Signs You May Have Low Stomach Acid

Heartburn and upset stomach are typically attributed to sky rocketing levels of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid or HCL for short). Contrary to popular belief, many digestive ailments are actually the result of low stomach acid. Stomach acid plays critical roles for digestion and overall health. This digestive fluid is one of the main solutions secreted by the parietal cells in your stomach, and its main functions include:

• Neutralizing or sterilizing any pathogens we may consume with food.

• Breaking down protein into digestible amino acids for proper protein digestion and absorption.

• Activating pepsin, a proteolytic enzyme that is necessary for our body to effectively metabolize protein.

• Activating intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein produced in the stomach that is necessary for vitamin B12 absorption.

• Stimulating the release of bile from the liver and gall bladder and digestive enzymes from the pancreas, which help to breakdown food.

• Triggering the contraction and closure of the esophageal sphincter (just above the stomach) to protect the tissue of the esophagus from the harsh acids in the stomach.

• Opening the pyloric sphincter, which allows food to move from the stomach to the small intestine.

It’s important to have healthy levels of stomach acid to keep these vital processes moving smoothly. If you come up short, your digestion will suffer, potentially leading to a number of unpleasant symptoms and possibly chronic conditions.

Symptoms of Low Stomach Acid

When your stomach acid levels get too low (a condition known as hypochlorhydria), you may notice a variety of symptoms—and not all of them are in your gut. These are some of the most common symptoms of low stomach acid to look out for:

• weak, brittle fingernails

• fatigue

• GI infections

• iron deficiency anemia

• deficiencies of other minerals, such as vitamin B12, calcium, and magnesium

• protein deficiency

• neurological issues, such as numbness, tingling, and vision changes

• meat aversion due to inability to break it down

• bloating

• burping

• upset stomach

• nausea when taking vitamins and supplements

• heartburn

• diarrhea

• gas

• desire to eat when not hungry

• indigestion

• hair loss

• undigested food in stool

Causes Low Stomach Acid

Age. According to a 2013 review, hypochlorhydria is the main change in the stomach of older adults. People over the age of 65 have the highest risk.

High stress levels. Long-term (chronic) stress can lead to low stomach acid.

Smoking drinking, and poor diets. Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and poor diets can decrease nutrient levels in your body such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are essential for maintaining stomach acid levels.

Antacids and other medications. Long-term use of antacids and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) can cause hypochlorhydria. ‌

Ways to Improve Low Stomach Acid

Try digestive bitters. Studies have confirmed the ability of bitters to increase the flow of digestive juices, including HCL, bile, pepsin, gastrin and pancreatic enzymes. Bitter flavors excite the digestive system and alert the body that a complex food is being eaten. Liquid bitters are normally taken in very small doses in water—just enough to evoke a strong taste of bitterness.

Decrease water intake before, during, and immediately after meals. Anytime you are having meat or heavier meals, you should cut off drinking water at least 30 minutes before the meal. This will reduce any potential dilution of the gastric juices and allow for better digestion. For optimal digestion, abstaining from water or liquids for at least 30 minutes after a meal allows for proper stomach acid activity, sterilization, and protein metabolism.

Mindful Chewing. Digestion begins with the salivary enzymes in your mouth, which start their work the moment you take a bite. Chewing thoroughly allows enough contact time for these enzymes to start breaking down your food. It also helps prime your body to make adequate stomach acid for the meal ahead.

Find calm. Digestive function and mental wellbeing are closely linked. Therefore, practicing stress management strategies can play a pivotal role in restoring your gut health.

Introduce some acid. Supplementing with raw apple cider vinegar diluted in water or raw lemon juice—foods with acidic properties—may help improve symptoms. Never drink undiluted apple cider vinegar, as it can damage the enamel on your teeth and harm the esophagus. Although these remedies may resolve symptoms, they do not increase nutrient absorption and assimilation to the extent that HCL supplements do. That being said, you may want to try a HCL supplement. NOTE: HCL should never be taken by anyone who is also using any kind of anti-inflammatory medication such as corticosteroids (e.g. predisone), aspirin, Indocin, ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin, Advil, etc.) or other NSAIDS. These drugs can damage the GI lining that supplementary HCL might aggravate, increasing the risk of gastric bleeding or ulcer).

HCL should always be taken with pepsin or acid-stable protease because it is likely that if the stomach is not producing enough HCL, it is also not producing enough protein digesting enzymes. Take a single dose during or immediately after a meal (never before the meal). If you notice mild indigestion or heartburn, it is a sign you are probably producing enough HCL, therefore, you do not need to supplement.

If you’re still experiencing digestive ailments, or are interested in supplementing with Betaine HCL with pepsin, it’s best to work under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner.