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How to improve digestion by increasing Stomach Acidity


November 22, 2014| contagious

Most people are familiar with antacid medication for heartburn or indigestion, and assume that stomach acidity is therefore bad for you and must be decreased. The opposite is actually true and, in the majority of cases, most people with digestive problems have low hydrochloric acid or HCl. In fact, I’ve seen a number of patients with chronic gastritis or reflux completely resolve their symptoms by increasing their stomach acid.

What is the function of hydrochloric acid?

HCl is secreted by the stomach walls and it is essential for proper digestion. It activates enzymes that digest protein, it stimulates bile production by the liver and digestive enzymes by the pancreas as well as killing off bacteria and pathogens in food. It is also essential for the absorption of specific minerals and vitamins.

What are the symptoms of low hydrochloric acid?

Bloating, especially soon after meals Heartburn or reflux Undigested food in stool Constipation or diarrhoea Bacterial or parasitic infections Low energy Food intolerances Bad breath B12, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc deficiency Poor hair, teeth and nails

What causes low hydrochloric acid?

  • Ageing
  • High sugar diet
  • Poor protein intake
  • Low zinc status
  • Stress
  • Proton pump inhibitors
  • H2 blockers (antacid medications)
  • Over the counter antacid medication

How do I find out if I have low hydrochloric acid?

If you have one or more of the symptoms listed above, it is very likely that your levels of HCl are suboptimal.