One of the most popular medications prescribed today is the proton pump inhibitor. Its purpose is to reduce stomach acid. Over $14 billion is spent each year in the US alone.₁ However, stomach acid is actually vital for supporting a robust and healthy digestive system. Dr. Jonathan Wright reports that approximately 90% of Americans are deficient in stomach acid, or hypochlorhydric. He estimates that only 1 in 1000 are hyperacidic.
So what are some signs that you may have low stomach acid?
- Difficulty digesting meat
- Bloating and gas
- Nutrient deficiencies, especially zinc, sodium, potassium, magnesium, B vitamins,
- Food sensitivities
- Heartburn and acid reflux
- Overgrowth of pathogens, yeast, parasites
- Loss of desire to eat meat
The stomach was created to have an acidic pH between 1.5 and 3. If the stomach doesn’t reach that pH level, it will hold onto the food until the right conditions occur. If that doesn’t happen, these undigested foods begin to putrefy and ferment, letting off a lot of gas and pressure, creating a backflow into the esophagus. The tissue of the esophagus is very sensitive and was never meant to be exposed to these gastric fluids, which results in acid reflux.
Without stomach acid, we lack the ability to “cleanse” our food – important for preventing pathogenic organisms that can cause food poisoning, breaking down the protein in our foods, and absorbing important vitamins and minerals from our food.
The good news is that there are some easy ways to get started with supporting the production of HCl (hydrochloric acid).
Here are some simple things you can do:
- Manage stress. If stress is on, digestion is off. Try taking 5 to 10 deep breaths before you begin eating. This will help turn on the “relax and digest” mode.
- Sit down and take time to savor your meal. This helps support a parasympathetic mode and optimal digestion.
- About 15 minutes before a meal, add 1 TBS apple cider vinegar to a little bit of water, or the juice of a lemon to 4 oz warm water to help with boosting the production of stomach acid.
- You can also add bitter foods (like arugula, dandelion greens, artichoke, and dill) or you can add a high-quality supplement like Organic Olivia Digestive Juice or Urban Moonshine. Urban Moonshine also carries a purse-size bottle.
- Add a pinch of Celtic sea salt or Redmond real salt to each glass of water. HCl production requires several minerals for cofactors. Good quality sea salt contains over 60 minerals.
The above suggestions are powerful in supporting the production of HCl and optimal digestion. If you are still struggling after putting these into place, it would be a good idea to work with a qualified practitioner. I’ve got your back! With my 1:1 services, I perform a deep dive nutritional analysis, complete a diet evaluation, health history and create a personalized protocol attune to your goals. During your time with me, I am with you every step of the way, cheering you on and guiding you where necessary. I struggled with pesky digestive symptoms for years and was looking for the kind of support I am offering my clients. I offer a free 20-minute discovery call to see if nutritional therapy would be right for you. Click the button below to schedule a call with me.
1. Luo. H., Fan, Q., Xiao, S., & Chen, K. (2018). Changes in proton pump inhibitor prescribing trend over the past decade and pharmacists’ effect on prescribing practice at a tertiary hospital. BMC health services research 18(1), 537. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-018-3358-5
2. Restorative Wellness Solutions. Digestion-Anatomy and Physiology. [PDF File]. 2022. P 14
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