Acid blockers good for your stomach but not for your bones

By Jonathan Evans Herbal Information Specialist /Business Representative for the Herbarium Special to PRIME I hate to say "I told you so," but it feels too good to pass up, so, "I told you so." Thanks, I need that. You may have seen news reports that people using stomach acid inhibitors have been found to have a 30 percent higher chance of bone loss. I am sure the pharmaceutical industry is not concerned, because Ta Daa!, they have Fosomax. This, however, is not the path I would go down. Stomach acid & calcium absorption For many years we at The Herbarium have reported evidence from medical and scientific researchers that acid blockers were not only a temporary measure, but had unintended consequences. Let us return to junior high or high school chemistry. If you have a hard material, say calcium or some other mineral, what would you use to dissolve it? Water or acid? The correct answer is acid. Now, if you are diluting the acid, it would mean the mineral will not dissolve well. Add to that the fact that the prime calcium supplement people are told to use (and the one that is most heavily advertised) is calcium carbonate, also an antacid. Think Tums that is what is happening in your stomach. If the minerals are not being broken down, you will not absorb them as well and your body will turn to the next best source of calcium in the body bones and teeth. The result is often osteopenia or osteoporosis. Natural help for acid reflux Many of The Herbarium's customers have found improvement in their acid reflux by adding digestive enzymes and in some cases, Betaine hydrochloride with pepsin, to their diets. These products essentially supplement one's own digestive juices and can improve digestion enough that doctors have taken some people off mediations. Some folks have used a product call DGL, which can help restore the mucous lining of the stomach, allowing them to tolerate stomach acid. If your stomach can go back to its original condition, the need for prescriptions or over-the-counter antacids is removed. Acid reflux & cancer Acid reflux has become a very common diagnosis, and concern about esophageal cancer probably led to increased use of antacid preparations. I feel this may have instilled a false sense of security in some. Several months ago the Healthcare Ledger featured an article by a local gastroenterologist who pointed out reduced stomach acid is still splashing into the esophagus and could be doing damage, despite the use of antacids. I am not saying you should stop taking your medications, but I am saying is it is incumbent upon the individual to do some research, understand what these products do, how they affect your body in the long run, and what you can do to improve your bone and general health. Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx : Jonathan Evans via e-mail at info@theherbarium.com, or by regular mail at The Herbarium, 264 Exchange Street, Chicopee, MA 01013