Despite the fact that a whopping 15 million + Americans take PPIs – medication to reduce stomach acid – stomach acid is an essential component of digestion. And too much acid is more than 9 times out of the 10 not the problem causing reflux. Oftentimes it has to do with the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach, called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), not functioning properly. And ironically, too little stomach acid is the most common cause of that dysfunction.
At Energy Flow Health, we look to restore normal digestive functions, including stomach acid production and keeping it in the stomach where it belongs. It takes time, and with proper care, our patients are often able to wean off their antacid medications partially or completely, depending on how long their stomach acid production has been suppressed.
In this article I just want to share a fun and tasty condiment recipe that can encourage the production of our digestive juices, including stomach acid, in a gentle way, to help with a healthy appetite, and to help with creating the environment in the digestive tract to be able to break down and absorb our food. This is great for those who feel their digestion is “sluggish”, feel full easily after eating, irregular appetite, or those who know they have low stomach acid. Try it and see what you think! If you have active GERD/reflux, consult your practitioner first before trying.
Ginger Pickle
1 Lemon, juiced
6-8 knuckles peeled ginger
1⁄2 tsp Sea Salt
Optional: 1 pinch of Asafelida (spice) onion-garlic flavor, bitter and acrid Indian Ingredient
Grate or finely chop the ginger.
Add the juice of a full lemon, add the sea salt, and mix it up.
Store this mixture for up to 7 days in a sealed jar and refrigerate.
Take 1⁄2 -1 tsp chew really well before meals and spit out pulp. This will train your body to produce more Hydrochloric acid in the stomach for better digestion & infection control.
