Signs You Have Low Stomach Acid
Did you know that it is more common to have LOW stomach acid than it is to have HIGH stomach acid?
Unfortunately doctors don't often test to see if you have too much or too little stomach acid and are quick to prescribe proton pump inhibitors or you may even find yourself reaching over the counter for antacids. In cases where there is actually low stomach acid, this further depletes you stomach acid, worsening your initial symptoms and further creating deep underlying imbalances within your gut.
If you have low stomach acid you could be suffering with some of the following symptoms:
Heartburn/Indigestion
Brittle Hair and fingernails
Bloating and Belching after meals
Constipation
Diarrhea after heavy meals
Food allergies/intolerances
Iron deficiency/B12 deficiency
Candida/parasites
Undigested foods in your stool
Causes of low stomach acid?
Stress
Dehydration/not drinking enough water
Smoking
Some medications
Eating processed foods
Eating the same foods every day
Alcohol and caffeine
Aging (we are all out of luck on this one)
Eating disorders
Helicobacter Pylori Infections (H.Pylori) which neutralizes and decreases the production of stomach acid to help it survive.
Antacid medications
Zinc deficiency
Eating too quickly
There is no question whether we have experienced at least 1-2 of the causes of low stomach acid at some point in our life. It's much like general wear and tear on our car, these things happen. The question becomes, are you doing maintenance on your car/body to fix, maintain or even prevent further issues? Likely not, and it's not your fault, because we have never been taught HOW to maintain good health, how to do an "oilchange" so to speak, on your gut. Make sense?
How to stimulate stomach acid production
1. Chew your food well and eat smaller meals
2. Ingest apple cider vinegar
3. Eat bitter tasting foods such as dandelion, arugula, radicchio, endive, artichoke and chicory.
4. Reduce your stress, especially around meal time
