Many of us have encountered the discomfort of acid reflux; in fact, it’s a condition faced by a significant portion of the population, with estimates suggesting that three-quarters of people in the United States struggle with stomach acid deficiency. Furthermore, approximately 20% of individuals worldwide suffer through the advanced stages of acid reflux, known as GERD.
The conventional approach to treating this issue often involves medications that aim to block acid production, but this method contradicts the true underlying problem and may even exacerbate symptoms. The root causes of low stomach acid are multifaceted, with factors such as stress, processed food consumption, antibiotic use, candida overgrowth, and the natural aging process all playing a role. We will do a brief recap on this below but for a deep dive you can learn more about this in our previous post on “Debunking the Myth of Low Stomach Acid”.
What Causes Acid Reflux?
Before we begin to resolve acid reflux, we need to know how it starts in the first place. In our experience with clients, the majority of acid reflux cases arise from low stomach acid levels caused by malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a valve that regulates the flow of food into your stomach. Normally, this valve is triggered by sufficient levels of stomach acid to allow food to pass through for digestion. When all goes well, the valve closes tightly to prevent food and acid from traveling back into the esophagus, keeping issues like heartburn at bay.
However, when stomach acid production is insufficient, the LES doesn’t receive the necessary signal to close tightly. As a result, food and acid can reflux into the esophagus, leading to the uncomfortable symptoms of acid reflux.
The Flawed Approach of Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), are commonly prescribed to manage this condition however they can often exacerbate the problem rather than provide long-term relief from acid reflux. These drugs reduce stomach acid levels, which is completely counterintuitive when the root issue is low acidity. Many individuals find themselves on PPIs for extended periods with little improvement in their acid reflux symptoms. Which is usually the point at which they come to us seeking an alternative solution.
Enter Betaine Hydrochloride (HCL) and Pepsin in our Reflux Inhibitor
Our Reflux Inhibitor contains 2 products for relief from acid reflux: Betaine HCL and Pepsin. Betaine Hydrochloride, or HCL, is a chemical compound naturally produced in your body. For centuries HCL has been used to optimize gut function and restore stomach acid levels. It offers numerous benefits, including:
- Stimulating the secretion of pepsin for protein digestion.
- Inhibiting candida overgrowth to prevent infections.
- Triggering closure of the LES to prevent acid reflux,
- Facilitating the release of pancreatic enzymes for fat and carbohydrate digestion.
- Preventing harmful bacteria from entering the body via food by increasing stomach acid.
- Enhancing nutrient absorption.
- Regulating gastric emptying and motility.
Research indicates that Betaine HCL can significantly adjust stomach acid levels to promote optimal digestion.
We added Pepsin to our Reflux Inhibitor as a core ingredient to amplify its effects. This is an enzyme that aids in protein digestion and further enhances nutrient absorption, so basically it gives Betaine HCL that extra oomph it needs to work its magic.
The Soothing Ingredients in our Acid Relief
Acid Relief is the Robin to our Reflux Inhibitor Batman in the Heartburn Relief Kit. While Betaine HCL and Pepsin tackle acid production and digestion, our Acid Relief supplement offers a holistic approach to soothing and supporting your digestive system. It contains a blend of natural ingredients each with its unique properties for relief from acid reflux:
- Lemon Balm Extract: calms and supports a healthy digestive system.
- Aloe Vera Gel: soothes the digestive tract, offering relief from heartburn and acid reflux.
- Slippery Elm Bark: coats and calms the gut lining, promoting healthy digestion and reducing discomfort.
- Licorice Extract (DGL): soothes the stomach lining and supports gut healing without increasing blood pressure.
- Chamomile Extract: aids digestion and promotes relaxation, enhancing comfort from within.
- Turmeric Extract: a potent superfood that offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and providing relief from pain and inflammation throughout the body.
Remember: Your Commitment to Healing is the Most Important Ingredient of All
All of these ingredients work in harmony to create a comprehensive solution to relieve your discomfort. But remember, this is not a forever commitment. Your hard work and dedication to the program will pay off. Our ultimate goal with the Heartburn Relief Kit is to empower your body to produce sufficient HCL independently, allowing you to gradually reduce or eliminate the need for supplements. Your body possesses remarkable healing capabilities, and we’ll be here every step of the way to guide you on your journey to lasting relief from acid reflux.
