Acid blockers provide relief from heartburn/reflux but why aren't they the best option? - gut health

If it's not broken, why fix it? Acid blockers work. They do. So, why mess with it?
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Stomach acid is sort of a big deal for the body:
🔺 “…helps your body to break down, digest, and absorb nutrients such as protein.” Stomach acid is necessary for protein-digesting enzymes. Stomach acid is necessary for digestion and absorption of nutrients.
(Reference: https://www.healthline.com/health/hypochlorhydria#)
🔺Stomach acid neutralizes pathogens
🔺Acid triggers other digestive secretions in the small intestines
🔺Acid is important for the ionization of minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium
🔺Low stomach acid may cause low HCL which causes:
🔹Burping
🔹Bloating
🔹Heartburn
🔹Indigestion
🔹Nausea/vomiting
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Bottom line, stomach acid is a big deal for many reasons. While reducing it may help with reducing heartburn/reflux, it may not be the best option for addressing heartburn/reflux.
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The question then becomes, “What other option is there?”
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We worked with our dietitians and microbiologist to come up with a more natural option for addressing heartburn/reflux. As someone who has suffered from heartburn/reflux myself, I personally suggest a
starting with an aggressive approach for 3 months to calm things down faster and then for the following 4 months a maintenance plan to help things stay resolved.
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After that, if a person wants to stop the plan they can with no fear of heartburn/reflux coming back. Personally, I like to constantly maintain digestion, so I consistently take a maintenance dose.