CONTENTS

• EXPLANATION
• THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS
• FURTHER ASSESSMENT
• DOCUMENTATION
• TRADITIONAL OSTEOPATHIC PERSPECTIVE

    Gastric hyperacidity was noted in at least 190 readings.  In some cases, the expression "superacidity" was used to designate the degree of imbalance in the stomach.  Beyond the obvious pathophysiological effects such as ulcer and acid reflux, more systemic effects were often described in these readings.  For example, poor digestion in the stomach (from hyperacidity) compromises the assimilation process throughout the rest of the gastrointestinal system.  When the partially digested food leaves the lower portion of the stomach in a hyperacid state, the uppermost section of small intestine (duodenum) can become irritated.  Unless the hyperacidity is neutralized quickly, assimilation throughout the rest of the gut is decreased.  Constipation in the lower bowel is one common result of poor digestion and assimilation.

    Gastric hyperacidity can be produced by a variety of factors, including:

• HIGHLY ACIDIC DIET - Edgar Cayce recommended a diet of 80% alkaline-producing foods for most people.  This amounts to a large quantity of fruits and vegetables (alkaline-producing foods) and decrease acidic foods such as meats, sweets, starches, etc.

• IMPROPER FOOD COMBINING - Even foods that are alkaline-producing or mildly acidic can produce "superacidity" in the stomach and general system when combined improperly.  The most notable example of improper food combining cited in numerous readings is citrus and cereals.  The chemicals required to digest citrus and cereals are incompatible producing gastric hyperacidity.

• NEGATIVE EMOTIONS - Eating while angry or upset can produce gastric hyperacidity.

• NERVE REFLEXES - Nerve reflexes from nerve centers in the cervical and thoracic areas of the spine affect gastric secretions.  In certain readings, Edgar Cayce attributed gastric hyperacidity to such somatic dysfunction.

DIET

    A balanced diet tending toward alkaline-producing foods (fruits and vegetables) with plenty of fresh water (6 - 8 glasses daily) are recommended.
 

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

    Edgar Cayce recommended a wide variety of dietary supplements for symptomatic relief from gastric hyperacidity.  Some of the more common remedies were:

• lactated pepsin,
• milk of bismuth,
• Alcaroid,
• milk of magnesia,
• citrocarbonate,
• yellow saffron tea,
• slippery elm bark water,
• olive oil taken in small doses.

    Spinal manipulation to remove pressure on nerve centers which regulate gastric secretions is  recommended in numerous readings involving gastric hyperacidity.  The cervical and thoracic (dorsal) centers are particularly noteworthy in cases of gastric hyperacidity. See the discussion below for a traditional osteopathic perspective on gastric hyperacidity.
 

HYDROTHERAPY

    Constipation and systemic toxicity is often a result of gastric hyperacidity.  Improperly digested and assimilated foods and clog up the bowel and poison the system.  Colonic irrigation (preferred) or enemas were often recommended by Edgar Cayce for such problems.

    Options for further assessment include:

• Heidelberg pH capsule system
• Heidelberg International, Inc.
• 933 Beasley Street, Blairsville, GA  30512
• (706) 745-969

[NOTE: The following discussion of gastric acidity and related topics comes from The Practice and Applied Therapeutics of Osteopathy by Charles Hazzard, D. O. published in 1905.]

    Special lesions have been noted as follows: in acidity, the lesser splanchnics and the 4th and 5th
dorsal (A.  T. Still); in gastralgia, frequent luxation of the 8th and 9th ribs anteriorly (McConnell),
also of the 5th, 6th and 7th dorsal; for gastric ulcer, frequent lesion of the 8th and 9th ribs anteriorly,
and of the 5th to 8th ribs posteriorly (McConnell)...

    In secretory disturbances, hyperacidity, super-secretion, and sub-acidity, work upon the vagus
and solar plexus, through the splanchnics, corrects circulation and rights secretion.  Stimulation of the lesser splanchnics and of the 11th and 5th dorsal is important.

    The removal of lesion and maintenance of a free circulation are measures greatest importance, as
thereby the ulcer is healed.  As a derangement of the secretions, such as hyperacidity, predisposes to ulcer, it is seen that correction of circulation guards against it.  The same is true of the point that
gastritis causes ulcer.

    A general course of treatment should be given to build up the health of the body and to improve
the quality of the blood in such conditions as anemia, chlorosis, and amenorrhea, which favor the
development of ulcers.