I have taken a prescription Zantac for a long time, for my ulcers. When I get to the point I don’t think I need to take them, I eventually end up doubled over in pain, and start taking them again. Recently I’ve heard that taking antacids is not good. My question is: is this true? And if so, why, and what can I do so I don’t have to take them? Thanks.
There are two reasons to take Zantac-‘acid reflux’ and ‘gastritis.’ Zantac decreases the production of acid in the stomach. The acid in the stomach is useful and needed for the proper digestion of proteins, which will not be digested after it leaves the stomach. Antacids do the same thing-only they neutralize the acid instead of stopping its production. Many antacids have aluminum in them, which adds to the toxic metal load in the body.
Acid reflux is a problem with the sphincter at the stomach and esophagus junction. This sphincter should be closed except when food is being transported from the mouth to the stomach. If it is open all the time, it permits the highly acidic gastric juices to reflux into the esophagus, which is not equipped to handle that acid load. In fact, over time, the esophagus tissue will change it order to tolerate it, which is called Barrett’s esophagus. This is a precursor to cancer of the esophagus. Many people have found that certain foods make their reflux worse–especially a large carbohydrate meal, or less often, a heavy meat meal.
Gastritis, or even ulcers in the stomach, may be helped with DGL, deglycyrrhizinated licorice, wafers. These coat and protect the stomach lining. Some have tried an oil to coat the lining also, like olive oil (although high doses long term will not be tolerated) or a non-refined version of vitamin E.
Important:
Avoid substances that cause inflammation:
- caffeine,
- sugar,
- trans-fatty acids,
- aspartame,
- alcohol,
- cigarettes.
My doctor says I can get all the vitamins and minerals I need from my food. What is your opinion on this?
I used to say the same thing to my patients, back in the days before I studied healthy alternatives. It is the party line of allopathic medicine, although that is starting to change. Here's the bottom line, and I'll follow up with some info on what allopaths are now doing:
4 responses so far ↓
1 Sharon // Apr 9, 2010 at 11:09 am
Dr. Stan,
My granddaughter (3 mo) is taking Zantac for acid reflux syndrome. They use to call it colic. Is there something natural that her mother can give her? She is breastfeeding.
2 Cara Patterson // Apr 9, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Here is a theory from my husband and some other natural practitioners: When a person has insufficient acid, the food takes longer to break down. Then, the esophageal sphincter actually becomes fatigued and is unable to remain completely closed for the prolonged process. Antacids actually worsen the problem, possibly creating conditions from maldigestion such as dysbiosis (bacterial imbalances in the gut). When digestive enzymes and betaine hydrochloride are given along with the DGL, it is our experience that the digestive process improves to the point that the sphincter is able to remain closed with no problem. With babies, we have used a digestive enzyme that specifically assists with lactose digestion. The results have been wonderful.
3 Sharon // Apr 12, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Cara, where do I get a digestive enzyme? Thanks, Sharon
4 Cara Patterson // Apr 14, 2010 at 4:45 pm
We are a chiropractic office. The brand we carry is Theramedix, which works well. The lactose specific enzyme product is called LCS. One breastfeeding mother actually emptied the capsule and applied it to herself before nursing, as the baby would not take a bottle. Good luck!
Leave a Comment