been observed in cases of oral or gastrointestinal Candidiasis infections. Lactobacillus acidophilus can be supplemented if naturally ocuring levels are not sufficiant.
SOD (superoxide dismutase) is an enzyme that funcionaa as an antioxidant. Every cell in the body uses the SOS enzyme to combat the rise and damage of free radicals produced by normal cellular reaction. As we age, our bodies produce less SOD, which may lead to signs of aging and increased oxidative challenge. SOD also promotes respiratory health, digestive health, vision health, immune system and cellular health, healthy aging, neurological and cardiovascular health.
pHion pH booster alkaline water system promotes alkalizing, oxygenated, mineral-rich, and pure water to balance pH levels.
Specific Digestive formulas offered at AmericanNutrition.com
American Nutrition Superzymes – A superior enzyme formula offered by American Nutrition that offers a state of the art digestive enzyme formulation.
iFlora Complete Acidophilus Formula – 16 strains of the most unique & potent cultures. A complete comprehensive probiotic containing both resident and transient microorganisms.
NOW Foods Probiotic – 10 25 Billion designed to provide a high potency and balanced spectrum of beneficial bacteria found in human intestinal tracts.
Acid Reflux Studies:
“Lactobacillus bulgaricus has been found to be very effective at alleviating digestive problems like acid reflux (GERD).”
~ The Great Physician’s RX for Heartburn and Acid Reflux
By Jordan Rubin, Joseph Brasco Key#2; Page 37
“…long-term intake of products containing probiotic strains may have a favorable effect on infection (Helicobacter pylori) in humans, particularly by reducing the risk of developing disorders associated with high degrees of gastric inflammation.”
The American Society for Nutrition J. Nutr. 137:812S-818S, March 2007
A survey Suggested that fried food, spicy food and alcohol were the most common precipitating factors for heartburn.
~ Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Volume 25, Issue 1, pages 93–101, January 200
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