Low stomach acid could be the driver of your gut issues.
Often reflux and heartburn are linked with high levels of stomach acid, but it’s actually the opposite.
WHY IS STOMACH ACID SO IMPORTANT?
Stomach acid is an integral part of our digestive process. Stomach acid kills off any potentially harmful pathogenic bacteria, and helps to stimulate the release of digestive enzymes. This helps to break down the nutrients from food, so they can be absorbed, for example breaking down protein into amino acids.
LOW STOMACH ACID SYMPTOMS:
Constipation
Reflux
Heartburn
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Bloating
Flatulence
Dry skin
Abdominal pain or cramping
Brittle nails
Bad breath
Excessive burping or hiccups
Undigested food in stools
WHY DO STOMACH ACID LEVELS MATTER?
When stomach levels are low, it can lead to indigestion, and nutrient deficiencies due to poor absorption alongside symptoms such as reflux which can lead to GERD. It has also been associated with other conditions such as:
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Skin issues (Acne, dermatitis, psoriasis)
Asthma
Autoimmune conditions
Intestinal permeability or “leaky gut”.
WHAT CAUSES LOW STOMACH ACID?
Diet (highly processed foods)
Long-term use of medications such as proton pump inhibitors, antacids, and NSAIDs.
Environmental toxins
Chronic stress
Intra-abdominal pressure
Aging. Stomach acid levels decline over time.
Helicobactor pylori
HOW TO INCREASE YOUR STOMACH ACID
How you eat matters.
You want to be in a relaxed state when eating food. Make sure you are sitting down, and chewing your food well to support the digestive process
Eat bitter greens
Bitter greens help to signal the body to secrete stomach acid, digestive enzymes, and bile. Bitter greens include arugula, dandelion, sorrel, chard, chicory & Radicchio. Digestive bitters also work. I love Ginger and Gentian.
Eat more fermented foods
Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir contain probiotics that can help improve digestion and low stomach acid. They can also help restore microbiome balance and reduce inflammation.
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