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Ulcers and acid indigestion are very common problems. Medical treatment for these
conditions usually means taking antacids to neutralize the acids or antibiotics to kill any bacteria in the stomach. Research shows that the problem in ulcers is usually a hyperactive nervous system, telling the
cells in the stomach to put out more acid. The nerves that control the movement of the gut, as well as the flow of fluids that aid digestion, may not control the stomach or intestines properly thus leading to a
tendency for ulcers to form. The bacteria in the stomach rarely cause the ulcer but can aggravate the condition. It is important that the cause for your stomach problem is corrected.
One term medical doctors use for acid indigestion is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
(GERD). People commonly think that all they can do if they are bothered by GERD is take antacids like Tums or Rolaids. These drugs reduce the acids in the stomach. These acids are what irritates the esophagus (the
tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) when they flow up from stomach. The problem with a person experiencing GERD is not usually too much acid. Instead, the most common cause of acid reflux is low pressure in
the "valve" (muscle sphincter just above the stomach) that normally holds the acids down in the stomach. The pressure or tone in this "valve" is controlled by nerves. These nerves may not
function well if a subluxation in the spine is affecting them. Drinking alcohol, smoking, and eating too much can also aggravate this problem.
Many people take medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin (NSAIDs) for conditions like
joint pains and headaches. In addition to masking tile symptoms and not correcting the cause, these drugs are one of the most common causes of ulcers. Bleeding in the stomach from NSAIDs is the most frequent drug
side effect in the United States.
Correction of nerve problems that may cause the stomach or intestines to work improperly
should be the major way people with ulcers or indigestion take care of these conditions and prevent them from occurring in the first place. Medication should be considered only if correction of the condition is not
possible by natural means. Talk to your chiropractor about these problems. The training the chiropractor receives is ideal for restoring your nervous system health without tile risks of more invasive methods.
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