Getting to the heart(burn) of the matter

The main symptom of GORD is a burning sensation or pain in the chest behind the breastbone; other symptoms include a sour taste in the mouth, shortness of breath, nausea, bloating and gas.

Excess stomach acid is blamed for this discomfort, but evidence and traditional wisdom suggest this is a case of shooting the messenger; the actual causes of the problem are complex and lie elsewhere.

One cause of GORD is a weakening of the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter (LOS). The LOS is like a tight clamp that separates the delicate oesophagus (the muscular tube through which food passes) from the stomach and its acidic contents. If this sphincter becomes weakened, stomach acid may pass up into the oesophagus causing ulceration and pain. The LOS can be weakened by cigarette smoking, over eating, obesity, pregnancy, hiatus hernia and over consumption of peppermint flavouring.

Another piece of the puzzle is that some foods and beverages, including spicy foods, citrus, tomato based foods, carbonated beverages, alcohol, caffeine and food allergens, such as dairy and gluten, can trigger the acid to reflux.

This story has a twist, because low stomach acid can also be a cause of reflux symptoms. Stomach acid has a pH of approximately 2. Its main role is to dissolve and activate the break down of foods. When stomach acid is low foods are not able to be completely broken down causing, you guessed it, reflux.

Two of the most common heart burn medications either directly alkalinise the gastric juices or inhibit the production of stomach acid. Over time this significantly lowers digestive ability further worsening not only the original problem, but the body’s ability to absorb nutrients which over time can cause other serious long-term health problems.

Radiance® ManukaGuard® Nutralize® is a natural and safe digestive normaliser, containing apple cider vinegar and medical grade manuka honey. These two time-tested and traditional remedies support the normal function of the digestive system. Radiance® ManukaGuard® Nutralize® comes in two great tasting peach and maple flavours and is safe in pregnancy.