07/06/2020
GERD or acid reflux is one of the most misdiagnosed conditions in this country. The phrase acid reflux should not be used until it is proven that it actually exists. Reflux can be either acidic or alkaline. One of the most accurate ways to diagnose which digestive condition a patient has is with a Heidelberg pH diagnostic test.
The over production of Hydrochloric acid (HCL) is called Hyperchlorhydria. The under production of HCL is called Hypochlorhydria. Both of these conditions will cause reflux, belching, bitter taste in the mouth, gas, bloating, nausea, belching, intestinal gurgling diarrhea and/or constipation, etc. Gastric fluids, with or without the presence of strong hydrochloric acid, is very bitter to the taste. Because the symptoms of these two conditions are virtually identical many doctors make the assumption that a patient is over producing HCL. This misdiagnosis is the result of the doctors failure to do pH diagnostic testing. Unfortunately, in many instances patients that are not producing enough HCL are placed on Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) or other acid reducing medications. This misdiagnosis will cause the patient becomes Achlorhydric. Achlorhydria is the absence of Hydrochloric acid production in the Stomach. Strong hydrochloric acid is absolutely necessary to maintain proper pH balance in the digestive process. HCL maintains a sterile environment in the stomach and it destroys pathogens, parasites, bacteria that enter the stomach. More importantly, sufficiently strong HCL is necessary to break down nutrient and assist the Peptic enzymes in the conversion of proteins. The peptic enzymes are responsible for breaking down proteins into proteoses and peptones, which are the building blocks for the amino acids. The peptic enzymes are most active in the conversion process, when the strength of the acid is between 1.0 and 2.1 pH. As the strength of the HCL diminishes the peptic enzymes become less active in the conversion of proteins. At pH 5.0 the peptic enzymes are completely inactive in the conversion process. PPIs will stop the production of HCL and allow the proliferation of bacteria like H. Pylori and Candida. When sterilization and conversion is eliminated raw protein is dumped into the small bowel. Many proteins are allergens and will cause food relate allergies and food sensitivities, if they are not destroyed by the strong HCL and peptic enzymes. Proton Pump Inhibitors will hide the symptoms of reflux, however the side effects can be debilitating. Reflux can be controlled with natural medications that do not alter the body’s natural pH balance. Before taking any type of PPI or acid reducing medication that can harm you, get a Heidelberg pH diagnostic test. A 30-minute Heidelberg pH diagnostic test is accurate, safe and affordable.