The causes of heartburn and acid reflux

Part 7 – How high OR low stomach acid can cause heartburn and acid reflux

Summary

  • Young people can have heartburn, which is usually caused by infections like H. pylori, or food/lifestyle – alcohol can play a major role.
  • Elevated stomach acid levels can cause problems in some cases, there is no doubt about this.
  • There is a rare condition called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which can cause increased stomach acid production.
  • In general, however, the incidence of heartburn and reflux increases with age.
  • At the same time, stomach acid production declines.
  • Thus, in older people (>40) heartburn and reflux are often the result of LOW stomach acid.
  • Low stomach acid may lead to slow stomach emptying and may weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
  • When the LES is weak, small amounts of acid and stomach contents can splash back into the esophagus and cause symptoms.
  • Low stomach acid also predisposes to other digestive infections, Candida, SIBO, etc.
  • H. pylori, SIBO, hernias and other factors are also more common in older people.
  • Thus, it’s not wise to assume that excess stomach acid is causing the problem.
  • It is also unwise to assume that taking acid blocking medications is the “right” thing to do.
  • In fact, suppressing stomach acid with medications may even be the opposite of what’s needed.
  • Detailed investigation should be carried out to expose the underlying cause(s) of the symptoms and to determine whether acid levels should be decreased or increased.
  • Unfortunately, the medical. system does a poor job of testing stomach acid levels.
  • The Heidelberg capsule test for stomach acid levels may be available in your area – it’s worth asking for.
  • Why Stomach Acid Is Good For You by Wright and Lenard is a great book to consider.
  • See also the video by Dr. Wright here: https://youtu.be/G2cZ-MSvl0o

Watch the other videos in this series

  1. Why heartburn is dangerous (deal with it immediately!)
  2. General overview of heartburn and acid reflux causes
  3. How food and diet can cause heartburn and reflux
  4. How medical drugs and recreational drugs can cause heartburn
  5. How H. pylori causes heartburn
  6. How Candida, SIBO and parasites cause heartburn
  7. Why high or low stomach acid can cause heartburn (You are here)
  8. How a hiatal hernia can cause heartburn and reflux
  9. The benefits and drawbacks of taking acid blocking medications (H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, etc.)
  10. How to wean yourself off acid blocking medications

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Dave.