One of the most common dysfunctions I see with clients is low stomach acid.
But why is this an issue?
When we think of acid, we often think it’s a bad thing or even dangerous. There's even a fallacy that if you have gastric reflux, GERD or heartburn, you have too much acid. But the opposite is true when we’re talking about stomach acid.
In fact, stomach acid is essential and these secretions aid numerous digestive functions in the body. Secretions that are made up of
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) which helps break down our food;
Digestive enzymes that help split up the proteins; and
Mucus which acts as a protective coating for the intestinal wall.
I can't stress enough that these secretions are absolutely essential for maintaining healthy digestive function and act as the body's natural antimicrobial. And when sufficient, it sterilises and helps support healthy microbial balance.
Stomach acid also helps optimise the release of essential digestive enzymes, protein breakdown and aids many other functions.
This is why one of the most essential health principles I encourage clients to adopt at the outset of their gut healing and optimal health journey is taking the time to slow down, digest and create daily rituals to help improve stomach acid production and digestion.
Some of these key roles include...
Antimicrobial benefits: whenever we consume food, bacteria and other microorganisms are carried into the digestive system on the food. Stomach acid helps maintain microbial balance to help minimise overgrowth.
Protein digestion: stomach acid is necessary to begin the process of breaking down protein.
Activates pepsin: pepsin is a proteolytic enzyme that is necessary for our body to effectively metabolise protein. Stomach acid activates pepsin from its inactive form called pepsinogen.
Activating intrinsic factor: stomach acid helps to activate intrinsic factor which is a glycoprotein produced in the stomach that is necessary for vitamin B12 absorption.
Stimulates bile and enzymes: stomach acid helps to stimulate the release of bile from the liver and gall bladder and digestive enzymes from the pancreas.
Closes the oesophageal sphincter: stomach acid is an important trigger for the contraction of the oesophageal sphincter (just above the stomach) to protect the soft, delicate tissue of the oesophagus from the harsh acids in the stomach.
Opens the pyloric sphincter: stomach acid helps to activate the pyloric sphincter which allows food to move from the stomach to the small intestine.
If the body is unable to produce enough stomach acid, it is unable to perform these and other key digestive and assimilation functions.
Additionally, if protein molecules are not efficiently metabolised - over time - these molecules and incomplete digestion cause irritation to the gut lining, which can lead to permeation of the gut tissue and damage to the mucosal lining, which can trigger auto-immune activity in the body.
Poor digestion also creates an environment suited for the development of intestinal dysbiosis (bacteria and yeast overgrowth and parasitic infections). As well as chronic inflammation and the depletion of key minerals, nutrients and antioxidants that help support digestion and defend free radicals.
Over time, this starts to wear down enzyme storage and causes irritation to the intestinal lining.
So what are some of the common causes of low stomach acid to be aware of?
Low stomach acid can be traced back to a number of causes but at the top of the list of likely causes is stress. When you’re stressed, your body shifts processes that aren’t critical for survival in the moment - such as digestion - to the back burner.
If you’re chronically stressed over extended periods of time, your normal digestion is constantly being interrupted, including inhibiting gastric acid secretion.
Other common causes include:
Poor diet and lifestyle choices (smoking, drugs, excessive alcohol consumption)
Age (acid levels decrease as we get older, but they don’t have to)
Pharmaceutical medication (antibiotics, birth control pill and more)
Long-term use of antacids and proton pump inhibitors (used to treat ulcers, GERD and acid reflux)
Small intestinal dysbiosis - and in particular H.Pylori infections which can be a common cause of stomach ulcers.
What are some of the common symptoms of low stomach acid?
When your stomach acid levels get too low (a condition known as hypochlorhydria), you may notice a variety of symptoms - and not all of them in your gut.
Some of the common symptoms to look out for include:
Bloating
Diarrhoea
Indigestion
Acid reflux, GERD or heartburn
Excessive + putrid gas
Undigested food in your stool
Nausea
Liver issues + bile insufficiency
Nutrient deficiencies
Hair loss or brittle fingernails, as a result of nutrient deficiency
If you experience any of these symptoms or suspect you have low stomach acid or other digestive issues and would like to get started on your personalised gut healing and optimal health journey, please contact me to book your optimal health discovery consultation.
Comentarios