A web link on stomach acid, as it may relate to the misnomer mental illness

[Guest guest]

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 egroup at:

http://health.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!