You may recall amino acids from elementary science as "the building blocks of life." In fact, they make up 75% of the body and are required for every chemical reaction and every bodily function. So where do they come from? Ten amino acids come from our bodies naturally (alanine, asparagines, aspartic acid, cysteine glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, praline, serine and tyrosine).



The other ten are derived from properly digested food (arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine). Unfortunately, these acids are not like our cell phone plans - they don't roll over. We need to constantly replenish our essential amino acids supply.

When our digestion system is out of whack, we suffer in both big and small ways. Acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion can be a small - yet terribly uncomfortable - side effects of improper digestion. While it's widely believed that acid reflux comes from overproduction of HCL acid, recent research suggests that indigestion can be caused by the contrary - underproduction!

In the case of underproduction of acid, also known as achlorhydria, undigested protein sits in our stomach, essentially rotting. Bloating, burping and discomfort ensues - 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 telltale signs that food isn't being broken down properly into the amino acids you need to feel your best.

What are some of the causes of improper digestion, abnormal levels of stomach acid and poor absorption of amino acids? As we age, stomach acid production declines. Stress, sleep deprivation, eating too fast and over-eating also contribute to acid secretion. Essentially, we're not getting the chemical triggers we need to keep our machine well-oiled.

Drug companies like Prilosec - the top selling prescription last year -- appeal to us by promising to stop acid production, even though it's a much-needed natural process. While these drugs provide immediate, temporary relief, they still don't attack the underlying issue - that your body simply isn't digesting foods properly, and, as a result, can't derive the amino acids from the food that you've eaten.

Body builders, senior citizens and indigestion sufferers alike add amino acids supplements to their diets. While it's almost instinctual to take the fast track to immediate heartburn symptoms relief, many researchers warn against it.

To address the underlying problem, which is inadequate amino acids and improper digestive functioning, reflux treatment should include a healthy diet that triggers one's natural body processes. If achieving that is difficult, then a boost of these supplements might do the trick.