What is Heartburn / Acid Reflux?

Heartburn, (also known as acid indigestion, acid reflux, or GERD), is an irritation of the esophagus caused by acid that comes up (refluxes) from the stomach.

What causes Heartburn / Acid Reflux?

Many different things can cause heartburn to occur.

• Too much stomach acid (hyperacidity)
• Overeating
• Processed foods
• Carbonated beverages
• Restrictive clothing
• Not Enough Stomach Acid
• A large portion of people with heartburn actually have too little stomach acid being produced.

When there is a lack of stomach acid, the stomach is no longer a sterile environment. This allows the bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens to infiltrate and colonize in the stomach.

The bacteria putrefy food in the stomach, causing volatile gasses and fatty acids to be produced. This creates pressure in the stomach that is greater than the pressure exerted by the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES).

This allows acids from the stomach to be forced up into the esophagus.

What are the signs and symptoms of Heartburn / Acid Reflux?

Heartburn is a burning discomfort that is felt in the chest just behind the breastbone. The burning sensation results when harsh stomach juices come in contact with and irritate the delicate lining of the esophagus.

How common is Heartburn / Acid Reflux?

Almost 30% of Canadians have upper gastrointestinal problems. Of that 30%, roughly 43% were heartburn.

(American Journal of Gastroenterology, 1999)

What health problems are caused by Heartburn / Acid Reflux?

Frequent heartburn can severely impact the productivity, daily activities and quality of life of those who experience it. Chronic excessive gastric output can result in very serious gastro-intestinal problems such as:

• gastritis
• stomach irritation
• stomach ulcers
• esophageal cancer
• Barrett's Esophagus (which often leads to esophageal cancer)

What can be done to help with Heartburn / Acid Reflux?

The following products can help control heartburn symtoms and provide long term relief.

• HeartburnSTOP - this product works to quickly alleviate heartburrn symptoms by neutralizing existing stomach acid and temporarily reducing stomach acid production.

• DigestMORE HCl - this enzyme product provides hydrochloric acid to help create a sterile enviroment in the stomach. It also contains a powerful digestive enzyme blend to help properly break down food.

What causes Enzyme Deficiency?

• Lack of vitamins, minerals and electrolytes which the body requires to make enzymes. This is caused by poor dietary choices.
• Age- over time the body begins to produce fewer enzymes.
• Enzymes naturally occuring in food are destroyed when heated above 47 degrees celcius.
• Processed foods contain very few, if any, enzymes.
• Exposure to air and light (limp and pale looking vegetables are enzyme depleted).
• Fluoridated water paralyses enzymes.