What are the signs of hypochlorhydria, or low stomach acid?

I’ve chosen to write to you about this because I see it WAY MORE than high stomach acid and it is WAY LESS diagnosed than it should be 😬

Eight short-term symptoms of hypochlorhydria include:  

1. stomach pain 

2. heartburn 

3. nausea 

4. bloating 

5. diarrhoea

6. feeling full sooner than usual 

7. acid regurgitation

8. constipation 

Long-term effects and complications:

Without treatment, hypochlorhydria can cause complications. These often stem from your stomach being unable to absorb nutrients properly. Some complications include: 

• unexplained weight loss

• a vitamin B12 deficiency

• an iron deficiency 

• an overgrowth of bacteria in your small intestine, which is also called SIBO 

• an increased risk of bacterial infections

• gastric cancer

Tests and diagnosis:

If your doctor suspects low stomach acid, due to your symptoms and medical history, they might order a pH test of your stomach. There’s a non tech method I use (let me know if you’re interested and I’ll send it you free of charge). GPs often miss this problem and usually assume it’s high stomach acid and prescribe a PPI like Nexium.

These medications can have concerning side effects with long term use such as an increased risk of kidney disease, osteoporosis, low magnesium or vitamin B12 in the blood, pneumonia, stroke, and contracting the Clostridium difficile (C. diff) bacterium. A 2016 German study also pointed to a potential link between PPI use and a higher likelihood of dementia.

More side effects can be seen here:

https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/it-safe-take-ppis-gastroenterologist-explains-risks

So, what can we do to address hypochlorhydria? 

The good news: Lots 😉

These 3 need to be addressed with your health practitioner…

• Hydrochloric Acid (HCL) Supplements

• Digestive Enzymes

• Herbal Medicines  

AND…

Dietary Modifications:

• Easily Digestible Foods: Eating foods that are easier to digest, like stews and soups, can help.

• Small Bites & Thorough Chewing: This helps the digestive process start in the mouth. 

• Protein at the Beginning of Meals: Eating protein first can stimulate stomach acid production. 

Please reach out if you’re experiencing these symptoms and together we can get your digestion back on track and have you feeling at your best ✅