Antacids and acid blockers are being increasing prescribed and people are also self-medicating with the over-the-counter versions at alarming rates. Indigestion, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can often be caused by hiatal hernia, extremely poor diet, too much alcohol and fatty foods consumed late at night before bedtime, lack of digestive enzymes, and even insufficient stomach acid.

As we age our bodies can often experience a decrease in digestive enzymes and stomach acid. A man/woman of 60 does not digest his/her food as well as they did in their 20s, and this is usually due to a naturally occurring decline in stomach acid and digestive enzymes from the pancreas. Treating the symptoms of these disorders rather than getting to the true cause can lead to more serious conditions being overlooked for years.

Many people see their symptoms improve from changes in diet by determining food sensitivities and allergies and eliminating those from the diet, changing eating habits and the combinations of foods they consume. Work with your alternative healthcare provider to determine if you have too little stomach acid or a hiatal hernia, or food allergies. If all possible causes are eliminated and the symptoms still persist, you may need to consult your doctor about getting certain tests to be sure the symptoms are not indicative a of a more serious condition.