I've essentially been my own doctor for many years.  It has worked out well.  I tend to avoid standard clinical practices, which are often based on profitability.  Many simple and effective treatments have been abandoned as unprofitable. 

 

For instance, many of us develop GERD (acid reflux) as we age.  It manifests as pain in the esophagus or chest.  The standard treatments are Histamine-2 blockers (temporary acid blockers) and proton pump inhibitors (longer term acid blockers).  But if you examine the actual mechanism causing the issue, it is the LACK of stomach acid.  The lower esophageal sphincter at the top of the stomach keeps the powerful stomach acids from entering the esophagus, but if the acid level in the stomach is reduced (which happens gradually via aging), the sphincter tends to relax, allowing acid into the esophagus.

 

My answer was therefore simple.  Add more stomach acid.  I take a Hydrochloric Acid supplement with meals which costs me about $25 a year.  The supplement also includes Pepsin, a protein-digesting enzyme.  I have no reflux, no pain, and no huge expense.  No doctor visit.  No prescription drugs.  Most importantly, I am maintaining proper acid levels in the stomach, allowing the stomach to do its job.  Anyone suppressing stomach acids for relief of GERD will likely develop more serious problems down the road because they are passing unprocessed stomach contents (bolus) to the small intestine. 

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