Stomach acid also known as hydrochloric acid/HCL, is critical for digestive function and can reduce uncomfortable digestive issues.
3 main jobs of the stomach: all of which require high acidity
Disinfectant chamber – Acid should be high in the stomach to protect against pathogens from proteins, if pepsin cannot be created, then it cannot disinfect food and stomach lining. If not killed by stomach acid, these invaders move south with the food causing issues further in the digestion process.
Breakdown protein – Having high stomach acidity is critical to break down proteins – if stomach is not acidic then proteins are not broken down and large protein particles move to the small intestine causing damage and fermentation.
Support nutrient absorption – Nutrient absorption requires HCL – Calcium, iron, and zinc. Having low HCL can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Low stomach acid/Hypochlorhydria is common and known to cause many upper GI digestive issues:
- Feeling too full after regular meal
- Belching, Excess gas & Bloating
- Stomach pain, cramps
- Undigested food in stool
- Diarrhea & constipation
- Indigestion & Heartburn
Why is Hypochlorhydria so common?
- Medications: Antibiotics, Anti-depressants & Anti-anxiety meds, PPIs like Zantac or Prilosec reduce acidity.
- Stress – when stress is on, digestion is off and chronic stress can reduce acid.
- Dehydrated, low on electrolytes – need adequate levels of chloride for HCL production.
- Stomach Infection – H Pylori is a common bacterium that can cause ulcers and impact stomach acidity levels.
- Alcohol use
- High sugar diet
- Food sensitives
- Age – produce less pepsin which helps to breakdown protein
How do you know if you have low stomach acid? Symptoms above will indicate if there is an issue but there are a couple ways to test at home to see if you may have Hypochlorhydria.
- Baking soda test – 4 oz cold water with 1/4 tsp baking soda on an empty stomach, then time how long it takes you to burp. If it takes longer than three to five minutes, the theory goes, you don’t have enough stomach acid.
- Lemon Juice Test – When you have stomach pain, take a tablespoon of lemon juice. If the pain stops, you may have too little acid. If it makes your symptoms worse, then you may have too much stomach acid or an ulcer.
Ways to increase acidity
- Chew thoroughly – this is a simple, free, often overlooked tip that improves many digestive issues. Chew your food slowly and take smaller bites to stimulate your digestive enzymes. This can eliminate symptoms associated with low stomach acid and help maintain a positive level in your stomach.
- Avoid processed foods – genetically modified (GMO) foods, fast foods, additives, dyes, excitotoxins, artificial colors and flavorings, which are devoid of nutrition. Eliminate white flour, refined sugars, and artificial sweeteners.
- Stress management – taking 3 deep belly breaths before each meal can support.
- Add Fermented vegetables/probiotics – Probiotic are microorganisms that support a healthy balance of beneficial gut bacteria.
- Increase Enzymes – Look for options that include pepsin, and including natural enzymes from papaya and pineapple.
- Hydrate with electrolytes – chloride in found in salt/electrolytes helps production of HCL
- Supplement with Zinc which is critical for HCL production. Food high in zinc are oysters, red meat and poultry, pumpkin seeds, legumes and grass-fed dairy.
- Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) – dilute in water and drink prior to meal to help increase acid level.
- Digestive bitters – Bitter flavors excite the digestive system alerting the pancreas to release enzymes and stomach acid and bile to support digestion.
- HCL supplements – proceed carefully here and read instructions. Betaine HCL is available in supplement section of store.
- Though it may not increase acid levels in stomach, ginger possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate stomach inflammation due to low stomach acid.
