Are You Suffering from Low Stomach Acid?
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) or stomach acid, is absolutely critical for proper digestion. Yet so many people I work with are unknowingly suffering from low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria). Without enough stomach acid, you can't digest protein and absorb minerals and certain vitamins like B12. One of the benefits of this highly acidic environment is that it helps keep the rest of the digestive tract more sterile. It’s difficult for pathogenic bacteria to survive in this acidic environment. If the acid level starts to fall (pH begins to rise), it can reduce the stomachs ability to kill off pathogens.
Common symptoms that may indicate hypochlorhydria include:
Bloating after meals
Feeling unusually full, even with smaller meals
Excessive gas or belching after meals
Indigestion / Heartburn
Diarrhea
Reactivity to foods
Undigested food in your stool
Chronic yeast infections
Skin reactions like acne or eczema
Iron deficiency
Risk factors for hypochlorhydria include:
Age: hypochlorhydria risk increases with age, especially after age 65
Stress: decreases stomach acid production in the body
Certain medications (talk to your doctor if you have specific concerns
H. Pylori Infection
Easy At-Home Low Stomach Acid Test
If you are concerned that hypochlorhydria may be affecting you, there is a simple test you can perform. The test must be performed first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking anything.
Simply mix 1/4 tsp. baking soda (yup! regular baking soda) with 4-6oz of water and drink on an empty stomach. As soon as you drink the baking soda water, start a timer. We are looking to see how long it takes for you to burp. If you have sufficient levels of stomach acid, the baking soda will be converted into carbon dioxide gas, which should cause belching around 3 minutes after drinking. If you have not belched within 5 minutes, stop timing.
What To Do If I Suspect Low Stomach Acid
Ways to naturally increase your stomach acid include:
Chew thoroughly! Digestion begins at your mouth with your salivatory enzymes. Chewing thoroughly allows enough contact time for these enzymes to start breaking down your food AND helps prime your body to make adequate stomach acid for the meal ahead.
Limit processed foods. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can increase your stomach acid levels, while processed foods and sugars can cause inflammation in your stomach, decrease acid activity, and even trigger acid reflux symptoms.
Supplement with Apple Cider Vinegar: Raw apple cider vinegar can increase stomach acid levels because its acidic properties introduce more acid into the digestive tract. Try diluting a small amount with water and drinking at least 5 minutes before meals. Never take apple cider vinegar straight, as it can damage the enamel on your teeth.
Try ginger. Ginger is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties, an essential quality for reducing inflammation from low stomach acid. It has also been recognized as an alternative treatment for acid reflux and other gastrointestinal disorders.
If you suspect low stomach acid, please first talk to your doctor. Treatment will depend on the root cause and may be further complicated by other GI issues. This post is not meant to provide medical advice or to provide a diagnosis. The purpose of this blog post is to help you get to know yourself and your body better.