Low Stomach Acid Can Cause Heartburn?

Hypochlorhydria is a Condition in Which There are Insufficient Amounts of Stomach Acids

Most people are completely unaware of the fact that acid reflux could be the result of low stomach acid. Although not as common as the typical overly acidic stomach, this condition is more common than you might think.

For whatever reason, this digestive disorder often goes overlooked and is rarely even checked as a possible source of trouble. Many people are correctly diagnosed with GERD, but wrongly prescribed medications that reduce the stomach acidity even more than it already is, making the problem worse. They also go and get OTC antacids to further compound their situation. 

When there is a lack of stomach acid, the food remains in the stomach longer than usual. It can then back up past the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and into the esophagus. While it is still the acid which causes the damage to esophagus, the pushing of the stomach contents into the esophagus is caused by the excess undigested food, not the acid itself. Although people with Hypochlorhydria have a low stomach acidity, it is still sufficient to cause injury to the sensitive membranes of the esophagus.

Hypochlorhydria can occur naturally as we age, or because of unknown genetic reasons peculiar to the individual. It can also be induced by substances such as H2 Blockers, Prescription Protein Pump Inhibitors such as Omeprazole, or an over-use of OTC Antacids and Acid Reducers.

The Long Term Consequences of Hypochlorhydria

When too little stomach acid is the problem, it can cause the food to enter the intestines without being properly broken down, which can cause abdominal cramping, constipation, malnutrition, and hemorrhoids. Several long term health conditions can arise later in life due to the body’s inability to provide the needed nutrients that should have been absorbed during proper digestion.

The most common detrimental long term effect of low stomach acid from which many other complications stem from, is the stimulation of the aging process due to the body's metabolism slowing down. This could lead to certain forms of cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis. One of the functions of stomach acid is to sterilize the contents in the stomach. If this is not accomplished, several digestive infections and viruses can be contracted. Insufficient stomach acid can also leave bacteria and yeast undigested which can grow and ferment resulting in excess gas, bloating, and toxicity. Levels of vitamin B12 and Iron can become deficient resulting in anemia.

How Can We Know If Our Stomach Acid Levels Are Too Low?

During an endoscopic procedure, a doctor can measure the levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach by taking samples of the gastric juices. But there is a simple method you can use at home that can give you an indication of whether your levels are low or high. Of course, this should not be used as a substitute for valid medical advice, but it is information you can take to your doctor as evidence that he might want to investigate further.

When baking soda comes in contact with hydrochloric acid, it bubbles up into a foam. You can use it as a tool to test for low stomach acid.

In the morning before eating or drinking, take an 8 ounce glass of water and mix in a 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and drink it down. If you have a healthy amount of acid, or excessive amounts, the baking soda should have a chemical reaction that will cause you to belch when it bubbles up in the stomach. If you have not burped within a few minutes of the test, then you may very well have an insufficient level of acid in the stomach.

What Can Be Done To Balance The Low Stomach Acid?

There are a few ways that you can supplement your lack of stomach acid naturally. Once again though, be sure to consult your doctor before beginning any natural remedy treatments.

The most effective of low stomach acid remedies is Betaine Hydrochloride (Betaine HCL), which can be obtained in capsule form from a variety of manufacturers. There is not a huge demand for this product, so you may have trouble finding it on the shelves of your drug store, or even your local health and nutrition store. It can be ordered, but there are different brands with varying potency, so it is always good to do some research to find the best selection. I have done that for you here so you don't have to, by finding the best rated products at Amazon.com, where you can compare brands and read reviews from other real-life consumers who have already used the product. 

Cured my chronic heartburn By  Alejandro Antonio Diaz (Real Name)  I'm 29 yrs old & have been on PPI's for over 3 years. My primary and G.I. Dr.'s had no idea why I had chronic heartburn. I decided to try quitting my daily 40mg's Omeprazole using apple cider vinegar... This product has been a complete miracle for me. Granted, I have to take the pills, but it's much better supplementing a substance your body is not producing enough off than to take some pharmaceutical that does something completely unnatural (turns off your gastric acid secretion by over 90%). I have a tremendous amount of energy now, I need less sleep, I'm not as hungry. I am completely amazed that all I needed was a little more stomach acid. I have no idea why Dr.'s don't know about Betaine HCL & low stomach acid. Stomach acid secretion sounds so fundamental and they just completely ignore it, it's crazy. Anyway, highly recommend the product.

 Another method is to take 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with a glass of water before each meal. Apple Cider Vinegar is an excellent acidic supplement and helps with the digestion of foods. But this remedy should be used with caution since it contains yeast and may cause problems for some. If the cider backs up reflexively, it could damage the esophagus just as the hydrochloric acid. It could also erode the enamel of the teeth if it is taken in too strong a concentration or regurgitated. Fortunately, if the cider is effective, you should not regurgitate it up.

I love Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar By  Brandy Luth (REAL NAME)     If you haven't tried it you should. You can just feel it working. I use the 8 oz. glass of water with 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar with natural honey to sweeten it. I use it as needed for Urinary Tract infection and other bladder problems. It works everytime. Plus, it is much cheaper than a doctors visit-when you are ignored of your bladder issues anyway as if they didn't exist. Our healthcare system is failing us by not giving us the information we need on natural remedies for our health.

Low stomach acid is a concern that you should be aware of, because you will not hear about it much even from your doctor. You may need to initiate the conversation in order to have yourself checked for this obscure but not-so infrequent condition.

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