Here are a few of the 20 amino acids with their functions: lysine helps with the absorption of calcium, histidine is essential for the re-growth of tissue, phenylalanine assists with nerve functions and memory, leucine controls the blood sugar levels, methionine is used to break fats down and tryptophan helps with sleep and the production of serotonin.
When our digestive system is out of whack, we suffer in several ways. Acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion can be an unpleasant side effect of improper digestion. While it's widely believed that acid reflux comes from overproduction of hydrochloric acid, recent research suggests that indigestion can actually be caused by the underproduction of this acid.
In the case of underproduction of acid, also known as achlorhydria, undigested protein sits in our stomach, essentially rotting away. Bloating, burping and discomfort follows - sometimes forcing acid or food back up the esophagus. Disgusting, isn't it? If you have bad breath, burp excessively after eating, feel heavy after eating, experience nausea, diarrhea or constipation, then these may be tell-tale signs that food isn't being broken down properly into the amino acids you need to feel your best.
The reasons why your digestive system may not be working properly are plenty. Your body may not be picking up the chemical signals which promote body waste removal, amino acid absorption and protein and mineral uses.
Body chemical imbalance could be due to stress or a strong regime of physical exercises taking the whole of your body's attention away from other needs. Age is another factor to take into consideration. Hydrochloric acid production is much lower in an older person than in a younger one. Your digestive system can also be affected by an inadequate diet, eating disorders, or a lack of good sleep.
Top selling medications such as Prilosec appeal to us with the promise of stopping stomach acid production and thus relieving the pain. However, while drugs offer instant relief, it is temporary and does not tackle the underlying problem. After all, food digestion is a natural process in the body and if it is not taking place, amino acids we need will not be produced from the foods we eat.
For proper regulation of digestive processes, many people take supplements of amino acids to provide the essential chemicals for waste removal, stomach acid production and mineral absorption. Without the necessary nutrients, the body will simply not function as it was designed to do.
It is the simultaneity of two medical conditions that brings on acid reflux, or GERD ? gastro-esophageal reflux disease as it is called. The reverse flow of food and acid from the stomach to the esophagus is the first factor favoring acid reflux disease. Nonetheless, healthy people can experience reflux as well, in a case called "physiologic gastroesophageal reflux" and this does not always mean symptoms of acid reflux disease or modification of the organic tissues.
The next factor provoking gastro-esophageal reflux disease is a malfunction of the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter. This circle of muscle acts as a unidirectional valve between the esophagus and the stomach. It measures 3-4 cm, meaning that it is two to three times thicker than the proximal esophagus. When GERD occurs, the stomach content finds its way back into the esophagus because the LES does not shut correctly. This is then called acid reflux disease, with accompanying symptoms of the disease which follow.
Heartburn is the burning sensation felt in the throat or the chest, when the contents of the stomach escapes back to the esophagus lining. The usual sensation connected to acid reflux disease is persistent (twice or week or more frequently) heartburn. Occasional heartburn can happen also. This is not necessarily a sign of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, as minor reflux can also happen to individuals in good health.
Some sufferers express a sensation of food that blocks, choking or constriction of the throat. It is the steady flow back of stomach contents against the esophagus that has this effect, causing a swelling of the esophagus due to scar tissue from histological degradation. Other patients of acid reflux disease may also experience pains in their chest or nausea, coughing, burning pains in the chest, hoarseness in the morning, continual earache, sinusitis, changes in their voice, or problems in swallowing (notably lumpy foods).
Some patients can become affected by a condition known as Barrett's esophagus, where cells occurring in the esophageal lining assume abnormal forms and colors. Particularly in adults aged over 60, this is a first step towards cancer of the esophagus. Other effects include stricture of the esophagus, ulcers, bleeding, and spasms. When acid from the stomach reaches the trachea as well as the upper esophagus, several severe conditions such as sinusitis, asthma, and pneumonia can follow. GERD that is not treated in a timely way can have serious consequences detrimental to health.
Surgery, medical therapy and holistic therapy are the three choices for dealing with acid reflux disease. The latter comprises diet and lifestyle modifications as well as taking of specific herbal supplements. PPIs and H2 blockers are among the medical options in cases of GERD. While one can use prescriptions of medicaments or acid blockers such as these, remember that the effects are often not permanent and that conventional medication can be accompanied by severe side effects. The use of surgery needs to be very carefully thought about, as certain hidden problems, such as constriction and muscular contraction disorders, can cause complications.
GERD, taking a holistic view, is a warning signal of a lack of internal equilibrium of consequence that must be properly dealt with. For this reason, alternative medicine such as herbal medicine, modifications in lifestyle, homeopathic remedies as components of a complete holistic program are the preferred choice for sufferers of acid reflux.
Both Steve Pallovy & Jeff W. Martin are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Steve Pallovy has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acid Reflux. Steve Pallovy has done research and written articles on nutrition and dieting for several years. Learn more about at. Steve Pallovy's top article generates over 480 views. to your Favourites.
Jeff W. Martin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acid Reflux, Anger Control and Acid Reflux. Jeff Martin is a medical researcher, certified nutritionist, health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book,