Dr. Carlos Jaramillo discusses the management of stomach acids and why conventional treatments for gastritis and reflux don't work in the long term. He explains that the stomach's normal pH is between 1 and 2, making it very acidic, and that this acidity is necessary for protein assimilation, calcium absorption, and thyroid function.
Dr. Jaramillo argues that conventional treatments, such as antacids and acid reducers, only mask symptoms and can lead to a loss of stomach function, causing more harm than good. He claims that these treatments can make the stomach's pH more alkaline, leading to a loss of acid production, which can cause problems with protein assimilation, calcium absorption, and thyroid function.
Instead, Dr. Jaramillo recommends a functional medicine approach that focuses on restoring the stomach's natural function. He suggests drinking aloe vera juice and water with lemon or apple cider vinegar to help protect the stomach lining and restore its natural pH.
Dr. Jaramillo also recommends avoiding certain foods and substances that can irritate the stomach, such as baked goods, fruit juices, coffee, peanuts, and alcohol. He claims that by following these recommendations, people can recover from gastritis and reflux and never have to take medications again.
Overall, Dr. Jaramillo's approach focuses on restoring the stomach's natural function and promoting overall health and well-being, rather than just masking symptoms with conventional treatments.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The normal pH of the stomach is between 1 and 2.
2. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 0-7 being acidic and 7-14 being alkaline.
3. A pH of 7 is considered neutral.
4. The stomach needs to be acidic to assimilate protein, stimulate bile production, and absorb calcium and vitamin D.
5. The gallbladder needs a signal from the stomach to produce bile.
6. If the stomach is not functioning properly, it can lead to issues such as reflux, gastritis, and ulcers.
7. Conventional treatments for stomach problems often focus on reducing acidity, but this can lead to a loss of stomach function.
8. The stomach has three main structures: acid, mucus, and mucosa.
9. The mucus layer protects the mucosa from acid.
10. If the stomach is not producing enough acid, the mucus layer can be compromised, leading to irritation and pain.
11. The stomach is an important part of the digestive system, and issues with the stomach can affect the entire digestive process.
12. Functional medicine aims to restore the function of the stomach and other organs, rather than just treating symptoms.
13. Certain compounds, such as aloe vera, can help to protect the mucosa and promote healing in the stomach.
14. Drinking water with lemon or apple cider vinegar can help to stimulate digestion and promote healing in the stomach.
15. Avoiding certain foods and substances, such as baked goods, fruit juices, coffee, peanuts, and alcohol, can help to reduce irritation in the stomach.