Sores from acid reflux
Researchers in Switzerland have made the welcome discovery that the essential nutrient zinc effectively inhibits gastric acid secretion in humans.
The researchers were investigating whether zinc could lead to a rapid and sustained increase of stomach pH (more alkaline) in both animals and humans and provide a rapid acid suppression therapy. They demonstrated that zinc offers a new and prolonged therapy for individuals who suffer from disorders that result from overproduction of acid such as heartburn and gastric acid reflux.
According to findings in “Zinc Salts Provide a Novel, Prolonged and Rapid Inhibition of Gastric Acid Secretion,” zinc is essential in preventing excess stomach acid in the first place. Zinc inhibits excess acid secretion and is required to produce and maintain the protective mucous gel layer at the surface of the stomach lining which provides a barrier to acid.
Excess acid afflicts 25 to 50 million Americans. Current drug therapies aimed at reducing gastric acid are expensive and ineffective in relieving reflux in 30% of patients on proton pump inhibitors. Sixty percent of acid reducing-drugs cause side effects. Long-term use of these pharmacological agents leads to multiple deficiencies of vital nutrients including zinc.
People who are deficient in zinc are at risk for erosions and gastric ulcers.
Long-term use of antacid medications leads to nutrient deficiencies. Zinc deficiency causes acidity. Restoring zinc cures acid reflux within minutes and should be part of your therapy if you suffer from acid reflux. Take this information to your doctor before stopping or changing your medical therapy. Click here to learn more about zinc.
Find out if you have a nutrient deficiency today with Nutrition Testing from Gluten Free Works. This state-of-the-art laboratory testing analyzes your nutritional status of zinc and 32 other vital nutrients at the same time. Your report will give you recommendations including the type and amount of each supplement you need to correct each deficiency so you can regain your health.
Source:
Kirchhoff P, Socrates T, Sidani S, et al. Zinc Salts Provide a Novel, Prolonged and Rapid Inhibition of Gastric Acid Secretion. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2011; 106:62-70.
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Author Information: Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN
Cleo Libonati is a Co-Founder of Gluten Free Works, Inc.
She is the author of Recognizing Celiac Disease.
She can be reached by E-mail.
Tags: Acid reflux, Cleo Libonati, Heartburn, Remedies, Symptoms, Zinc
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This is the first time that I have heard that zinc is used for treating acid reflux. However my question here is would it pose side effect risks?
Hi Sammy,
Acid reflux, where acid backs up into the esophagus, can have multiple causes. Too little acid and low zinc are two of them. The mechanisms causing the acid to back up are different. Another cause of acid reflux is high sugar ingestion, which causes an increase in stomach acid production. When looking at your symptoms, you will find it helpful to always consider multiple possible causes: mechanical, nutritional, etc.
-John
In the previous article you say acid reflux is caused by low acidity;
then in this article, you say to decrease stomach acid.
Which is it?
It’s these contradictions that create confusion and increase cynicism about expert advice.
Thank you for this! As someone with Celiac Disease and Acid Reflux, it’s interesting to hear that zinc is so important.
Now I understand why the aphthous break outs when trying to reenter gluten into my diet. Gluten lowers zinc, which increases acidity.