by Dr. Gordie
I received so many inquiries about last month’s article on hydrochloric acid and pH balance (
http://www.whatthebleep.com/herald15/health.shtml ) that I’ve decided to add some details. Plus it’s August and vacation time. Short is good sometimes!
H. pylori is a bacteria that has been found in the stomach of people with ulcers, and is considered to be a causative factor. While most bacteria die under acidic conditions, H pylori is incredibly resistant to acid, and can proliferate when your gastro-intestinal system is not producing sufficient hydrochloric acid to either destroy it or keep it under control. Many physicians prescribe specific antibiotics to eliminate H pylori, and this has proven to be a lifesaver for many people who suffer from painful gastric ulcers.
What is of interest to note is the discovery of H. pylori in people who do not suffer from ulcers at all. My personal questions are: Can H. pylori really live in the stomach if the pH is acidic enough? Or does it only flower under conditions of inadequate acidity? So far no conclusive studies have been conducted to determine whether or not this is the case.
I have been asked by individuals who are currently on an antibiotic regimen for ulcers, whether or not they should continue to take their antibiotics. The answer is, absolutely. Stopping antibiotics too soon can actually be a factor in allowing “super bugs” to proliferate that are resistant to drugs. So follow the advice of your physician and finish the course of your antibiotics. Remember to rebuild the healthy bacterial flora in your gastro-intestinal tract (which is destroyed by the medication) by taking a well-balanced probiotic afterwards. Some people use a good, organic acidophilus yogurt for this purpose, however there are at least 7 different bacteria that are required. It would be wise to find a product that also included fructoooligosaccharrides as food for the bacteria. The juice of fresh raw cabbage, ¼ cup per day on an empty stomach is also very helpful.
Remember, taking care of all health factors is the only real way to address the deeper cause of “dis-ease.”
Generally your saliva pH should be about 7.4 and your urine around 6.4. Normally your pH readings will vary throughout the day - generally urine is more acidic when you first wake up than it is in the evening. Your pH readings will also depend upon other factors, including the kinds and amounts of foods and beverages you consume during the day, stress, and proper nerve supply to the gastro-intestinal region.
You will find that certain foods can increase and decrease acid production. In my practice I have found that nutrients Hypo-D and standard process Zypan are excellent products to “prime the pump” of stomach acid until you are able to get it “turned on” and functional.
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