What is heartburn?
Why you need stomach acid
You’re meeting friends for a birthday party at the new Chili Caliente Mexican restaurant, and the tacos have rave reviews. But secretly you know that spicy tacos have a cost long after you tap your card…
You’re all too familiar with the symptoms of heartburn. But what is actually happening inside? What causes heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD?
And why do you need stomach acid anyway? Find out what happens at the party…
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What is Heartburn? Is heartburn the same as acid reflux, or GERD?
Common heartburn symptoms include a burning sensation in upper belly or chest, feeling pressure in the chest, backwash into the throat or even in the mouth. It may feel worse after eating or when lying down, and can also include a cough, feeling a lump in your throat, or trouble swallowing.
What’s the difference between heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD?
GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (often just referred to as GERD) is the damage that happens from acid reflux.
Acid reflux: Acid reflux is when stomach acid flows back up (is refluxed) into the esophagus.
Heartburn: Heartburn is what we call the uncomfortable symptoms of acid reflux – the feeling of burning, etc.
Strictly speaking, heartburn describes the main symptom of acid reflux, and acid reflux over time can cause GERD. But in common conversations, the terms are often used interchangeably.
What causes heartburn?
OK, now you know the difference between them, but what causes heartburn or acid reflux?
Back to your party at Chili Caliente… You step out of the car and join the rather spicy crowd already waiting at the door.
Ouch! Someone wearing a sombrero just stepped on your toes.
You can smell the tacos, but the line isn’t getting any shorter.
Someone shouts, “I’m starving! Bring out some salsa!”
Another hungry customer mutters, “There’s not even any music.”
You quickly conclude that there are far too many people here and this is more of a fiasco than a fiesta…
The real problem isn’t that there are too many people, but that the people are in the wrong place.
Now picture this as a stomach acid party!
Your stomach acid is like the crowd, partying it up in the esophagus when it should really be down in the stomach doing its digestive job.
And the real question… Why is stomach acid outside of the stomach?
The shocking answer is that most people experience heartburn when they have too little stomach acid – not too much!
CAVEAT: There is a minority that does actually have too much acidity. This is why general advice can’t ever replace a personal consultation focused on your unique needs/situation. Book a call with me to discuss your situation in detail!
Why do I need stomach acid anyway?
You may be tempted to think that stomach acid is just annoying. But don’t throw the stomach acid out with the heartburn! Let’s talk about why you need stomach acid.
Stomach acid is actually good for you! It activates digestive enzymes and breaks down food, especially proteins. It helps disinfect from pathogens. And it signals the release of food on to the next stages of digestion.
(Remember the party? You need people to eat the tacos! That’s breaking down and digesting protein. And once people have come inside, they close the door behind them – that’s the stomach acid signaling the valve to close. And once the people have eaten, that’s the signal (to bring the check) to move them on to the next stage.)
What happens with not enough stomach acid? The reduced amount of acid means the valve between the esophagus and stomach doesn’t get triggered to close tightly. Also, bacteria and fungi are not fully killed off and are passed further into the body. Enzymes are not released, meaning the food is only partially digested. Partially digested food begins to rot, leading to bloating and gas — or even food sensitivities and autoimmune issues by bombarding the sensitive intestinal wall with large food particles it is not designed to manage.
And of course, the combination of the esophagus/stomach valve not being tightly closed and the gas building up within the stomach can cause the stomach contents to bulge up into the esophagus. It’s not acidic enough to do its job, but it’s still too strong to be comfortable in your esophagus!
But why do antacids or acid blockers work if I don’t have enough stomach acid?
Even with low levels of stomach acid, medications like antacids or acid blockers can help stop the feeling of heartburn. In reality, these medications mute the feeling without fixing the root of the problem.
Heartburn meds reduce the stomach acid level even more – yes, it prevents the acid in the esophagus but also prevents full digestion in the stomach.
Acid blockers also come with warnings, and the consequences can get worse with long-term use. Most PPIs or acid blockers state on the package insert that they should not be taken more than 8-12 weeks, even with a doctor’s supervision. And they say that patients should always use the least amount for the shortest time possible to reduce risks of developing certain types of diarrhea or even bone fractures.
How can acid blockers cause diarrhea or bone fractures??? Well, remember that stomach acid is a crucial part of digestion. What happens (or doesn’t happen) in the stomach affects the later stages in digestion as well – such as diarrhea. And poor digestion means poor nutrient absorption, including nutrients you need to maintain strong bones. There clear evidence that long-term use of heartburn medications can affect bone health.
Remember to talk to your doctor about all prescription medications. This is not medical advice.
Should I stop taking acid blockers?
Talk to your doctor! Remember to talk to your doctor about all prescription medications.
Antacids and acid blockers can be helpful for some people. But no medications are without risks and side effects – so please talk with your doctor about what is best for you. Ask what is the long-term plan for your GERD or acid reflux, and what you can do to support good digestion in the meantime. If you want help to balance stomach acid naturally give me a call so we can discuss your situation – let’s talk about your specific symptoms and how I can help.
Conclusion: What your heartburn is telling you
What is heartburn? Heartburn is a signal – it is telling you that there is something going on inside that needs attention. So it’s up to you — Do you want to suppress the symptom? Or would you rather look at the root causes behind it?
Your body is depending on balanced stomach acid for digestion and protection, which is why you need stomach acid! Heartburn may be a signal of not enough stomach acid. Don’t ignore the signal – look deeper and see what needs more attention!
And let’s talk about how to support healthy levels of acid, so you can get back to enjoying the Taco Tuesday party! 🌶️
This article is intended for general education and information only. But personal care and advice tailored to your needs is only a phone call away! Check out more details about how we can work together— or get started right away with your free intro call.
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