Book Review: Why Stomach Acid is Good For You
In the book, Why Stomach Acid is Good for You, Natural Relief from Heartburn, Indigestion, Reflux and GERD by Jonathan V. Wright, MD and Lane Lenard, Ph.D., the authors discuss just how important the role of having a sufficient amount of stomach acid plays in preventing many common ailments. Often these ailments are treated with prescriptions or over the counter medications that further reduce stomach acid that makes the conditions even worse or possibly keeping the problem in a constant state instead of working towards improvement. Stomach acid is necessary for good digestion and nutrient absorption.
The concept of “bowel breath” was revelatory to me. I’ve known people who have the condition who go through breath mints and brush their teeth using tubes of toothpaste weekly making no dent in their mouth odor. I have even advised them that it was likely more than “bad breath” and to seek further guidance. The natural asthma relief section was also revelatory to me. While I was aware of removing dairy products, the link to stomach acid, pepsin, B12 and intrinsic factor, and the ability to possibly provide permanent relief naturally without steroids is a truly preferable therapeutic protocol in my opinion. Reading about the link between Rheumatoid Arthritis and low levels of stomach acid expanding it to other autoimmune diseases as well as other illnesses as a result of being immunocompromised was enlightening.
In the Rheumatoid Arthritis section it’s noted that there was research done by Dr. Roger Wyburn-Mason on amoeba being found in the joints of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nothing was found beyond the scope of his study other than the general principle of normal stomach acid being able to kill such organisms such as amoeba, and this is an example of very individualized research.
This book was filled with a lot of helpful information beyond “don’t take antacids.” The links to so many health issues and keeping stomach acid at the proper level provided a lot of new informatio. Leaky gut has been such a hot topic and the stomach comes before that so this book was very informative in providing insight into more natural therapies.
