Low stomach acid, or hypochlorhydria, can become a major problem as we age. Your stomach acid is important to digest and absorb nutrients and protect you from harmful bacteria. Hypochlorhydria can contribute to asthma, cancers, and arthritis!
How do you know if you don't have enough stomach acid?
- You experience acid reflux after eating
- Dense foods (especially meats) seem to just sit in your stomach for a long time, causing discomfort.
- Lots of gas escapes you one to two hours after you eat (and they probably don't smell nice).
- You are extremely bloated after eating.
What's the problem?
When most people experience the above symptoms, they reach for an antacid. That's counterproductive! Lack of stomach acid is already making it difficult to break down your foods, allowing the bacteria that cause gas to run rampant, and causing heartburn by confusing the door between your stomach and your esophagus. If all of this is a low stomach acid issue, why take an antacid to lower the acidity?
So, what do I do?
Increase your stomach acid! Betaine HCl is a great supplement, well tolerated in most people, that lowers the pH of your stomach, giving it more of an acidic punch. In the middle of a high protein meal, take one capsule of the Betaine HCl. Finish your meal as usual and take notes.
If you're feeling great with none of the typical bloating, acid reflux, or associated symptoms: congratulations! You have low stomach acid.
If you notice a familiar pain, heaviness, burning, or hotness, you do no have low stomach acid that is treatable with Betaine HCl.
How else can I increase my stomach acid?
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Manuka Honey
- Eat Mindfully and Slowly (CHEWCHEWCHEW)
- Take Digestive Enzymes
- Check Your Food Sensitivities
- Beware of Irritantss (peppers, citrus, tomatoes, caffeine, alcohol)
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