Is Amino Acid A Good Alternative For Heartburn ?

August 29, 2008

You may recall amino acids from elementary science as the building blocks of life. In fact, they make up 75% of the body and are required for every chemical reaction and every bodily function. So where do they come from? Ten amino acids come from our bodies naturally (alanine, asparagines, aspartic acid, cysteine glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, praline, serine and tyrosine).

The other ten are derived from properly digested food (arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine). Unfortunately, these acids are not like our cell phone plans - they dont roll over. We need to constantly replenish our essential amino acids supply.

When our digestion system is out of whack, we suffer in both big and small ways. Acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion can be a small - yet terribly uncomfortable - side effects of improper digestion. While its widely believed that acid reflux comes from overproduction of HCL acid, recent research suggests that indigestion can be caused by the contrary - underproduction!

In the case of underproduction of acid, also known as achlorhydria, undigested protein sits in our stomach, essentially rotting. Bloating, burping and discomfort ensues - sometimes forcing acid or food back up the esophagus. Disgusting, isnt it?

If you have bad breath, burp excessively after eating, feel heavy after eating, experience nausea, diarrhea or constipation, then these may be telltale signs that food isnt being broken down properly into the amino acids you need to feel your best.

What are some of the causes of improper digestion, abnormal levels of stomach acid and poor absorption of amino acids? As we age, stomach acid production declines. Stress, sleep deprivation, eating too fast and over-eating also contribute to acid secretion. Essentially, were not getting the chemical triggers we need to keep our machine well-oiled.

Drug companies like Prilosec - the top selling prescription last year -- appeal to us by promising to stop acid production, even though its a much-needed natural process. While these drugs provide immediate, temporary relief, they still dont attack the underlying issue - that your body simply isnt digesting foods properly, and, as a result, cant derive the amino acids from the food that youve eaten.

Body builders, senior citizens and indigestion sufferers alike add amino acids supplements to their diets. While its almost instinctual to take the fast track to immediate heartburn symptoms relief, many researchers warn against it.

To address the underlying problem, which is inadequate amino acids and improper digestive functioning, reflux treatment should include a healthy diet that triggers ones natural body processes. If achieving that is difficult, then a boost of these supplements might do the trick.

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