A Case for Heartburn
Keith Giaquinto
According to Healthline.com, approximately seven million people suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the United States. Two of the main contributing factors that the medical establishment says cause heartburn are the overproduction of stomach acid and structural problems that allow acid to reflux back into the esophagus. The usual course of treatment is to prescribe a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), such as Prevacid®, Nexium®, or Prilosec®. These medications should only be taken short term, if at all, because research shows long-term use can cause serious health consequences, such as an increased risk of chronic kidney disease1, heart attacks2, hip fractures3, dementia4, and esophageal cancers5.
The cause of heartburn may be a combination of:
• Subluxations at C3-C5 and T5-T9 phrenic nerve (diaphragm).
• A poor diet.
• A compromised mucosal lining of the stomach (due to stress).
• The inability of the body to digest food properly.
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
• Bowel toxicity.
Chiropractic adjustments and taking digestive food enzymes can strengthen the digestion of food as well as nourish the mucosal lining of the stomach. They can be an easy fixforsome heartburn cases. In more difficult cases, correction of SIBO and bowel toxicity need to be considered.
Nutritionally speaking, a strong digestive system is paramount to great overall health. There is a misconception that when we put food in our mouths and swallow it, that the food is automatically 100% digested, absorbed, and utilized by your cells and organs. How many of your patients can use additional nutritional support? The body knows what it needs to heal. Give the body the nutrition it needs so it can express health, and you will get better results with your patients.
It is physiologically impossibleforthe bodyto make too much stomach acid. Taking a PPI diminishes the acid production, which in turn affects digestion, and that may lead to leaky gut syndrome, SIBO, and bowel toxicity. Using chiropractic adjustments and food enzymes is a better and safer way to support your patient's health. Addingfood enzyme nutrition to your practice can bring better patient results and more to your bottom line.
For more information on seminars and food enzyme nutrition, chiropractors may call the Food Enzyme Institute at 800-662-2630 to set up an account.
Sources:
1. JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(2):238-246.
2. http://jou rnals. plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/ journal, pone.0124653
3. Journal of the American Medical Association December 27, 2006; 296(24): 2947-2953
4. JAMA Neurol. 2016;73(4):410-416. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol. 2015.4791
5. Arch Surg. 2011 Jul;146(7):851-8. doi: 10.1001/archsurg.2011.174.
Dr. Keith Giaquinto has more than 12 years of clinical experience as a chiropractor and internal health specialist. He frequently lectures to companies and groups in his community on topics of health and wellness. He has created a new patient lecture system for growing your practice through lecturing. You can contact him at www.drkeithgiaquinto.com
