Have you ever wondered why most restaurants serve you a glass of ice cold water with a slice or wedge of lemon? It is actually for your benefit. Fresh lemon and lemon oil are actually a great natural digestive aid because of their vast beneficial properties.
For starters, lemon can actually help to minimize acid in the stomach. This may seem strange because lemon is very acidic in nature, but once metabolized, lemon has an alkalizing effect, especially since it contains calcium, magnesium, and potassium. (See how these minerals help to reduce acid by reading Understanding pH)
Lemon is a natural cleanser both on your skin and in your digestive tract. This is due to its antiseptic, antibacterial, and Anti-fungal properties. These are immune boosting properties because they fight infections, and the vitamin and flavanoid (antioxidant) content also helps boost the immune system.
For anyone who suffers from digestive disorders, the best thing about lemon is its carminative property. This means that it can actually relieve and prevent flatulence. Lemon accomplishes this in two ways: 1.) lemon suppresses the formation of gas, and 2.) lemon acts as an expectorant to expel gas from the digestive tract. This helps to also relieve and prevent bloating, cramping, and discomfort. These benefits go a long way to minimize damage to the stomach and minimize the acid that fuels heartburn, acid reflux, GERD, and Barrett’s Esophagus.
Using lemon to combat acid is very simple. If you have fresh lemons in your kitchen, squeeze a half of a lemon into an 8 oz. glass of lukewarm water (lukewarm is best). Drink this either before a meal or after you feel heartburn and/or indigestion. One drop of lemon essential oil in 8 oz. of water is equally beneficial. Lemon oil is expressed from the peel of a fresh lemon and can be purchased at any health food store that sells essential oils. Be sure to verify the quality of the oil and that it is meant for consumption. Some lemon oils are strictly for topical use.
from → Digestion
I have been receiving many comments in regards to a commonly talked about issue called Hypochlorhydria. This is also referred to as Achlorhydria, and it is the condition where the stomach does not produce enough or sometimes any hydrochloric acid (HCl). It is vital to understand the importance of hydrochloric acid (HCl), which can be found in the article entitled Hydrochloric Acid and Its Importance in the Stomach. Just as a quick recap, hydrochloric acid (HCl) serves three major purposes: 1.) it is necessary in order to digest and absorb nutrients, 2.) sterilize the stomach, and 3.) allow food to empty into the small intestine.
Based on the lack of these three important functions, people suffering from hypochlorhydria can eventually experience these commonly associated conditions:
- Asthma
- Celiac Disease
- Eczema, Psoriasis, Urticaria (hives)
- Lupus
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
- Macular Degeneration (vision loss)
- Pernicious Anaemia
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori)
- Stomach Cancer
- Acid Reflux, GERD, Barrett’s Esophagus, Stomach Ulcers
- Gastritis (stomach inflammation)
The top 3 conditions listed are primarily due to the fact that when food is not properly digested, large food particles enter the lower intestines where the immune system attacks them (assuming they are foreign particles and dangerous to the body), thus causing an allergic reaction. This developes into food allergies that can present symptoms in other areas of the body besides the digestive tract such as skin and lungs.
Conditions 4 through 9 (to name a few) can occur due to lack of nutrient absorption. When a person lacks the proper amount of hydrochloric acid (HCl) to digest food and absorb nutrients they become deficient. This can be very dangerous because nutrients are needed in ever aspect of healthy bodily function.
Conditions number 10 and 11 are examples of conditions resulting from the stomach’s inability to kill excess bacteria, yeast, and fungus due to the lack of acids needed to sterilize the stomach.
Listed conditions 11 through 13 are due to the stomach’s inability to empty its contents. When the stomach does not empty properly, its contents (foods and their acids) are left to sit stagnant and ferment. Stagnation allows acids to stew too long in the stomach, and fermentation causes gas, bloating, belching, and the opportunity for acids to travel up into the esophagus.
It is obvious that hypochlorhydria and these conditions are worth taking very seriously. There are a few diagnosis tricks and treatments that can be done at home as discussed in the articles entitled Diagnosing Hypochloryhdria and Treating Hypochlorhydria. However, if you are experiencing serious symptoms and/or any of the conditions listed above, please consult a gastroenterologist. If you are not satisfied with the care received from them, please seek a second opinion. You may find that some doctors overlook hypochlorhydria, so do make sure you feel you are properly diagnosed.
from → Digestion
In my last article entitled Barrett’s-Are You the Answer I shared my recent experiences with gastroenterologists. My previous GE diagnosed me with Barrett’s Esophagus 2 years ago. An upper endoscopy revealed that diagnosis. Imagine my surprise when after discussing my concerns with an new GE and undergoing another upper endoscopy, Barrett’s was nowhere to be found.
Thank goodness I found a doctor who was not satisfied with the conclusions of another in regards to a serious condition that was not explained by my symptoms and medical history. To my surprise and delight, my new GE found evidence of a generally healthy esophagus and stomach. My symptoms more closely resemble those of a person who suffers from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). He did find acid reflux, but that pales in comparison to the seriousness of Barrett’s Esophagus.
I am extremely relieved by this discovery, and I am equally disappointed to find that my previous doctor was so careless. Everyone is entitled to have a doctor who listens to your concerns and seeks true answers to your questions. Everyone is also entitled to a second opinion…or third or fourth…however many it takes to find comfort in the discoveries of your physician.
from → Digestion
Five years ago my journey started with multiple and unending digestive complaints. As my symptoms increased in intensity I was forced to seek the advice of medical professionals. Two years ago I was given a diagnosis…Barrett’s Esophagus was the cause of all my pain and frustration. A year and a half ago I created this blog to share all my knowledge with others. I had years of research information in my head that I needed to put down on paper (or laptop).
Imagine how my mind has been whirling since my new gastroenterologist gave me a new opinion…maybe I don’t have Barrett’s Esophagus. I have had my suspicions since the beginning, but it was difficult to discuss them with my original GE because she had stamped “Barrett’s Esophagus” on my forehead, and that was the end of the discussion. After evaluating all my symptoms and medical histery, my new GE did not feel everything added up to Barrett’s. He listened to my suspicions and removed the “Barrett’s Esophagus” stamp; at least for now.
My old symptoms and continuing symptoms are more what you would associate with someone suffering from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Here are the reasons for the suspicions and possible new diagnosis:
- My age: Barrett’s is typical found in people 50 years of age or older, and I am well under 50.
- Little heartburn: I could count on both hands how many times I experienced heartburn in the 3 years prior to my endoscopy. With Barrett’s and GERD I should have had heartburn at least 2-3 times a week.
- My symptoms: I feel each instance of heartburn, gas, food traveling through my digestive tract, and bowel issues with intensity. My new GE says that this is because of hypersensitivity, which is typical for people suffering from IBS. Hypersensitivity means that I am able to feel basic digestive functions more than most people, and each pain such as heartburn feels worse than it may actually be because I am more sensitive to the sensation.
- Irregular bowel movements: I still flip flop back and forth between constipated and loose stool within a 24 hour period. That is a major indicator of IBS.
- My upper endoscopy (EGD) 2 years ago: My new GE reviewed my endoscopy and biopsy results. He observed that the endoscopy notes said that my esophagus “appeared normal” and there was no esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus). If Barrett’s Esophagus was present, there would have been some abnormal cells or at least inflammation. A biopsy would be taken from the abnormal cells, but in my case a biopsy was taken from random cells. It would be unlikely to find Barrett’s in random, normal-appearing cells.
- Acid medication: I have felt significantly better while taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), but H2 blockers don’t seem to help. My new GE says that this is because PPIs are used to treat and/or manage IBS. H2 blockers are primarily used to treat acid reflux. While acid reflux is common, and I probably get it every now and again, it may not be the reason for all of my digestive issues.
My new GE and I have scheduled a much anticipated upper endoscopy to accomplish 2 things: 1.) Verify the presence of Barrett’s and 2.) check the progress of my Barrett’s management (if that is in fact still an accurate diagnosis).
I am so relieved to finally have a second opinion and to finally feel like I can express my suspicions and questions freely with someone who takes me seriously. I have tried really hard to be very aware of my body, and I am happy to have a gastroenterologist who will try equally as hard to help me find answers to my questions…and even ask new questions that I had not thought of.
from → Digestion
