Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 6/13/2011

Question
Dr.
I am male, 53.
I have done two 'trials' with this on myself and have determined that it is effective, at least for my G.E.R.D., and my I.B.S..
It seems to have so many other benefits, do you know if any have been proven effective?
Also, after two other 'trials', I am pretty sure I am either intolerant to, or just can no longer digest red meat. When I am vegetarian, most of my I.B.S. symptoms, the main one being a distended abdomen, slowly resolve somewhat over time. But when I include fish and chicken, the bloating comes back, and when I include red meat, even a few lean portions over a few days, my stomach makkes me look like a pregnant lady.
My doctor can only say to keep off the red meat but thats it.
When I am taking the apple cider vinegar, this problem although present is not as bad.
My online research says that as people get older a lack of stomach production can occer making red meat digestion difficult. The apple cider vinegar works as a stomach acid in this case.
Thanks for your thoughts and any other suggestions.
Have a great summer!

Answer
Hello,
Yes, stomach acid production does often decline as one gets older, leading to to decline of protein digestion, and so the addition of supplements to improve digestion is likely to help.  The apple cider vinegar helps stimulate your own natural production of stomach acid, as would some bitter foods, "bitters" supplements, or other sour foods like lemon juice in water.  One can also replace HCL directly but I would not suggest that for anyone without individual guidance for how to do that.  Any of the indirect ways of improving stomach and GI function are usually helpful and can be continued for a long period of time, just make sure that if you do notice new symptoms, or worsening of current symptoms, you seek out a health professional near you to evaluate what's going on.  
In health,
Dr Conner