Apr 1 • General discussion
Do You Have Low Stomach Acid? The Surprising Truth About Indigestion 🧪
Are you constantly reaching for antacids but still struggling with digestion issues? Your problem might actually be TOO LITTLE stomach acid, not too much!
As a functional medicine doctor, I frequently see patients who've been misdiagnosed and given medications that make their condition worse. Let me explain this commonly misunderstood condition called hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid).
What causes low stomach acid? 🔍
- Antacid overuse (ironically, medications meant to help can worsen the problem)
- Aging (we naturally produce less stomach acid as we get older)
- Poor diet (processed foods, standard American diet)
- Food allergies/sensitivities you might not be aware of
- H. pylori infection (this bacteria thrives in a less acidic environment)
How to know if YOU have low stomach acid: 📋
Watch for these symptoms:
- Gas and bloating shortly after meals
- Feeling full after eating only small amounts
- Nausea after taking supplements
- Weak, peeling, or cracked nails
- Brittle hair
- Dilated capillaries in cheeks and nose
- Increased allergies (when you can't break down food properly, your immune system becomes overloaded)
Laboratory markers that reveal the truth: 🔬
Look at your regular blood work for these signs:
- Elevated BUN (blood urea nitrogen) above 16
- Abnormal globulin levels (below 2.4 or above 2.8)
- Decreased total protein
- Decreased albumin
- Phosphorus below 3
- Elevated MCV (larger red blood cells)
- Decreased MCHC
- Iron below 50 (subtle deficiency)
- Chloride below 100
- Altered alkaline phosphatase
What's really happening in your body? 🧠
Here's the counterintuitive part: When you have low stomach acid, food doesn't digest properly. Instead, it ferments in your stomach, producing gas and acid from the fermentation process – NOT from too much stomach acid production!
Taking antacids might temporarily relieve symptoms by reducing the fermentation, but they worsen the underlying problem by further reducing your stomach acid.
The solution isn't suppressing acid – it's supporting proper digestion by:
- Identifying and eliminating problematic foods
- Supplementing with betaine HCl and digestive enzymes
- Adding gallbladder support if needed
- Gradually reducing reliance on antacids (with professional guidance)
If you've been struggling with digestive issues despite taking medication, consider having your stomach acid levels properly evaluated. Understanding this often-missed condition could be the key to finally resolving your symptoms! 🌿
If you made it this far, I have EXCITING NEWS...
In just 3 weeks, we will be launching our comprehensive Gut Health Challenge in Holistic Health Champions. Keep an eye on this group for more details 👀
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Do You Have Low Stomach Acid? The Surprising Truth About Indigestion 🧪
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