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.