Dear group:

I got the following information below on stomach acid from:
http://www.drz.org/asp/conditions/digestive_problems.asp

and I got the above web address from the links section of a newly
formed yahoo egroup at:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Stomach/

I am a 52 year old bipolar person that has recovered from my illness
via natural means. One of the key puzzle pieces for me in which to
do so was to recognize and treat severe HCL (stomach acid)
deficiency in myself. Some of this severe HCL deficiency is due to
my age, as everyone loses a substantial degree of their ability to
produce stomach acid between 40 and 60 years of age.

I am of the opinion that (1) addressing a possible lack of HCL and
(2) addressing a very probable lack of digestive enzymes should
almost always be performed regardless of the psychiatric illness in
question (autism, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc). The only
notable exception to this general rule may be in regard to children
and HCL (they may not need HCL at all, and it's administration may
pose some serious safety problems as well).

Lastly, my time on the net for the moment is going to run out soon.
My mother, whom is near death, desires to "come home to die" vs.
remaining in an institution to do so. If my mother coming home is
determined to be medically safe and medically feasible, I am going
to lose my net connection in about another week or so. I will be
back online as soon as I am able to if this occurs, but there is
going to be a lag time here.

Allen


Ask Dr. Z - Get holistic on-line help for your digestive problems
now!

Digestion begins in the mouth

Digestion begins at the top. The taste receptors on the tongue
signal the brain that food is arriving in the digestive system. The
hypothalamus gland then responds and initiates the hormonal signal
to begin production of all required enzymes and acids for the
digestion of the food.

Proper chewing mixes the food with the saliva, signaling the brain
to begin the digestive process. The first enzyme action begins with
salivary amylase (ptyalin) which breaks down starch into less
complex sugars.

Because most people do not chew their food enough to fully process
the starch and carbohydrates, digestive problems begin in the mouth.

The HCL Story

Up until the late 1920's and early 1930's hydrochloric acid (HCL)
was prescribed for many symptoms and conditions. After that time the
medical establishment discontinued its common use. We are now
beginning to understand the impact HCL can have on a person's
health. Numerous studies have shown that HCL secretion declines with
advancing age.

Once the stomach senses food, it secretes the hormone gastrin into
the blood. Gastrin affects digestion in two ways:

It stimulates the secretion of HCL
It causes contraction of the muscles responsible for stomach
motility.
The gastric secretions in the stomach consist of protective mucus,
pepsinogen, and HCl. Pepsin is the enzyme that digests food
proteins.

The functions of HCL:

converts pepsinogen to pepsin, thus induces protein digestion
keeps the stomach sterile against orally-ingested pathogens
(parasites, bacteria, virus)
prevents bacterial or fungal overgrowth of the small intestine
stimulates the flow of bile and pancreatic enzymes
facilitates the absorption of a variety of nutrients.
HCL plays an important role in the total digestive picture.

Here are typical signs and symptoms that are associated with
decreased gastric secretion of stomach acid (HCL):

soreness, burning, and dryness of the mouth
a low tolerance for dentures
heart burn
indigestion
excessive gas
bloating or distention after eating
diarrhea or constipation
hair loss in women
malaise
multiple food allergies
nausea
prolonged sense of fullness after eating
Other signs of reduced HCL secretion are

abnormal intestinal flora
chronic candidiasis
chronic intestinal parasites
dilated capillaries in the cheeks and nose
swollen and inflamed tongue
iron deficiency
post-adolescent acne
undigested food in the stool
weak, peeling and cracked fingernails.
With lowered HCL the normal sequence of digestion and nutrient
absorption is disrupted. HCL is required for the best absorption of
folic acid, ascorbic acid, beta carotene, iron, calcium, magnesium,
and zinc.

HCL supplements are especially important for the elderly who are not
responding to nutrients such as B vitamins and minerals.

Asthma, alcoholism, chronic skin conditions, digestive disturbances,
intestinal permeability, overgrowth by pathogenic bacteria or fungi,
and evidence of parasites are all conditions which may indicate
impaired ability to secrete adequate HCL and therefore may benefit
from HCL supplementation. Diseases related to the pancreas or
gallbladder also may benefit from HCL supplementation as these
organs indirectly require stomach HCL to function properly.


Heartburn

Heartburn is considered by most people to be caused by too much
stomach acid (HCL). Often the opposite is the case. With deficient
or absent HCL, food is not digested properly, it ferments and
putrefies instead. Fermentation acids are extremely corrosive.
Heartburn, bloating, gas, and indigestion follow.

We then reach for the antacids, such as Tums, Zantac, Tagamet, etc.
They relieve the symptoms, but do not address the underlying cause.
Antacids, by definition, interfere with normal digestion, because
they neutralize any stomach acid. They further can cause stomach,
gallbladder, and pancreas malfunction, and can lead to malnutrition.
Osteoporosis is another possible side effect. Calcium is not easily
utilized by the body in an alkaline environment which is created by
Tums, and other antacids.

Possible side-effects associated with the use of Zantac and Tagamet,
as described in the 1997 edition of the Physician's Desk Reference
(PDR) include:

severe headaches
confusion
depression
blurred vision
constipation
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
pancreatitis
hepatitis
rashes
hair loss
The clinical experience of many holistic practitioners has clearly
shown that heartburn, indigestion, and a myriad of other symptoms
can be remedied by the supplementation of HCL and digestive enzymes.

Go to Dr. Z's Self Evaluation for on-line Digestive Problems help!