Digestive disorders seem to be the norm more than the exception today. It is estimated that almost 50 percent of the U.S. population has heartburn, with 7 percent reporting it daily. Nearly a billion dollars is spent annually on medications for it. Yet, these medications can cause some pretty serious problems in the body.

The typical solution is to take a medication: antacids or acid-inhibitors (PPI's) to counteract the symptom of heartburn or reflux. Most people are unaware of the dangers of these medications. Antacids increase the pH of the stomach, disrupting the rate of absorption of many medications. It can delay the effectiveness of certain medications and increases the absorbability of others, up to three times the normal rate. This can lead to toxicity of the drug as well as increased side effects.

According to a recent report, women who take acid-inhibiting medications (PPI's) have a 44 percent increased risk of hip fracture. With longer use, the risk increased to 245 percent. Why? Hydrochloric acid (the primary acid enzyme normally found in the stomach) is supposed to be acid. There are several reasons for this. One function of hydrochloric acid (HCL) is to digest minerals. When you take PPI's, you create an overly-alkaline environment which inhibits digestion of calcium and other vital mineral co-factors. This then interferes with the function of many vital functions that are mineral-activated.

All the while, what is not getting addressed is "what went wrong in the first place?" "WHY do I have heartburn and reflux?" Mostly the answer given is "acid excess," without regard to what kind of acid. Most people today (mostly because of stress and poor eating habits) are hydrochloric acid deficient! HCL is not the damaging acid it's made out to be. Acids that are the byproduct of putrefaction of food (food rotting in the stomach due to a deficiency in acid enzymes), are the cause. This decaying food, not only causes organic acids that burn, but also releases gases that bubble up and weaken the esophageal sphincter, allowing these acids to travel up the esophagus and even into the mouth.

So what is the solution? FIX THE PROBLEM! Finding the cause (not just a rote "too much acid" answer), is really not that difficult. The problem is mostly HCL deficiency, but can also be a structural problem such as a hiatial hernia, gastro paresis and others. Sometimes it is poor food combining (resulting in an excess of rotting foods), eating the wrong foods, weakening of the diaphragm, stress or anxiety. Many medications can cause gastric distress as well.

The solutions for remedying digestive distress are as plentiful as the causes. Most of these are natural, without dangerous side effects. If you prefer to take care of the cause, and do something different, there is help. Learn more in an upcoming webinar, Overcoming Digestive Challenges, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 11. This is an online class that you can attend from the comfort of your own computer. Class fee is $5. RSVP: (208) 765-1994.

Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 32 years of experience. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.