Question: Can a deficit of stomach acid trigger heartburn and a sour stomach? Is it possible that you may need to take acid supplements to make your system work better? It is my understanding that if there is not enough acid in the stomach you do not receive the nutrients and vitamins in your food. Is this true? Also, which tests can find the root cause of acid reflux?
Dr. Hibberd's Answer:
Acid Reflux refers to a condition in which stomach acid is inadvertently allowed to pass back up the esophagus (the tube leading to the stomach from our mouth). Reflux is usually prevented by a competent lower esophageal sphincter. It is essentially a check valve to prevent stomach contents from traveling up when the stomach contracts and forces food out of the stomach into the small bowel.
Acid "supplements" are not recommended. It is true that our gastric acid secretion does enhance digestion, but supplementation will only damage unprotected tissues such as our esophagus and our airways. Ph balance in our stomach enhances digestion and provides some protection from bacterial growth. Indeed, some medications and supplements are complemented by an acid medium to dissolve completely.
Acid reflux is easily detected by a ph probe test and is seen easily by endoscopy. Less sensitive measures include imaging techniques such as an esophogram (which uses a thin, water soluble contrast called gastrograffin that is swallowed). An upper GI study is not sufficiently sensitive for mild reflux because of the (thickened barium) contrast material used, which is more effective for gastric and upper small bowel imaging.