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Watch the Clock for Heartburn Relief

For many people, the more common digestive problems seem to follow a regular cycle for them. They have bloating and gas after dinner, for example, but not after breakfast. Or their heartburn bothers them at night, but not during an afternoon nap.

Theres no secret about the reasons behind these cycles. According to the theory behind Chinese medicine, the peak energy level for the stomach occurs from 7–9 a.m. There have been numerous explanations for this. One is that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. By sending the peak amount of energy (in the form of food) to the stomach at that time, digestion, absorption, and energy levels are all improved. Most of the problems with the stomach occur when its energy level is at its lowest.

Everyone knows that the stomach secretes digestive acids with every meal, but few realize that from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., it secretes two to three times more acid than at any other time. Why this occurs is still somewhat of a mystery. Some researchers think it may be part of a cleansing process that helps destroy any residual pathogens. No one is sure. What is certain is that nighttime acid production causes a great deal of distress for many people, particularly older adults.

Research into daily rhythms has also found that taking a single evening dose of a medication that decreases acid production is more effective than a morning and evening dose or divided doses throughout the day. (Am J Gastroenterol 95;90(2):254-8) (Chronobiol Int 99;16(5):641-62) (Chronobiol Int 95;12:267-277) (Chronobiol Int 98;15(3):241-64) (Aliment Pharm Thera 98;12:1235-1240)

I have found that including digestive enzymes or enzyme-rich foods, such as a slice or two of pineapple, with the evening meal can also help. By improving or speeding up the digestive process, there is less chance that acid-laden undigested foods will later seep into the esophagus to cause heartburn.

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