Is Your Stomach Acid Low?

The Importance of Stomach Acid

Stomach acid is a critical to our digestion.  It protects us from foreign invaders, meaning low acid can lead to bacterial overgrowth, parasites, and fungal infections. As we age, so does our production of stomach acid.  But factors such as stress and poor diet can affect our stomach acid levels starting very young and lead to lifelong problems. There are a wide variety of symptoms associated with low stomach acid such as low energy, food allergies, skin conditions and the obvious gas, burping and bloating. 

I have had many clients who have digestive issues that are uncomfortable when I recommend taking HCL to improve their digestion.  The idea that they are taking “acid” seems frightening.  But the stomach, when healthy, maintains a pH of 1-3 in its resting state and a pH of 1 once feed enters.  A pH of 1 will dissolve right through the skin, so I understand their misgivings.  But the stomach is designed to have such a high acid, using mucus and bicarbonate (yep, baking soda!) to protect the lining of the stomach itself, keeping the lining at a nice, neutral 7.  When people have acid reflux, it isn’t due to too much stomach acid- it’s the result of stomach acid being in the wrong place. That is a topic for another day. It’s just important to know that we need that acid for good digestion and overall health. 

Aids metabolism

Having enough stomach acid leads to the proper metabolism of amino acids, vitamins, fats, and carbohydrates.  Without it we can end up with malnutrition, even if we are eating a healthy diet! This can show up as weak fingernails, hair loss, depression, asthma, food allergies, skin rashes and many more.  If you have gas, bloating and constipation and/or diarrhea, then you may need to supplement with HCL in combination with pepsin.  It may also be in your interest to have some testing done for fungal infections, parasites, and bacterial overgrowth.  If your acid levels have been compromised for any period of time, you have been left open to be a host for potential invaders. 

If any of this resonates with you, what should you do?  You can have your stomach acid levels tested.  There are also a few things you can do on your own to see of you need to implement an enzyme protocol.  One is the baking soda test.  You take a 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in a 1/2 cup of water and drink it down, If you burp in 1-3 minutes, you probably have sufficient levels,  but if you barely burp or don’t burp at all in 4-5 minutes there is a good chance supplementation is needed.  Or you can take a teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar or lemon juice in a 1/2 a cup of water a few minutes before a meal.  If that alleviates burping and helps with bloating, again, supplementation may be needed. These aren't the most technical of tests but will give you a clue to whether stomach acid is the issue. 

Don’t want to go it alone? It’s a great idea to get some assistance. I always ask my clients to start with some basic lab tests,  so we are not guessing. Then I design a protocol specifically for that client, one that addresses stomach acid and any other findings. Don’t suffer! Get help, whether it’s me or another practitioner, get the support you need and enjoy life to the fullest!

If you would like to know more email Beverly Hur-Holistic Lifestyle Coach & Personal Trainer at beverly@beverlyhur.com or call (805) 626-8881