Is Acid Reflux Caused by Candida?

A Candida overgrowth can disrupt digestion and lead to acid reflux.

Reflux has several synonyms:heartburn, pyrosis, cardialgia, indigestion and GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease).

Technically, acid reflux is when the acid flows backwards into your esophagus, heartburn is the symptom you get from it and GERD is the name for it if it lasts a long time. Both pyrosis and cardialgia are fancy medical terms for heartburn.   Indigestion is any pain associated with difficulty in digesting food not just reflux.

Heartburn affects 60 percent of the US population. As a result, acid-blocking medications are the fourth top-selling type of drug in America today.

There are two ways that Candida Overgrowth can cause reflux:

1. Fermentation
2. Under-production of stomach acid

Fermentation

When the overgrowth of Candida in the intestines becomes massive, food begins to ferment instead of breaking down and being digested.

The fermentation produces excess gas that leads to bloating, belching and difficulty in digesting foods.

The gas also travels upwards through the small intestines, the stomach, and finally into the esophagus.

When the gas pushes past the esophageal sphincter, it takes stomach acid with it into the esophagus leading to the burning known as heartburn.  Over time this can lead to erosion of the esophagus.

Under Production of Stomach Acid

The other cause of reflux is under production of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid, HCL). 

Hydrochloric acid serves three important functions in your stomach:

1. It dissolves your food so it can be digested in the intestines.
   
   
2. It kills many potentially harmful micro-organisms in our food.
   
   
3. It helps balance the acidity of your food.

Strangely enough, the symptoms of stomach acid over-production and under production are virtually identical. A lack of acid results in the food not dissolving leading to the fermentation described above.

Treating Acid Reflux

Since acid reflux can be directly caused by Candida, you should start on a Candida treatment program. One of the important steps in treating Candida is to stop eating the foods that feed the fungus. 

Along with the diet, you need to keep a journal of everything you eat.  You should also note how you feel two hours later. You can use this journal to determine what foods cause acid reflux and should be avoided. 

The programs and diet are described in detail in the book Candida Albicans - The Hidden Disease.

Supplements for Acid Reflux

There are several supplements that can help with acid reflux:

• Ginger
• Betaine HCL
• Digestive Enzymes
  
• Probiotics

Ginger cools the acid fire

Ginger root powder is more effective at taming reflux than over-the-counter or prescription medications.

• It has anti-inflammatory properties that help cure irritation and inflammation in the esophagus.
  
  
• It calms down nerves, relaxes muscles and tightens the lower esophageal sphincter stopping the backwards flow of acid.
  
  
• It helps move the food through the bowels fast, preventing the formation of gas in the stomach. Less gas means less acid in the esophagus.
  
  
• Using ginger will give you the sensation of heat. This reduces nausea because your brain cannot process the heat signal and the sensation of nausea at the same time.

Try using 500 mg of ginger root after each meal. Taking more is not harmful but the sensation of heat will increase. You can decrease the heat by drinking lots of water to dilute it.

Fresh, organic ginger root is best or you can take it in capsule form.   I use the the capsules sold by Dr. Clark Store.

Betaine HCL will help with under production of stomach acid.

It may seem counter-intuitive but increasing the acidity of your stomach may decrease your heartburn.

If you are suffering from an under production of stomach acid, taking an acid supplement such as Betaine HCL may resolve your symptoms.

Regular supplementation with Betaine HCL can retrain your body to produce the correct amount of stomach acid leading to a lifetime free of acid reflux. 

Proper dosage of HCL is found through testing. You start with one capsule before each meal. If the burning or heaviness gets worse, do not continue taking it as you may not have acid under-production. 

If the burning decreases, increase the dosage to two capsules before each meal. Continue testing up to a maximum of four capsules before each meal. Stop when you receive the best benefit. 

The brand I take is Premier HCL by Premier Research Labs.

Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics Improve Digestion

Digestive enzymes assist the breakdown of food preventing fermentation and excess gas. When your body is out of balance, the production of enzymes is reduced.  

Taking a high potency enzyme formula, such as Assist by Body Ecology, will help break down food, absorb nutrients and prevent gas and bloating.

Ultimately, the answer to heartburn and acid indigestion is to restore your natural gastric balance and function.

So one of the first things you'll want to do is to make sure you're consuming enough good bacteria known as probiotics. They will help balance your bowel flora. They will also aid in proper digestion and assimilation of your food.

Conclusion

An overgrowth of fungus may be causing your acid reflux. Getting rid of the fungus with a treatment program and taking supplements will help you take control of your health. No more heartburn for you!

If you are the type That needs a step by step checklist for treating your Candida overgrowth Including recommended brands and DOSAGES, you will be interested in the book "Candida albicans - The Hidden Disease"

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