Stomach acid, known as hydrochloric acid (HCl) is essential for the proper functioning of the digestive system.  It activates digestive enzymes that break down food into small particles for absorption.  HCl is also needed to keep the digestive tract sterile, preventing the overgrowth of bacteria and yeast.

HCl decreases with age and is also depleted when stressed, when the body does not see digestion as a priority.  Stress also decreases levels of zinc and vitamin B6, nutrients that are needed to produce HCl.

Low acidity may lead to only partial digestion of foods, which may lead to the following symptoms –

• bloating, flatulence, belching – especially after meals
• indigestion – partially digested food comes back up
• diarrhoea or constipation
• multiple food allergies
• feeling nauseous after taking supplements
• weak, peeling and cracked fingernails
• undigested food in stools.

Methods of testing for low HCl:

Bicarbonate of soda: Put ½ tsp of bicarbonate of soda in 2oz of water, on an empty stomach. No burping over the next 10-15 minutes means stomach acid is low. If sufficient acid is present this will react with the bicarbonate of soda, producing gas (lots of burping).

Betaine HCL: Take one with each meal for one day. If you do not notice any reaction, build up slowly, on day 2 taking 2 capsules with each meal, to a maximum of 7 capsules with each meal. If you take too much you will experience acid reflux, hot flush from stomach or a burning sensation. If you experience burning, immediately neutralize the acid with 1 teaspoon of baking soda in water or milk. This indicates too much HCL so cut back dosage to the amount you took the day before.

Vinegar: You can increase stomach acid with vinegar (organic apple cider vinegar is ideal). Add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to warm water and drink with each meal. You can gradually increase to up to 10 teaspoons with each meal. If you experience burning have the bicarbonate ready to neutralize.

Nutritional and lifestyle help for hypochlorhydria:

• Chew food thoroughly – break food down in the mouth to help start off the digestive process.
• Eat small meals frequently as they are easier to digest.
• Take a good multivitamin – hypochlorhydria can cause malabsorption of many vitamins and minerals.
• Take Betaine Hydrochloride with pepsin – this raises zinc absorption which in turn allows cells to produce hydrochloric acid (not recommended if history of peptic or duodenal ulcer).
• Eat a diet rich in zinc – oysters, nuts, seeds, fish, wholegrains.
• Increase intake of Vitamin B6 – watercress, cabbage, peppers, bananas.
• Avoid drinking liquids with meals as this often dilutes stomach acid.
• Cut down on animal protein that needs large amounts of HCl.
• Keep stress to a minimum.

Nutritional Therapy can help with a variety of health issues. Do you have any questions regarding low stomach acid or would you like advice on any other health issues, please call me on 07967 639347 or email Emily@4wellpeople.co.uk.