Health Hotline Magazine | November 2020

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To use apple cider vinegar as a digestive aid, dilute one to two tablespoons with water and drink it before your meals. Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and pickles can naturally increase and support healthy stomach acid levels. Fermented foods are rich in probiotics, and their beneficial bacteria and enzymes can improve digestion, reduce harmful bacteria, and decrease inflammation from low stomach acid. xv xvi Raw apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a fermented liquid made from apples, bacteria, and yeast that is rich in protein and enzymes. It increases stomach acid levels by introducing more acid into the digestive tract. In addition to increasing stomach acid levels, ACV has been shown to reduce symptoms of heartburn. xvii healthy digestion. Bitters, which may include herbs like gentian, burdock root, and ginger, stimulate the production of stomach acid, enzymes, and bile, and can relieve gas, bloating, nausea, and other symptoms of indigestion, as well as heartburn. When the bitter receptors on your tongue are stimulated by a bitter taste, the vagus nerve (the nerve that connects the brain to the digestive system) relays a message to the stomach, pancreas, and liver, which jumpstarts digestion. There are also bitter receptors in the stomach, which when stimulated, promote a feeling of satiety, or fullness, helping to prevent overeating. xviii Most of us don’t consume many bitter foods in our modern-day diets, so the addition of digestive bitters can be a great way to incorporate them. Note: If you are taking any type of acid blocker, you should not take these supplements at the same time. They are antagonists and will work against each other. INCREASE STOMACH ACID WITH BETAINE HCL Betaine hydrochloric acid is the most common hydrochloric acid supplement that supports proper digestive function. Betaine HCL aids in the absorption and assimilation of minerals, such as iron, and vitamins, such as folic acid, ascorbic acid, and beta-carotene, by increasing their bioavailability. xii According to research, a number of minerals and trace elements are poorly absorbed in cases of low stomach acid, including iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, chromium, selenium, manganese, vanadium, molybdenum, and cobalt. xiii xiv By increasing stomach acid levels with betaine HCL, you can restore normal gastric acidity to support healthy gut function. RESTORE HEALTHY ACID LEVELS WITH FERMENTED FOODS & ACV DIGESTIVE BITTERS PROVIDE DIGESTIVE SUPPORT Digestive bitters are typically found as combinations of bitter herbs, and while the blends may vary, they all work to support

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References available upon request.

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