Unveiling Hypochlorhydria: A Hidden Threat to Digestion and Overall Health

Today’s topic is one that often goes unnoticed but could have a significant impact on your health—low stomach acid, or hypochlorhydria. Stomach acid (hydrochloric acid, or HCl) plays an essential role in breaking down food and ensuring your body absorbs key nutrients. But what happens when HCl production slows down? The body’s pH balance can be affected, influencing not only digestion but also overall health.

For a deeper dive on the importance of pH balance in the body, I refer to one of our previous newsletters on how your body’s pH impacts various systems and health outcomes. Understanding this can provide context on why stomach acidity matters!

Let’s dive into the causes, warning signs, and what we can do about it!

💥 What Causes Hypochlorhydria?

A variety of factors can contribute to reduced stomach acid production, including:

• Chronic Stress: Prolonged stress disrupts the nervous system, suppressing acid production and slowing digestion.
• Nutrient Deficiencies: Zinc and salt are key to producing stomach acid; deficiencies in these can hamper HCl production.
• Excess Coffee: While coffee in moderation is generally fine, long-term overconsumption can irritate the stomach lining, slowing acid production.
• Poor Chewing Habits: When we don’t chew enough, the stomach has to work harder, which can compromise acid levels.
• Certain Medications: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and NSAIDs reduce or block stomach acid, often leading to a decrease over time.
• Aging: After age 50, natural production of stomach acid tends to decline.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can also contribute to low stomach acid.

Warning Signs: Could You Have Low Stomach Acid?

Here are a few common symptoms that may indicate hypochlorhydria:

• A feeling of fullness even after small meals
• Bloating, belching, or discomfort in the stomach
• Chronic fatigue, or gastroesophageal reflux
• Nausea, constipation, or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal cramps or intestinal pain

These symptoms often lead people to take acid-suppressing medications, which only exacerbate low stomach acid levels, creating a challenging cycle to break.

⚠️ Health Implications

Low stomach acid doesn’t just affect digestion. Its effects can extend far beyond, contributing to:

• Nutrient Deficiencies: Protein, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and magnesium deficiencies are common.
• Anemia: Low iron and vitamin B12 absorption frequently lead to anemia.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Incomplete digestion can disrupt gut microbiota balance, leading to chronic digestive disorders.
• Ongoing Fatigue: Nutrient deficiencies and poor digestion can exacerbate chronic fatigue.

Supporting Stomach Acid Production: A Key to Better Digestion

In my practice, I’ve seen firsthand how restoring adequate stomach acid levels can be transformative for digestive health and overall wellness. With the right approach—tailored dietary support, mindful eating habits, and stress management—this is a highly manageable condition. Small, simple adjustments can make all the difference.

Have you experienced any of these symptoms? Share your thoughts, questions, or experiences in the comments. Let’s learn together! Remember, always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance on health matters.

Warmly,

Dimka