Your Digestive Aid Needs Support! Understanding Hypochlorgydria (Low stomach acid).

I don't know about you, but I was tired of that uncomfortable feeling of stomach acid coming up my throat. I know it's annoying, but it doesn't have to be something you deal with forever. Many have been told that high stomach acid causes heartburn and

acid reflux. That would make sense; the stomach acid going up the esophagus would conclude that there is too much acid in the stomach. Well, guess what! Low stomach acid can also cause heartburn and acid reflux, which is called hypochlorhydria. Do you know what kind of stomach acid you have? Hypo ( low), Hyper ( Hi ), or neutral?

Hypochlorhydria means that your stomach is not producing enough stomach acid, and Hyper means too much stomach acid is produced. (1) To avoid feeling like crap, we usually take over-the-counter medication to suppress the symptoms caused by acid reflux, heartburn, or laryngopharyngeal reflux. STOP! Don't reach for medication; first, determine if you need it because many acid-reducing medications can hide the underlying conditions and lead to prolonged nutritional deficiencies. I know you are uncomfortable, but take the time to determine what is going on with your digestive health before popping the pills.

One of the most used acid-reducing medications is PPI's proton pump inhibitors; this is very useful if prescribed by a doctor and if used for a short period of time. You should not take this medication longer than 3 months to a year because constant use will lead to the acid-secreting glands in the stomach to stop working.(1) You've heard the phrase, "if you don't use it, you lose it." Well, this phrase deals with the entire body, not just your muscles; if you chronically take medications to provide short-term "relief" or support due to other health issues, your body will stop doing the specific job if a medication takes over, which over time is No Bueno. Let me break it down. For example, if you grew up not consuming dairy products, your body will not produce lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, found in dairy products. Your body isn't going to produce something it doesn't use. Or if you decide to stop consuming dairy products, your body will stop making the enzyme lactase. You don't want to use a pill for short-term relief because certain medications can stop your body from what it's naturally supposed to do.

Your stomach acid has some important jobs to do that support your health. You need stomach acid to break down protein, B12, and several minerals. You need your stomach to produce the right amount of stomach acid because a B12 deficiency can lead to iron deficiency over time, affecting the nervous system. The last thing you would want is to disrupt communication with your nerves. For all of my vegans and vegetarians, please supplement if you have low stomach acid and are treating it. This is my favorite B12 supplement, and I have seen tremendous results. Low stomach acid will also inhibit proper digestion, leaving undigested food in the GI tract to ferment over time. Fermented food can cause SIBO; small intestine overgrowth. SIBO is frequently seen as the cause of chronic diarrhea and malabsorption. Patients with SIBO may also suffer from unintentional weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and osteoporosis. (2) SIBO over time will lead to a diagnosis of H. Pylori, which is associated with Peptic ulcers and gastritis. Be aware that H. Pylori has no symptoms, but a qualified nutrition professional or gastroenterologist will be able to support you based on other factors.

To keep you informed, symptoms of hypochlorhydria include:

• Abdominal pain.

• Bloating.

• Gas.

• Diarrhea.

• Constipation.

• Undigested food in poop.

• Reflux.

• Heartburn. (1)

Nutritional deficiencies associated with prolonged hypochlorhydria include:

• Brittle fingernails.

• Hair loss.

• Paleness.

• Fatigue.

• Weakness.

• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet.

• Memory loss.

• Headaches. (1)

Do you have low stomach acid? Well, you can take an easy test at home using natural products. For the test: Drink 4 ounces of cold water with a quarter teaspoon of baking soda on an empty stomach. Then time how long it takes you to burp. If it takes longer than 3- 5 minutes, you will most likely have low stomach acid.

Luckily hypochlorhydria is simple to test and treat and should be treated to prevent long-term health complications. Remember, your gut health affects your overall health. So do your best to make the time to determine how your gut needs support.

Health Disclaimer: This blog contains the opinions and ideas of its authors. It is intended to provide helpful general information on the subjects it addresses. It is not a substitute for the advice of the reader's physician (s) or other medical professionals based on the reader's own individual conditions, symptoms, or concerns. Readers should consult the appropriate health professional on any health matter.

References

1. Hypochlorhydria. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23392-hypochlorhydria. 14, November. 2022.

2. Dukowicz, A. C., Lacy, B. E., & Levine, G. M. (2007). Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: A Comprehensive Review. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 3(2), 112-122. https://doi.org/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3099351/