In my mid 30s I started having indigestion with some foods. I read up on possible reasons for that and encountered the then surprising idea that production of hydrochloric acid (HCl) within the stomach declines with age! I learned that the stomach produces not only HCl, but also Bicarbonate to neutralize the acid when the stomach empties, and that production also gets weaker with age. Around the same time in life, the pancreas’ output of digestive enzymes begins to decline as well, and digestion slows and becomes less complete. The stomach, sensing this, takes longer to empty, and the esophageal sphincter, which closes off the stomach from the esophagus also weakens with age as digestion time increases. Leaking of the esophageal sphincter gives you GERD, which will eventually give you esophageal cancer – not a good outcome!

My first thought was; “What a crappy design!”; then I looked for a practical solution. I found that doctors who focus on medical care rather than drugs suggest taking Betaine-HCl, and a Digestive Enzyme Complex with meals – every meal, and also advised not snacking between meals. I adopted that practice, and the problem went away, unless I forget to take the pills or snack between meals. At 85, I almost never have a digestive issue; no reflux or heartburn, no discomfort with eating – eating is a joy and a pleasure.

If you develop heartburn, worsening into GERD, most doctors will put you on a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) or an Histamine 2 (H2) Blocker. Both of these come with warnings that they are for short-term use to heal esophageal irritation, but are commonly used for years under doctors care. The downside of this is reduced absorption of minerals from foods and lowered protein uptake leading to loss of muscle and mineral deficiencies impacting a plethora of cellular function from cognitive decline to bad toenails (because nerves malfunction and the immune system can’t fight fungal infections and hundreds of other issues in between). These medications are hard to get off because they both have a strong rebound property, causing abnormally high acid production not timed with eating, but at all times, requiring antacids to control acid levels between meals and at night. It may take months to regain normal function – most people just give up and stay on the drugs; better never to start. If you do use antacids, avoid those based on Aluminum for your brain’s sake.

I have used two products reliably for several decades from Swanson vitamins; cheap, easy to keep on hand; they are: Swanson Digestive Enzymes and Betaine HCl.  I have taken one-each of these for the last ~50 years, with every meal I eat. I can eat anything I want and function physically most of the time because my stomach empties within an hour or so with most meals. A Thanksgiving Feast may require a little longer.

To Your Greater Health and Fitness,

Frank