CONDITION: INDIGESTION

Food sensitivities & medication side effects must be ruled out as a frequent cause of indigestion.

With aging the stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, liver & intestines function less effectively, partially because of decreased production of digestive enzymes.

Adequate enzymes also help to clear the body of destroyed, broken down tissue.

Some young people also have decreased HCL & digestive enzymes.

Indigestion is often related to low stomach acid in those over 60 years old. This may produce the following symptoms:

  • 80% have soreness, burning & dryness of the mouth & low tolerance for dentures.
  • 34% have indigestion, excessive gas, & belching immediately after meals.
  • 40% have fatigue/malaise, bloating or distention after eating.
  • Diarrhea or constipation.
  • Hair loss in women.
  • Heartburn.
  • Itching anus.
  • Multiple food allergies.
  • Nausea or nausea after supplements.
  • Feeling of fullness in stomach long after eating.
  • Chronic candida.
  • Chronic intestinal parasites.
  • Dilated capillaries in the cheeks & nose in non-alcoholics.
  • Iron deficiency and/or calcium deficiency.
  • Post adolescent acne.
  • Weak, peeling, cracked finger nails.

HCL production is increased by dilute lemon or vinegar prior to meals, herbal bitters, gentian, ginger, cayenne, black pepper.

Some conditions associated with low acid are abnormal glucose tolerance curves, diabetes, asthma, thyroid disorders, pernicious anemia.