Digestive issues can be a journey, and low stomach acid (Hypochlorhydria) is a common challenge in clients who are experiencing various health issues.
Stomach acid is something we want our body to produce! It helps us break down protein, absorb nutrients, signal other digestive processes to begin, and acts as a barrier by killing bad microbes. If you aren’t producing enough, you can see where you may run into bigger issues over time.
Some common signs and symptoms of low stomach acid include:
Bloating
Gas and burping
Constipation or diarrhea
Trouble digesting protein
Anal Itching
Patterns in bloodwork
Nutrient deficiencies
Low elastase on a GI Map
Dysbiosis
GI infections
Background on Stomach Acid Production
Stomach acid production starts with the anticipation of eating—just thinking about food can trigger your brain to send signals to your stomach to kick off this process. When you begin to eat, your stomach cells produce a hormone called gastrin. Gastrin then stimulates the release of hydrochloric acid (HCl) from parietal cells in the stomach lining.
This acid release is also influenced by the vagus nerve, which connects your brain and digestive system, ensuring your stomach produces the right amount of acid when you need it. It's a beautifully coordinated system that helps your body efficiently process and absorb nutrients from your food. As a side note, this gut-brain connection is one reason why slowing down and eating in a fairly relaxed state is so important.
When Stomach Acid Is Too Low
Stomach acid serves as your first line of defense against pathogens and infections.
If stomach acid is low, it can lead you vulnerable to infections and overgrowth of bacteria that throw off the balance of your gut microbiome, causing digestive health issues.
Another key role of Stomach acid is to help your breakdown and absorb protein. The release of stomach acid also kicks off the signals for your body to release digestive enzymes and bile, which help break down and absorb fats and carbohydrates.
If you are not breaking down and absorbing the nutrients in your food you can quickly develop nutrient deficiencies. All that protein, all those micronutrients- not doing a whole lot for you if you can’t absorb them!
Every cell and process in your body relies on vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to function properly. Without proper absorption, you may see a whole host of negative effects systematically. Experiencing things like hair loss, low energy, irregular menstrual cycles, or trouble putting on muscle mass can all be indicators of nutrient deficiencies.
Finally, low stomach acid can lead to low levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which is a form of dysbiosis. Those bacteria serve an important role in lowering inflammation, promoting a healthy intestinal barrier, and supporting immune health and metabolism.
If we see low commensal bacteria come back on a GI Map, it can be a telltale sign that someone needs either more diversity in their diet or they need help absorbing and assimilating the nutrients they are taking in.
We always want to consider WHY your stomach acid production is low:
A history of under eating
Hypothyroid (remember the thyroid is involved in every metabolic process!)
Aging (after 40, stomach acid levels start to lower)
Stress
Certain medications (such as proton pump inhibitors)
Pernicious anemia
H Pylori Infections
Habits & Tools To Support Stomach Acid Production
At Fortify, we are big proponents of giving the body the tools to do its thing. In the case of low stomach acid, we consider lifestyle habits, nutrition and supplement interventions and adjustments as the big change makers.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Habits We Recommend:
Chewing your food
Not eating when driving or stressed out
Making sure you’re getting enough salt in your diet
electrolytes along with zinc, iron and b vitamins support healthy production of stomach acid.
Staying hydrated
Another tool we love is digestive bitters! Bitters can be used to “prime” the digestive tract and naturally stimulate stomach acid. A few brands we like can be found HERE and HERE .
Including foods like lemon and arugula are “bitters” that can be great to incorporate into your meal to stimulate stomach acid as well. This is a great example of how nutrition can be therapeutic.
Sometimes, you may need to supplement betaine HCL to actually replace stomach acid as we promote systemic healing. However, it can be too harsh for some or contra indicated in cases such as H Pylori infections.
Understanding and addressing low stomach acid can be a game-changer for your digestive health and overall well-being.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and want to take control of your health, we are here to help. Reach out today to schedule a consultation, and let’s work together to create a personalized plan to optimize your digestion and improve your quality of life.
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