Stomach acid, secreted by the parietal cells in the stomach lining, plays a crucial role in digestion and overall health. Zinc and vitamin B6 are essential for its production.
This acid is necessary for denaturing proteins and absorbing nutrients, particularly minerals. Inadequate stomach acid can lead to poor mineral absorption, potentially resulting in conditions like osteoporosis and iron deficiency anaemia. Stomach acid also stimulates pancreatic juice secretion and protects against ingested pathogens.
Factors increasing stomach acid
Several factors can increase stomach acid levels, including the consumption of protein, fat, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, caffeine, and chewing gum or milk.
Stress can also elevate stomach acid.
Factors decreasing stomach acid
On the other hand, low stomach acid can be caused by aging (it tends to decline after age 50), antacid medications especially Proton Pump Inhibitors, autoimmune gastritis, pernicious anaemia, chronic stress, gastric bypass surgery, and deficiencies in vitamin B6 and zinc. An H. pylori infection can also negatively impact stomach acid production.
The implications of low stomach acid
Low stomach acid can impair protein digestion, making high-protein foods difficult to process. It also reduces pancreatic enzyme release and gallbladder contractions, leading to maldigestion. A significant number of people with gallstones have decreased stomach acid secretion.
Since stomach acid helps defend against pathogens, low levels can result in an inability to sterilize the small intestine, leading to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Additionally, altered intestinal pH due to low stomach acid can reduce microbiome diversity, which is vital for overall health, and impair the absorption of vitamin B12.
Signs and symptoms of low stomach acid
Common signs and symptoms of low stomach acid include bloating, belching, or flatulence within one to two hours after meals, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, and a sensation of fullness after eating. Iron deficiency, acne rosacea, and nausea after taking nutritional and herbal supplements (especially in the morning) may also indicate low stomach acid.
Therapeutic options to correct low stomach acid
Most people can address low stomach acid by reducing stress and eating a nutrient-rich diet.
Some practical solutions can be implemented at home, such as preparing meals and eating mindfully in a relaxed atmosphere to promote proper digestive juice secretion.
Drinking lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in warm water 20 minutes before meals, or enjoying teas made from rosemary, ginger, orange peel, or cumin, may also help.
Herbal bitters are another effective way to enhance digestion, but it’s important to select the right herbs for each individual.
In some cases, zinc and B6 supplementation may be necessary, but it’s crucial to determine if a deficiency in these nutrients is the root cause before supplementing.
Occasionally, betaine hydrochloride capsules can be prescribed, but this should be done under the supervision of a trained practitioner.
Correcting low stomach acid is essential, as poor digestion and nutrient assimilation can lead to other health problems.