In this podcast episode #99, We discuss acid reflux, (GER), and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where acid from the stomach comes up into the esophagus. Either way, the acid causes a burning sensation in the chest and throat and can cause damage to the mucosal lining if not worked with properly.

Contrary to common belief those with acid reflux are actually in need of more hydrochloric acid (HCL). Too little HCL can inhibit the absorption of vital nutrients such as B vitamins and iron causing additional fatigue. Too little HCL will also allow streptococcal infections to thrive in the gut where the normal levels of stomach acid would usually kill it off.

It is interesting that when people have acid backup (GERD), or digestive issues, they tend to take antacids. This actually exacerbates the problem because it further alkalizes the gut. What these people need is more stomach acid or hydrochloric acid (HCL). Supplements of hydrochloric acid can be somewhat helpful short-term but the real problem exists in the liver and gallbladder. Too little hydrochloric acid production does not allow for the food in the stomach to digest properly and move downward. Instead, it remains there too long and begins to ferment. The remaining product begins to back up into the esophagus. Another common symptom of low HCL is the feeling of extreme fullness and bloating after eating any size meal, even a small one.

WHAT CAUSES ACIDITY

The most common cause of an acidic body is poor diet. Poor diet leads to poor digestion, which only makes the system even more acidic. Emotional stress also plays a role. Another common instigator of acid reflux is Candida albicans. The overgrowth of Candida or yeast in the gut will release toxins. This toxic waste effects digestion and the ability of the gut to produce hydrochloric acid. Disease, Candida, and tumors all thrive in an acidic environment. The only time we are vulnerable to germs is when our body is acidic. An acidic body also overloads the immune system and can cause problems ranging from headaches and allergies to adrenal and liver trouble.

Additional causes of heartburn may be overindulgence of food or alcohol, eating excessive amounts of animal fats, eating spicy foods, smoking cigarettes, drinking coffee, drinking cold beverages, dehydration, stress, taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, and X-rays. This backup is caused by a build up of gallstones in the liver and gallbladder that create congestion in these organs of detoxification and prevent bile from doing its job. Weakened cells finally break down and become bacteria, yeast, and fungus. Excreted waste from the organisms lead to further toxicity and breakdown in the body.

Remember that the tainted blood gets into your child’s organs and brain where it really causes havoc. Those common behavioral outbursts are often due to the effect of these toxins on the brain and the central nervous system. Have sympathy the next time your child is having a tantrum. Just think of what it feels like to have all of those organisms invading your body and brain. Haven’t you ever felt like you wanted to jump out of your skin? That’s what they feel like. No one enjoys a tantrum.

Supplementation To Assist GERD

Assisting digestion with enzymes and supplementing with hydrochloric acid (HCL), especially with protein based meals, is often helpful to reduce GERD. Take them just prior to eating. For intermittent relief of burning symptoms, chewing on one Dr. Ohhira’s probiotic can help. By opening up the softgel the probiotic is able to work to balance the acidity in the upper GI tract. Supporting the liver and gallbladder is crucial too.

Testing Acidity Levels In The Body

An easy way to check acidity is through first morning urine. Upon waking, prior to eating anything, use litmus paper for a clear reading. You can purchase litmus paper from your local health food store, pharmacy, or online. Use the paper to check first morning urine. Be sure to get the paper that comes in increments of .2, such as 6.0, 6.2, 6.4, etc. You want the most accurate reading possible. Do not get the one that reads in increments of .5 such as 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, etc. The level of acidity is also a good indicator for stress on the liver which is very common with children having ASD or ADHD. If your child turns up to be acidic, it is likely that they also have microform overgrowth.

How to Test Acidity with Urine

First morning urine can be streamed directly over the litmus paper, or dipped into a small paper or glass cup that has caught the urine. Place the litmus paper next to the color swatches on the litmus container and compare to find your results. If your child is in diapers, you can place a cotton ball in the diaper at bedtime. First thing in the morning remove the cotton ball and squeeze out enough urine onto the litmus paper.

You will be looking for something in the healthy range of 5.5 to 6.4, but no higher than that. Anything higher that 6.2/6.4 shows you that the body is not properly eliminating toxins, and offers the level of organ support that is currently needed.

Creating An Alkaline Environment

Most harmful organisms cannot live in a healthy alkaline environment. One way to create an alkaline body is by eating the right foods. Some good alkalizing foods are asparagus, broccoli, almonds, lettuce, squash, most fruit, spinach, cucumber, carrots, garlic, onions, and all kinds of greens.

Quinton minerals are very helpful in assisting the detoxification pathways and they help the delicate acid/alkaline balance.

Foods To Avoid

Some acidic foods are red meat, sugar, corn, cow’s milk, and cow’s milk cheese. Fish, beans, poultry, and tofu are still somewhat acidic, but are far better choices than beef or pork, which are highly acidic. Limiting tofu is a good idea due to it being a high allergy food and its negative effects on hormone levels.

The first crucial step of autism recovery is to begin restoring health to the gut and the immune system.

The health of the gut is directly linked to the health of the brain and therefore to the symptoms of autism. In fact, 80% of the immune system comes from the gut so if the gut is not healthy, then the brain can’t thrive, and the immune system is compromised. It’s a vicious cycle, but thankfully, it’s one that we can put an end to by first eliminating harmful foods.

This is for informational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat. Every child’s level of recovery is different. No two people are the same. It is never implied that all children will have the same outcome. Results are all based on individual biology and the work that is done. This process takes time and various steps, effort and resources need to be weighed. Our programs are intended to help you become more knowledgeable and guide you to help bring your child a better quality of life, whatever that may be. We want to help by giving great content, direction and strategies that move you forward. Nothing on this page or any of our websites is a promise or guarantee of results or future outcomes. The results on this page and any of our websites are not typical or promised. In fact, there will be people who purchase this and other programs and never put the work into implementing the strategies taught and therefore will achieve little to no results. Our more detailed earnings disclaimer, privacy policy, and terms and conditions for this program and website can be accessed via the links below. We hold ourselves (and you) to a high standard of integrity. We are cheering you on every step of the way.