Low stomach acid causes a lot of problems and complications for every individual, but still, not everyone know some hydrochloric acid and digestive problems associated with this matter. You need hydrochloric acid and pepsin in order to digest food. These two helps in absorbing proper nutrients and minerals from the foods taken.
The food stays in the stomach for a while until it turns to a semi-liquid state.If you have low stomach acid, there’s a tendency that the food will stay longer instead of digesting and extracting minerals. Some have mistaken this situation as indigestion and are immediately looking for an antacid for treatment.
Thinking that antacid is a solution, it will just worsen the case since antacids are made to neutralize the stomach acid and it only inhibits the absorption of nutrients. Some have thought that it is because of having too much hydrochloric acid but actually, it is too low to digest a food. Studies have shown that 40% of adults do not have enough stomach acid to help digest foods properly. The reason behind is that as we get older, our stomach seems to release less stomach acids than it used to.But that could not be taken generally for all age groups.
Eating too much of fried foods, coffee, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, chocolates, and smoking tobacco can also be the cause of having low stomach acid.
Low Stomach Acid Signs and Symptoms
- Bloating, belching, burning and flatulence immediately after meals
- Feeling of “fullness” after eating
- Indigestion, diarrhea or even constipation
- Various food allergies
- A feeling of nausea after taking supplements
- Itching around the rectum
- Weak, peeling and cracked fingernails
- Dilated blood vessels in the cheek area and on the nose
- You may see undigested food in stool
- Gas in the upper digestive tract
Lack of protein, vitamins A and B may lead to lessen your stomach acid. You need these nutrients to produce enough hydrochloric acid.
What can you do with Low Stomach Acid
- Avoid taking in antacids. It will just worsen the case instead of boosting up your stomach acid.
- Avoid eating too much of the foods listed above.
- Discuss the symptoms that you have with your physician as to the possibility of low stomach acid being the cause.
- Change your eating habits. Healthy eating cannot be under emphasized as to its importance.
- If needed, hydrochloric acid supplements with pepsin are available.