#337 | MM - Your Stomach on Acid

We're finally talking digestion - a critical component to health in so many ways!

In reality, digestion starts before we even encounter food. The thought of food in a grounded state of mind triggers salivation and release of enzymes in stomach, pancreas, and intestines. Of course we then sit down to eat, chew, and swallow before a bolus of food moves through the esophagus and into the stomach.

When we consider optimizing digestion, it is important to do so from the "top - down." That is, focusing on mindset, mouth, esophagus, and stomach before the pancreas, liver, small intestines, and colon.

We can't talk about the stomach without discussing ACID - hydrochloric acid, that is! It's the acidic pH of the stomach that helps digest proteins, neutralize potential pathogens, and create the contents that will ultimately be further digested and absorbed in the intestines.

In today's Medicinal Monday episode we discuss the important action steps to keep stomach acid HIGH to optimize digestion/absorption and avoid common ailments such as esophageal reflux (GERD) that plague so many!

As always, you can join us live each Monday at 12 PT / 3 ET on the Alter Health YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

Some highlights from today's episode on STOMACH Health...

• Low stomach acid (Hypochlorhydria) is a major contributor to GERD, IBS, SIBO, malabsorption issues, and so much more
• How high protein foods and stress directly weaken stomach function to cause digestive issues
• Healthy levels of stomach acid help to keep lower esophageal sphincter (LES) closed to prevent reflux/GERD
• What causes gastritis (inflammation of stomach lining) and how to allow the stomach to heal itself naturally
• Some of the best foods, herbs, and "practices" to promote healthy stomach function and set the stage for optimal digestive health

Links to some more good stuff
- Get the Alter Health weekly WFPB Meal Guides: https://www.alter.health/meal-guides
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.