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Hydrochloric acid (HCI) -

The most powerful acid the stomach creates is hydrochloric acid (HCl). This acid plays an essential role in the body's immunity and digestion.

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Hydrochloric acid (HCI) -

HCl helps control the levels of bacteria and viruses that might infect the stomach otherwise, as well as breaking down protein to absorb nutrients.

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Digestion problems -

With hypochlorhydria, it's very difficult to digest food properly. Protein is particularly problematic for people with low stomach acid.

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Deficiencies -

Over time, as stomach acid gets lower and lower, you can end up with nutritional deficiencies, as you're not absorbing the nutrients from food.

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High stomach acid vs. low stomach acid -

When your stomach produces too much acid, it's referred to as hyperchlorhydria. Many people think that their digestive issues are caused by high stomach acid.

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High stomach acid vs. low stomach acid -

However, symptoms including heartburn and reflux can also be caused by low stomach acid. People use medication to suppress their stomach acid even more, which makes hyperchlorhydria more acute if it's the root cause of discomfort.

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Esophagus -

If food isn't digested properly in the stomach due to low acid, it can cause gas bubbles to rise in the throat and esophagus, bringing stomach acid with them.

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Esophagus -

The throat is extremely sensitive to even trace amounts of this kind of acid. The smallest amounts will feel like too much, causing discomfort.

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Breakdown of nutrients -

Protein, vitamin B12, and several other nutrients need stomach acid to be broken down properly. Without it, food remains undigested.

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Anemia -

Without protein and B12, the body can develop iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia. These deficiencies can harm the nervous system.

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Osteoporosis -

Not breaking down nutrients can also lead to deficiencies in important minerals including calcium and magnesium, which can lead to osteoporosis.

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GI issues -

Food that remains undigested in the GI tract can lead to short-term and long-term health issues. It can also lead to an overgrowth of bacteria.

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SIBO -

An overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine due to the fermentation of undigested food leads to a condition known as SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth).

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H. pylori -

A common bacteria called H. pylori can overgrow in the stomach if there's not enough acid to keep it under control.

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H. pylori -

H. pylori is common and doesn't produce symptoms for many, but for others it's associated with the painful conditions of peptic ulcer disease and chronic gastritis.

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Causes: atrophic gastritis -

One of the most common causes of low stomach acid is atrophic gastritis. Atrophic gastritis causes chronic stomach inflammation, which leads to the atrophy of the cells that secrete stomach juices.

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Atrophic gastritis -

H. pylori, autoimmune disease, and the chronic abuse of alcohol are the most common factors causing atrophic gastritis in the first place.

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Causes: acid-reducing medications -

Chronically using antacids, H2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can all lead to the condition of low stomach acid.

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Acid-reducing medications -

Initially, these solutions were only supposed to be used short term. However, they have become more commonly prescribed for conditions including heartburn and GERD.

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Acid-reducing medications -

If they are overused, PPIs in particular can cause the acid-secreting glands in the stomach to stop working correctly, causing hypochlorhydria.

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Causes: old age -

As we get older, the body begins to work less efficiently. Sometimes, certain cells will begin to die off, including the ones that produce stomach acid.

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Causes: chronic stress -

Stomach acid production can be affected if you experience significant stress over a prolonged period of time.

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Causes: stomach surgery -

Gastric bypass surgery, a type of bariatric or weight loss surgery, has been known to affect stomach acid production.

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Symptoms -

Hypochlorhydria has a number of different symptoms, including obvious indigestion symptoms such as constipation, abdominal pain, reflux, heartburn, diarrhea, bloating, and gas.

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Symptoms -

Other less obvious symptoms include hair loss, brittle nails, fatigue, memory loss, headaches, tingling in the hands and feet, and paleness.

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The baking soda test -

To test if you have low stomach acid, you can use baking soda. Add a quarter teaspoon to a half glass of water, taking it on an empty stomach.

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The baking soda test -

Time how long it takes you to burp after drinking the mixture. If it takes longer than three to five minutes, the theory is you don't have enough stomach acid.

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Medical tests -

There are a number of medical tests to diagnose low stomach acid. Ask your healthcare provider if you're concerned, and they can arrange one for you.

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Low stomach acid diet -

Eating protein first at meal times, consuming probiotic-rich foods, avoiding processed foods, eating smaller meals, and drinking fluids at least 30 minutes after finishing a meal can help support your body if you have hypochlorhydria.

Sources: (Cleveland Clinic) (WebMD) (Healthline) (Medical News Today)

See also: How does a modern lifestyle impact the gut?

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