PHARMACY FRIDAY - Indigestion.. Too much or not enough acid?

Recently I went through a bout of the flu and let me tell you, it was no fun. The actual flu part has been over for at least two weeks now, but the lasting side effects still linger. For the most part, I am on the mend and just a little tired still, but one problem just keeps persisting. . . . . INDIGESTION.

I have not had indigestion this badly in a long time. Some days it gets so bad it makes my heart flutter and flip flop in odd ways (it aggravates another issue that has long been under control). So of course, I have been desperate to remedy it.

In the past I just reached for an antacid tablet. There was a time in life when I and one of my kids lived on those things, usually bringing relief for only a few minutes, but over the years I have learned that there are ingredients in those antacid tablets that I really don't want in my body. I also read one day awhile back that it is a misconception that indigestion is always caused by too much acid in the stomach when often times indigestion may actually be from not enough acid in your stomach, Antacid tablets would then make the problem worse. Well, I CERTAINLY don't want my indigestion to get worse! Without enough of the proper acid in your stomach, food doesn't digest properly, what isn't digested will just sit there, resulting in unwanted (and sometimes dangerous) bacteria growth.

I did a little research and, sure enough, MOST (not all) indigestion is caused by NOT ENOUGH acid in the stomach. It does result in acid being pushed up into the esophagus, but that is because not having enough acid in your stomach makes all of that area work improperly. So my search was on to find something NATURAL to relieve my indigestion. I had noticed that when I drank my hot cup of Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey (which I was using to remedy something else), I would often begin to belch, so I decided to begin there with my searching. Sure enough, it is a wonderful remedy for indigestion!  It makes sense as the vinegar adds acid to the stomach and both the vinegar and the honey kill many unwanted bacteria that may be further causing the indigestion/reflux problem.

I simply mix a teaspoon or two of Apple Cider Vinegar (make sure it is Raw, with the Mother in it, preferably Organic) and a large spoonful of Raw Honey in a cup of quality hot water (not chemically laden tap water), stir and sip until all consumed. In just a matter of minutes I get great relief! In fact, I get far better relief than from any commercial tablets or liquid I have ever taken. From now on I will make sure I ALWAYS have these two ingredients on hand and I will never buy commercial antacids again.

The following articles give great detail as to how LACK OF stomach acid can cause acid reflux and/or indigestion:

Great Video Explanation by Dr. Patti Kim

From Livestrong

From NaturopathConnect

All of these articles are excellent and you won't want to miss any of them!