Expert: Imran R. - 1/2/2007

Question
At age of 59, I started experiencing some discomfort after meal (no particular food noticed).
My physician, wishing to check whether stomach acidity is low, suggested a medication, raising the acidity.
In his words, if it hurts more, it was too much acid; but if it's better, I have low acidity. He didn'r offer any modern tests, like Heidelberg.

I prefer to determine the acidity with more natural means.

1. For example I read that using a simple PH test kit would be a good indicator.
2. Also, I read a lot about using Apple Cider Vinegar to aleviate the condition. About  Apple Cider Vinegar, the information says that it can be used as RAISING stomach acidity OR LOWERING stomach acidity.
How can it be done with the same substance?

Would appreciate your opinion on these issues. Thanks.

Answer
Dear BK,

Thank you for your question.

The apple cider vinegar is a useful remedy, and it does work, however we must address the cause of the problem.

Apple cider vinegar works both ways, to reduce acidity or to increase, depending on the condition in one's body. The body uses the enzymes and acetic acid and so on to fulfill its needs. The cider vinegar is just a tool, as are all natural products.

My advice to you would be to continue taking apple cider vinegar in some warm water with honey, or whatever recipe you have looked up, there are definite health benefits, however, what you need to do to directly address your condition would be to use a good probiotic. Search google for "primal defense ultra". Take this probiotic daily.
Replenishing internal flora is the key.

Good nutrition is essential. If you can juice fruits and vegetables everyday please do, it will be very beneficial. If you do not have the time for this daily or find it too expensive, and need a good nutritional supplement in place, i would look no further than the one below. I have personally been taking it for a few months now, and can confidently recommend it over any other nutritional supplement.

The product is called fruta-vida.
Website: www.tryfrutavida.com/main

Besides this supplement, the probiotics and ACV, i do not see your body needing anything more.

Below are some general dietary recommendations that are important to pay attention to.

Dietary Advice:

Cut out all soy products except fermented soy. Miso, tempeh and soy sauce are healthy. [fermented]

Soy contains goitrogens, which depress thyroid functions. It also contains phytic acid, which hinders the body's ability to absorb proteins, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. In general, it is an enzyme inhibitor.

Do not drink pasteurized milk as it is quite harmful. Take only certified organic or raw milk.

Make sure you avoid all artificial sweeteners:
splenda, sucralose, aspartame, nutra-sweet, equal, acesulfame potassium.

Splenda/sucralose has become very popular these days and is just as bad as aspartame. These sweeteners are all very toxic and are found in store bought vitamins, protein powders, anything sugar-free, gum, chocolate, soda... etc.

Please read labels carefully and cut out all artificial sweeteners. This is very important.

Both soy and artificial sweeteners weaken the immune system.

Cut out all margarine and hydrogenated fats. Cut out canola, rapeseed and soybean oils.
These are very unhealthy. Replace with butter, ghee, unrefined coconut oil, sesame oil, and virgin olive oil.  

7 glasses of water per day is a good idea to help flush out toxins from the body. Warm or room temperature water, never cold. Never drink tap water. It must be filtered. Avoid drinking distilled water. It leads to mineral depletion and hair loss.

Vaccines:

This is a subject that most do not pay enough attention to. Despite popular belief, vaccines are actually harmful. This has been proven by medical doctors/physicians.

You can do some research on Google:
"dangers of vaccinations". You can search for vaccine information at this site also:  www.mercola.com

Medical comments on vaccines:
http://www.deepdownwellness.com/althealth/vaccination.html

Email me if you have any further questions.

With best wishes,

Imran