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Why Stomach Acid Is Good for You: Natural Relief from Heartburn, Indigestion, Reflux and GERD
This groundbreaking book unleashes a brilliant new plan for permanently curing heartburn by relieving the root cause of the problem: low stomach acid.
The fact is that heartburn is caused by too little stomach acid -- not too much, as many doctors profess. As explained in this book, the current practice of reducing stomach acid may be a temporary fix, but this fix comes at a cost to our long-term health that is being ignored by the pharmaceutical companies, the FDA, and the thousands of physicians that prescribe anti-acid drugs like Prilosec, Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid, and others.
The fact is that heartburn is caused by too little stomach acid -- not too much, as many doctors profess. As explained in this book, the current practice of reducing stomach acid may be a temporary fix, but this fix comes at a cost to our long-term health that is being ignored by the pharmaceutical companies, the FDA, and the thousands of physicians that prescribe anti-acid drugs like Prilosec, Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid, and others.
208 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2001
196 people are currently reading
800 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan V. Wright
29 books16 followersDr. Wright is the Founder of Tahoma Clinic in the south Seattle area. A Harvard University (A.B. 1965) and University of Michigan graduate (M.D. 1969), he is a forerunner in research and application of natural treatments for healthy aging and illness. Along with Alan R. Gaby, M.D., he has since 1976 accumulated a file of over 50,000 research papers about diet, vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and other natural substances from which he has developed non-patent medicine (non-“drug”) treatments for health problems. Dr. Wright has taught natural biochemical medical treatments since 1983 to thousands of physicians in the USA, Europe, and Japan.
He was the first to develop and introduce the use of comprehensive patterns of bio-identical hormones (including estrogens, progesterone, DHEA and testosterone) in 1982 and (at Meridian Valley Laboratory) directed the development of tests to ensure their safe use. He also originated successful natural treatment for elimination of childhood asthma, developed treatment to stop vision loss or improve vision in the majority of individuals with “dry” macular degeneration, was the first to use aldosterone to reverse age-related hearing loss, discovered the effect of iodine on estrogen metabolism and cobalt on steroid detoxification, popularized the use of D-mannose treatment for E. coli urinary tract infection, developed effective natural treatment for seborrheic dermatitis, allergic and viral conjunctivitis, and Osgood-Schlatter’s disease. In 2013, he resurrected forgotten research and treatment protocols for the application of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) to treat severe neurological problems.
Dr. Wright founded the Tahoma Clinic and Dispensary (1973), Meridian Valley Laboratory (1976), and the Tahoma Clinic Foundation (1996). Tahoma Clinic was established to approach disease by natural means and emphasize the correction of imbalances in the body that lead to disease. The infamous 1992 FDA Tahoma Clinic “raid” (“The Great B-Vitamin Bust”) was a major impetus for Congressional reform of vitamin/mineral regulation.
He was the first to develop and introduce the use of comprehensive patterns of bio-identical hormones (including estrogens, progesterone, DHEA and testosterone) in 1982 and (at Meridian Valley Laboratory) directed the development of tests to ensure their safe use. He also originated successful natural treatment for elimination of childhood asthma, developed treatment to stop vision loss or improve vision in the majority of individuals with “dry” macular degeneration, was the first to use aldosterone to reverse age-related hearing loss, discovered the effect of iodine on estrogen metabolism and cobalt on steroid detoxification, popularized the use of D-mannose treatment for E. coli urinary tract infection, developed effective natural treatment for seborrheic dermatitis, allergic and viral conjunctivitis, and Osgood-Schlatter’s disease. In 2013, he resurrected forgotten research and treatment protocols for the application of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) to treat severe neurological problems.
Dr. Wright founded the Tahoma Clinic and Dispensary (1973), Meridian Valley Laboratory (1976), and the Tahoma Clinic Foundation (1996). Tahoma Clinic was established to approach disease by natural means and emphasize the correction of imbalances in the body that lead to disease. The infamous 1992 FDA Tahoma Clinic “raid” (“The Great B-Vitamin Bust”) was a major impetus for Congressional reform of vitamin/mineral regulation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 9, 2016
This is an excellent book, written by an incredible holistic-minded physician. This guy knows his stuff: Dr. Wright was the guy who brought bio-identical hormone therapy to the U.S. He explains in a lot of detail why stomach acid is critical for the health of the entire human body. Where some of the myths or misunderstandings about it came about, etc. He also explains how to easily and inexpensively test/treat yourself with HCL/pepsin capsules in a very concise manner. I found that my acid levels are lacking after following his protocol. I went up to the maximum 7 capsules per meal, and never had any burning or discomfort in my stomach. That means for at least the last 10 years or so, my poor stomach has been having a hard time, and thus, the rest of my digestive system as well.
I should mention one of the reasons I suspected I had poor stomach acid production. Off and on, for the last decade or so, I'd periodically have this persistent, gnawing hunger in my stomach, even after I had just eaten. In fact, sometimes it would literally get worse after I ate. That symptom had gotten a lot worse the last year or so, happening more frequently, sometimes for days at a time. After some searching, and ruling out a couple of other causes, I found that this is a common symptom of low stomach acid! I'm happy to report, that the HCL/pepsin therapy seems to have taken care of that annoying symptom, or at least knocked it way down.
If you or anyone you know, has heartburn or ANY other digestive issues, I strongly encourage you to read this book. It is a real eye-opener. The ONLY thing I will say, is that, in the book he mentions they don't really know why people with low stomach-acid production experience heartburn, but that they observe clinical improvement when acid production is improved. From what I've read elsewhere, we DO know why: if stomach acid is deficient, food sits in your stomach and ferments, which creates gas. That gas carries particles of the stomach acid upward, to the GE sphincter, and irritates it, causing the heartburn. But that's just a side-note and doesn't warrant taking away a star for this book. Great stuff
I should mention one of the reasons I suspected I had poor stomach acid production. Off and on, for the last decade or so, I'd periodically have this persistent, gnawing hunger in my stomach, even after I had just eaten. In fact, sometimes it would literally get worse after I ate. That symptom had gotten a lot worse the last year or so, happening more frequently, sometimes for days at a time. After some searching, and ruling out a couple of other causes, I found that this is a common symptom of low stomach acid! I'm happy to report, that the HCL/pepsin therapy seems to have taken care of that annoying symptom, or at least knocked it way down.
If you or anyone you know, has heartburn or ANY other digestive issues, I strongly encourage you to read this book. It is a real eye-opener. The ONLY thing I will say, is that, in the book he mentions they don't really know why people with low stomach-acid production experience heartburn, but that they observe clinical improvement when acid production is improved. From what I've read elsewhere, we DO know why: if stomach acid is deficient, food sits in your stomach and ferments, which creates gas. That gas carries particles of the stomach acid upward, to the GE sphincter, and irritates it, causing the heartburn. But that's just a side-note and doesn't warrant taking away a star for this book. Great stuff
March 5, 2013
Completely changed my thinking and alleviated much of my digestive issues. The somewhat long-winded diatribe against the pharmaceutical companies prevented me from giving the book 5 stars, not to mention hurting the credibility of the book by its overbearing tone. Also, the book may want to include recent studies that showed the effects of long-term usage of PPI's, and the common acid-rebound problems with people who've tried to quite PPI's.
August 4, 2015
Excellent book to read if you want to understand what happens in your body from the moment you bite into something through eliminating it. Excellent digestion resource. Does get redundant regarding the key message of low stomach acid but that is because he is trying to make an important point. Low stomach acid can be the cause of most of the digestive problems, yet we are given anti acid blockers and suppressants to decrease our stomach acid further.
It will remain in my resource library.
It will remain in my resource library.
March 27, 2020
Interesting hypothesis (acid and indegestion issues stem from too little acid, not too much) and, although I'm not sure I would dare to actually take HCl, I have to say that I'm inclined to believe the hypothesis, at least to some extent. I agree with the authors about the damage done to many who take acid inhibitors long-term.
February 22, 2010
Stomach acid is needed for digestion. Sounds obvious, but modern pharmas would have you and your money believing otherwise.
February 22, 2018
There are many plusses and minuses for the book. On the plus side, the authors point out the dangers of modern pharmaceuticals used for all kinds of irritable bowel problems, especially the so-called proton pump inhibitors when used for long terms. Because of the plethora of dangerous side effects most people should get off these drugs which produce billions of dollars for pharma companies who really don't care if you get better overall and produce "relief of symptoms". Both primary care physicians and specialists (gastroenterologists) have the same goals and are working with tainted studies from Big Pharma by highly paid sales reps and do not take the time to explore options which are "outside the box".
On the minus side, it would be very difficult for a patient to find a physician who employs the methods they recommend. Even the web-sites the book provides may not help you find such a physician within a reasonable distance from your home. If you do, they are going to do a number of tests (primarily measuring and monitoring stomach acid) which most likely will not be covered by your insurance at all. Then the final minus is the recommendation to take dozens or more pills of "natural remedies" to correct your low stomach acid. These products, primarily plant-based are generally only available at health food stores and compounding pharmacies. The costs of these products in such huge quantities is well beyond the ability to afford by most people and most will not get any help from their insurance companies. These stores and pharmacies charge rates that make even pharmaceutical companies blush and you may be taking hundreds of these every month.
Another area that the authors pretty much ignore is the tremendous effects that your overall health and habits as well as modern day stress of all kinds are involved in producing your symptoms. I'd be interested in knowing what effect marijuana has on these problems, but it is not even mentioned in the book even though it's natural and plant-based. They also do not recommend seeing a quality psychologist (also very difficult to find) to assess the effect your personal choices and life-altering events are involved in your problem.
So, if you'll do anything to correct your problems and do it in a "natural way" you may want to pursue the recommendations. You need to be fairly wealthy and willing to undergo some testing that will be uncomfortable and expensive. The fact that they are usually not FDA approved should not deter you as the FDA is generally on the payroll of Big Pharma and they want you to buy their products which may stop the symptoms for a while.
I had 37 years of pharmaceutical sales/management.
On the minus side, it would be very difficult for a patient to find a physician who employs the methods they recommend. Even the web-sites the book provides may not help you find such a physician within a reasonable distance from your home. If you do, they are going to do a number of tests (primarily measuring and monitoring stomach acid) which most likely will not be covered by your insurance at all. Then the final minus is the recommendation to take dozens or more pills of "natural remedies" to correct your low stomach acid. These products, primarily plant-based are generally only available at health food stores and compounding pharmacies. The costs of these products in such huge quantities is well beyond the ability to afford by most people and most will not get any help from their insurance companies. These stores and pharmacies charge rates that make even pharmaceutical companies blush and you may be taking hundreds of these every month.
Another area that the authors pretty much ignore is the tremendous effects that your overall health and habits as well as modern day stress of all kinds are involved in producing your symptoms. I'd be interested in knowing what effect marijuana has on these problems, but it is not even mentioned in the book even though it's natural and plant-based. They also do not recommend seeing a quality psychologist (also very difficult to find) to assess the effect your personal choices and life-altering events are involved in your problem.
So, if you'll do anything to correct your problems and do it in a "natural way" you may want to pursue the recommendations. You need to be fairly wealthy and willing to undergo some testing that will be uncomfortable and expensive. The fact that they are usually not FDA approved should not deter you as the FDA is generally on the payroll of Big Pharma and they want you to buy their products which may stop the symptoms for a while.
I had 37 years of pharmaceutical sales/management.
December 31, 2022
This book has so much need-to-know information! If you are over 40 years old, you need to read this book. If you take daily heartburn medication, you MUST read this book. WHY?
1. At around age 40, most humans produce only around half the stomach acid it did when we were in our 20s.
2. When the stomach has sufficient acid inside it, the valve at the top-end of the stomach remains tightly shut. If it has too little acid, it doesn't remain closed. The result is heartburn.
What happens next? You go to the doctor and he prescribes an antacid which further reduces the level of acid in your stomach- thereby ensuring the problem gets worse!
I suffered similarly BUT had my stomach acid level checked and discovered I had hypochlorhydria (insufficient stomach acid - a common thing in middle aged people). So, instead of taking an antacid, I began taking more acid -Betaine HCL (capsuled stomach acid) - before every meal. The result was amazing. My heartburn went away permanently and I once again fully digest my meals, requiring me to eat less food. I now weigh what I did when I was 18 years old, I am off of high blood pressure meds and have never felt better!
Read this and then read Ed Yong's book, "I Contain Multitudes"... it will change your perspective on your digestion. Trust me. You'll be glad you did.
1. At around age 40, most humans produce only around half the stomach acid it did when we were in our 20s.
2. When the stomach has sufficient acid inside it, the valve at the top-end of the stomach remains tightly shut. If it has too little acid, it doesn't remain closed. The result is heartburn.
What happens next? You go to the doctor and he prescribes an antacid which further reduces the level of acid in your stomach- thereby ensuring the problem gets worse!
I suffered similarly BUT had my stomach acid level checked and discovered I had hypochlorhydria (insufficient stomach acid - a common thing in middle aged people). So, instead of taking an antacid, I began taking more acid -Betaine HCL (capsuled stomach acid) - before every meal. The result was amazing. My heartburn went away permanently and I once again fully digest my meals, requiring me to eat less food. I now weigh what I did when I was 18 years old, I am off of high blood pressure meds and have never felt better!
Read this and then read Ed Yong's book, "I Contain Multitudes"... it will change your perspective on your digestion. Trust me. You'll be glad you did.
June 30, 2017
Mistake
I chose this rating because I've been following the author's advice to not take omeprazole. I saw my gastroenterologist today and he explained that while my lifestyle and dietary changes were all good things (more walking and better eating habits), my esophagus has scar tissue in it that is harmed by acid reflux. Heartburn and acid reflux are really 2 different things. I'm having less heartburn because of changes I've made, but you don't necessarily feel acid reflux. In my case, the reason for it might simply be structural.
I asked if low stomach acid interfered with nutrient absorption and he said no. Low stomach acid can make you more prone to bacterial infection, but you absorb nutrients below your stomach.
I'm sorry I spent the money on this book. The author spends a lot of word space running down conventional medicine. That's kind of a red flag for me, anyway, when it comes to books like this.
I chose this rating because I've been following the author's advice to not take omeprazole. I saw my gastroenterologist today and he explained that while my lifestyle and dietary changes were all good things (more walking and better eating habits), my esophagus has scar tissue in it that is harmed by acid reflux. Heartburn and acid reflux are really 2 different things. I'm having less heartburn because of changes I've made, but you don't necessarily feel acid reflux. In my case, the reason for it might simply be structural.
I asked if low stomach acid interfered with nutrient absorption and he said no. Low stomach acid can make you more prone to bacterial infection, but you absorb nutrients below your stomach.
I'm sorry I spent the money on this book. The author spends a lot of word space running down conventional medicine. That's kind of a red flag for me, anyway, when it comes to books like this.
January 8, 2017
My MD loaned me this book after I had a visit to Emergency late one night and received a diagnosis of hyper-acidity and was prescribed Prilosec. At the time my MD was on a Medical Mission trip and when she returned I went in for a follow-up, she urged me to read this book advising that rather than hyper-acidity it was more likely I had low stomach acid (which is common in Thyroid patients). The first dose of Betaine HCL I took with my evening meal, resulted in immediate reduction of indigestion symptoms. I followed the protocols recommended in the book with excellent results.
July 5, 2022
I was excited by the concept of the book, but disappointed on how it was delivered. I was hoping for a little more practical application. It felt a bit repetitive and definitely felt like it could have been shorter. I also felt like it was written with an agenda and I didn’t like the constant digs at other doctors who are prescribing antacids
January 28, 2018
On day 3 now without using Prilosec or any other anti-acid. For 15 years I’ve never been able to go without it for longer than 24 hours and I’ve tried many times. So far, I’ve been impressed with the remedies in the book. 👍👍
May 9, 2018
Recommended.
This book is an interesting exploration of the biology of stomach acid and how our medicines that suppress acid are actually doing more harm than good. The book seems to have a bias towards natural medicine, so keep that in mind, but the information is really interesting.
This book is an interesting exploration of the biology of stomach acid and how our medicines that suppress acid are actually doing more harm than good. The book seems to have a bias towards natural medicine, so keep that in mind, but the information is really interesting.
August 5, 2016
Fascinating
November 21, 2024
Excellent information, you really learn more than you ever need to know about stomach acid. Extra points for addressing why these natural remedies are not endorsed by the FDA or scientific community in general. I did not know pharmaceutical companies with large patent portfolios funded much of the medical studies, not to mention marketing, and are some of the only companies rich enough to make it through the stringent FDA rules to get their drug on the market. I feel like I’ve been scammed by the whole anti-acid industry. Basic take away (although there is a LOT more): acid reflux, GERD, indigestion, and a whole host of other issues (even rosacea and depression) could be from too little stomach acid.
Only points off because the writing wasn’t the easiest for me to follow. It could be because I listened to it on audiobook, though.
Only points off because the writing wasn’t the easiest for me to follow. It could be because I listened to it on audiobook, though.
February 14, 2022
Very interesting explanation of the role of stomach acid in general health. The takeaway is that low acid will interfere with nutrients and minerals absorption causing insufficient supply of critical nutrients and creating all kinds of health problems. The enemy is not acid, but the lack of it and the acid blockers. Good information about natural ways to fix low acid, which paradoxically can cause heart burn and indigestion. The difficult part would be to find a doctor open to natural therapies and not exclusive to the FDA and the pharmaceutical complex.
January 13, 2015
Interesting
Quality information from a quality guy. This is a very well written book by someone who really cares deeply about the
Quality information from a quality guy. This is a very well written book by someone who really cares deeply about the
January 26, 2018
Excellent information on the health of the gut.
August 9, 2019
Suffer from GERD? Step away from the Prilosec. Read this book first. The writing's not great, but the arguments against PPIs are convincing enough.
May 10, 2023
It focuses on something that could be very wrong in treating many diseases such as heartburn, GERD etc...
The information is new and could be helpful for many people.
But It is very repitetive in terms of explaining why stomach acid is important, the same thing has been mentioned 4-5 times in every chapter. Which makes it feel a little repetetive, However this does not mean in anyway that the information and research mentioned in the book is of no value.
I felt author is a little bias towards not taking medication but still the content makes it a must read if you are suffering from any stomach related problems especially GERD or heartburn.
Or if you are currently on any acid suppressing medicine.
The information is new and could be helpful for many people.
But It is very repitetive in terms of explaining why stomach acid is important, the same thing has been mentioned 4-5 times in every chapter. Which makes it feel a little repetetive, However this does not mean in anyway that the information and research mentioned in the book is of no value.
I felt author is a little bias towards not taking medication but still the content makes it a must read if you are suffering from any stomach related problems especially GERD or heartburn.
Or if you are currently on any acid suppressing medicine.
February 15, 2022
This book is the 1 book every refluxer should read. In fact, it makes me outrageous that specialized doctors aren't reading it... Jonathan explains the causes, the interactions, the symptoms and also explains you in detail how to act in different specific cases (H pyroli or no H pyroli, esophagitis or no espohagitis, moderate or full blown reflux etc). If you have reflux and you read 1 book - this has to be it. Just trust me and thank me later. You will understand where your issues come from, how they work, how can you make sure you get a proper diagnosis and then you get 200 years of science based evidence on how you might be treated - properly!
February 22, 2023
Helpful advice for people with stomach issues
This book was recommended to me by my functional nutritionist. The author lays out why indigestion and reflux are more likely caused by low stomach acid than too much stomach acid and he lays out a plan to help. He gives specific recommendations that I appreciate and a step-by-step plan. Especially if you are taking acid blockers or antacids on a regular basis, please read this book. The public needs the information in here because the drug companies sure don’t want you to see it.
This book was recommended to me by my functional nutritionist. The author lays out why indigestion and reflux are more likely caused by low stomach acid than too much stomach acid and he lays out a plan to help. He gives specific recommendations that I appreciate and a step-by-step plan. Especially if you are taking acid blockers or antacids on a regular basis, please read this book. The public needs the information in here because the drug companies sure don’t want you to see it.
August 3, 2019
Excellent book. First consider how the human body, specifically digestion, is supposed to work. Then treat the cause, not the symptom, of indigestion, reflux, GERD, which is primarily a case of inadequate stomach acid. Three centuries of medical evidence linking asthma to low stomach acid. Too many people are being misdiagnosed, inadequately tested, and given the wrong treatment for their disease.
January 16, 2025
Listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the content. I personally love to learn about the human body and this scratched that itch. Your gut health is extremely important and this book helped explain everything from the basics of digestion to the exact receptors that kickstart the stomach acid process. Most importantly it explained how conventional medicine can negatively impact your gut health and what you can do instead to aid in recovery from a multitude of ailments. Highly recommend.
August 3, 2021
I'm convinced! Stomach acid IS good for you. I found the appendix about the link to some types of depression and low amino acids very interesting and would love to learn more about that. I wish there was a bit more practical dosing advice/protocols for supplementing with betaine HCl, pepsin and digestive enzymes but a great book nonetheless.
February 6, 2019
The key to health and absorbing your nutrients! A read for all people. Simple changes can make a world of difference in how you feel. He explains stomach acid and it’s role in our nourishment and health. There are lots of examples of his patients that make this book SO interesting!
January 1, 2025
Easy to read and highly informational, gives the reason why you would want more acid and what happens when you stop that production. Like not being able to absorb different minerals for bones and brain.
February 15, 2025
Very useful knowledge! I learned to use wormwood, HCL+pepsin, digestive enzymes to solve my mild GERD and ingestion problems. The insights on taking the enzymes after the meal instead of before it as recommended on the bottle totally makes sense.
November 26, 2017
B. Of personal interest at the time...fortunately no longer.
March 9, 2019
Very good book and very informative , It is sad how this indigestion is treated by today's doctors.This book talk about indigestion in details and it causes and natural remedies.
June 22, 2019
This book has completely changed the way I approach my diet and mood. Life changing at this point as a woman refusing gallbladder removal surgery and trying to keep healthy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews