underactive and overactive stomach

Question 1

what is an underactive stomach?

Answer 1

• when stomach does not produce enough enzymes for proper food digestion
• often due to low HCI levels

Question 2

what is HCI required for?

Answer 2

to activate the enzyme pepsin into the active form pepsinogen which is required for protein digestion

Question 3

what are causes of imbalance of an underactive stomach?

Answer 3

• diet rich in animal protein: especially red meat
• dairy products
• refined, processed, fast foods (dead foods)
• drinking too much water with meals, especially cold water
• improper food combining and chewing
• stress
• age
• regular use of antacids

Question 4

explain heartburn

Answer 4

• if not enough HCI is produced, the stomach has to work harder to mix the food with digestive enzymes and HCI
• the harder t works, the more gases produced
• gases are then pushed up into the esophageal area mimicking heartburn

Question 5

what are the effects of an imbalanced underactive stomach?

Answer 5

• impaired colon function
• poor absorption of minerals, vitamins and nutrients: especially Ca, Fe, Zn and protein
• allergies

Question 6

what are recommendations for an underactive stomach?

Answer 6

• smaller meals more often
• avoid dairy, heavy meats, alcohol
• do not drink with meals
• chew food well
• avoid stressful situations at meal time
• practice food combining

Question 7

explain food combining

Answer 7

• protein with vegetables
• grains with vegetables
• fruit alone

Question 8

what are good supplements for an underactive stomach?

Answer 8

• digestive enzymes (can be plant or animal based)
• apple cider vinegar
• aloe vera juice
• probiotics

Question 9

what is an overactive stomach?

Answer 9

• produces too much HCI or overcompensates for not enough stomach acid
• symptoms are similar to underactive stomach

Question 10

what is an indication of an overactive stomach?

Answer 10

heartburn felt 40-60 min after a meal and is quickly relieved by an antacid

Question 11

what are causes of imbalance of an overactive stomach?

Answer 11

• low fiber
• alcohol and tobacco
• caffeine and sugar
• spices
• nitrates
• food allergies and stress
• regular use of antacids or aspirin

Question 12

what are recommendations for an overactive stomach?

Answer 12

• soothe mucosa with aloe vera, cabbage juice, slippery elm, marshmallow root
• avoid irritants/inflammatory substances
• turmeric with whole milk
• smaller, more frequent meals
• liquid or enteric coated supplements only: no tablets