Heartburn and other digestive discomforts like indigestion, sour stomach and bloating afflict millions of people each year. In fact, nearly 10 million Canadians (29%) suffer from Dispepsia (Heartburn / GERD). The stomach releases gastric acid to naturally activate digestive enzymes that are needed to break down food and nutrients during digestion. A muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) keeps the gastric acid and active enzymes secured in the stomach. If the LES is relaxed or weakened, gastric acid can seep back into the esophagus, causing irritation that we know as heartburn. Traditional antacids neutralize heartburn by raising the pH level in the stomach in order to stop the release of gastric acid.
Newer classes of drugs such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) shut down the stomach pumps that release gastric acid for up to 24 hours. Halting gastric acid may inhibit digestion and can cause abdominal discomfort such as constipation and also deprive the body of nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates and lipids.