The absolute MOST important factor when it comes to balancing pH levels and preventing disease is the health of the digestive system. Proper digestive functioning is highly dependent on balanced pH levels! These levels change from weakly acidic in the mouth (around 6.8) to highly acidic in the stomach (around 2-4), to slightly acidic in the colon (ranging from 5.5-7). Digestion starts in the mouth and continues throughout the gastrointestinal tract, encompassing the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and rectum, and is assisted by salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
A healthy stomach produces gastric acid, which consists of hydrochloric acid (HCL), one of the most powerful acids in existence (next to battery acid). This highly powerful acid is the main fuel of the stomach, and in its most concentrated form, it can tear through titanium metal like a sharp knife cutting through butter! Optimal HCL production is a prerequisite for assisting and maintaining the acid/alkaline balance necessary for complete digestion and over-all health.
MANY IMPORTANT ROLES OF STOMACH ACIDS
- For starters, HCL is the first line of defense, meaning it helps to destroy and excrete harmful pathogens from the food and water ingested, preventing bacterial and other infectious diseases.
- HCL plays a major role in the initial breakdown of many nutrients, especially proteins, and the assimilation of certain vitamins and many minerals.
- An ideal acidic environment will trigger the release of enzymes like pepsin to break down proteins into smaller peptides, and eventually amino acids so they can be utilized by the body.
- Optimal HCL production will alert the liver and then gallbladder to release bile, allowing for proper break down of fats and assimilation of fat soluble vitamins (A, D,E, K) as well as the elimination of toxic waste.
- This powerful acid also signals the pancreas to release very alkaline forming bicarbonates to neutralize broken down food. This creates a neutral environment for a safe entrance into the more alkaline small intestines.
LOW HCL LEVELS CAN HAVE DELETERIOUS EFFECTS!
As you see, producing ENOUGH stomach acid is a prerequisite for attaining optimum pH levels imperative for proper digestion! There are many different factors that influence HCL production: Aging, improper stress management, poor dietary choices (like too much cooked and processed foods), too much liquid with foods, pesticides and chemical additives, medications like antacids and PPI’s having an infection caused by H. pylori and damage to the mucosal lining of the stomach, and certain vitamin deficiencies like zinc and B vitamins, are the main reasons for low HCL production. For instance, overconsumption of acid-forming foods with low-water-content like meats, breads, and many processed overcooked foods, cause HCL to be released in large quantities. Over time, the production of HCL diminishes, as this system wears itself out.
Most people that experience bloating, and heartburn-indigestion, presume that they are over-producing stomach acid, but MOST often times they are not producing enough, ESPECIALLY with aging and having engaged in a pro-acid forming diet and lifestyle most of their life! Inadequate levels of hydrochloric acid (medically referred to as hypochlorhydria), enact a downward spiraling effect, not only on the digestive system, but on the body’s pH and overall health!
HERE ARE FEW SCARY STATISTICS!
15% of the entire American population has Hypochlorhydria.
40% of the 40-year-olds have Hypochlorhydria.
50% of the 60-year-olds have Hypochlorhydria.
Over 30 percent of the over-60 crowd suffers from something called Atrophic Gastritis, a condition characterized by Achlorhydria (they produce zero stomach acid)
When the stomach is not able to produce enough acid to bring the pH level of the stomach contents (chyme) to an optimal range, protein, which is already acid forming by nature and requires the most stomach acid to be digested, creates major distress when left undigested in the stomach. The undigested protein (especially from animal sources) then putrefies, causing delayed emptying of all stomach contents.
Furthermore, low HCL production impels other gastric issues, like preventing the closure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which normally shuts after eating. When this happens, it allows back-flow of stomach content, causing indigestion- heartburn from acid reflux, leading to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when acid reflux is chronic. A similar situation can also occur when food in the stomach ferments and produces gas, forcing the sphincter to open. Often times you will experience excess acidity in the stomach, NOT due to excess HCL, but from the lactic acid buildup created from the undigested rotting food in the stomach. Lactic acid is not nearly as strong as HCL and will not digest stomach content.
Additionally, when the stomach acid is weak, it can force the stomach to churn violently to make better use of its limited acid content, which then produces pressure and causes acid back flow as well. Bile reflux can also occur, often simultaneously when the pyloric valve between the stomach and the small intestines does not close properly, allowing bile to back up into the stomach causing gastritis.
Grossman and other researchers had another theory, dating back as far as 1963, finding that when the stomach pH is too high, pathogenic bacteria can collect around the esophageal sphincter and paralyze the muscle, which can then lead to esophageal reflux. (1)
Did you know The American Gastroenterological Association reports that more than an estimated 60 million Americans experience acid reflux at least once a month!
Eventually the stomach will force the undigested rotten foods through the pyloric sphincter into the small intestine without releasing adequate sodium bicarbonate into the duodenum, which can result in duodenal ulcers. Low stomach acid also limits bile, hampering the digestion of fats. If that isn’t enough pancreatic enzymes release will also be minimized hindering digestion even further in the intestines, creating pathogenic yeast, fungi, and other microbial pests that feed on the undigested foods, along with their highly toxic byproducts or waste. Chronic gut inflammation can then lead to leaky gut allowing undigested proteins and waste to enter the bloodstream, increasing acidity, systemic inflammation, and a weakened immune system, contaminating your entire body, greatly increasing the risk for autoimmune conditions, neurological dysfunction, cancer, etc.
Insufficient HCL renders enzymes less active, and obstructs the absorption and assimilation of calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B12 and folate, fat soluble vitamins A,D,E,K, among other nutrients. A vicious cycle is created as acidic tissues and fluids further deplete HCL and mineral levels. Low minerals=low stomach acid, and low stomach acid=low minerals. As a result, other organs and body systems like the endocrine, immune, and detoxification systems, will eventually breakdown from deficiencies, greatly increasing the likelihood of disease. Consequently, it becomes even more important to keep the pH in the digestive tract in proper balance to preserve that invaluable acid imperative for proper digestion, nutrient assimilation, and disease prevention.
Poor HCL production has far reaching destructive effects! It is seen that individuals with low HCL levels are much more likely to get sick from bacterial pathogens like E. Coli, salmonella and H. Pylori. Helicobacter Pylori, a bacterium that is equipped to somewhat protect itself from stomach acids, has been linked to gastritis and peptic/duodenal ulcers. This can also lead to stomach cancer, as it eats away at the stomach lining. Over the years, acid reflux can cause abnormal cell changes in the esophagus, leading to a precancerous stage known as Barrett’s Esophagus. Eventually, if ignored, full-blown esophageal cancer can develop.
Furthermore, besides autoimmune disease, dementia, and cancers, low HCL levels are further implicated in the development of heart disease, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, asthma, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, gum disease, anemia, migraines, chronic fatigue, and many more conditions. Diminished quality of life and pre-mature death is inevitable if low HCL levels are not addressed!
The following studies show the relationship between low stomach acid and malabsorption, reflux, and bacterial overgrowth:
Jonathan Wright, MD, Medical Director of the Tahoma Clinic, found that numerous minerals and micro-trace elements like calcium, zinc, magnesium, copper, molybdenum, chromium, selenium, manganese, vanadium, and cobalt are not fully absorbed when HCL levels are low. (2)
Jonathan Wright, MD proclaimed, “In 24 years of nutritionally oriented practice, I’ve worked with thousands of individuals who’ve found the cause of their heartburn and indigestion to be low stomach acidity. In nearly all of these folks, symptoms have been relieved, and digestion improved when they’ve taken supplemental hydrochloric acid and pepsin capsules.” Jonathan Wright, MD, The Digestive Theory of Aging, Part I, http://www.tahoma-clinic.com/aging.shtml .
In a 1994 study, researchers observed that low stomach acid production is linked to increased rate of microorganisms from the colon, which promotes gastric and intestinal bacterial colonization and overgrowth. (3)
A University of Manchester study published in Cambridge Journal in 2012 confirmed that low stomach acid is far more common than excessive stomach acid for the common indigestion symptoms associated with aging. (4)
BIG pHARMa DECEPTION!
Mind you, the pharmaceutical industry basically ignores studies like these, keeping doctors in the dark, so they can continue to make their money PUSHING over the counter and prescription antacids!
Many unknowledgeable, misinformed people take antacids to relieve those uncomfortable digestive conditions. These antacids are neutralizing the little stomach acid left, leaving food further undigested, causing malnourishment, constipation, and exasperating symptoms over time. INDISCRIMINATE use of antacids can also lead to hypercalcemia, kidney issues, and aluminum toxicity. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI’s) can lead to many DANGEROUS health issues, including higher risks for dementia, kidney disease, and heart attacks! Many people find that PPI’s are very tough to reduce after long periods of use because they can cause hyperacidity, where cells produce excessive amounts of acid, causing extreme discomfort. For this reason, reducing the medication slowly or switching to an over the counter before discontinuing may work best.
One 2017 study showed that gastric cancer risk DOUBLED with long-term PPI use! (5)
Popular heartburn drugs prescribed to prevent esophageal cancer may actually CAUSE the disease, according to a new study in Cancer Epidemiology! (6)
The medication alters the concentration or the composition of what is refluxing, but it doesn’t stop the disease. Since reflux is associated with an increased risk of precancerous conditions like Barrett’s esophagus, or esophageal cancer, you are falsely led to believe that experiencing little to no symptoms insures you from developing these cancers, when in fact, your reflux is not resolved, and your risk can even increase!
Pharmaceutical companies are cashing in on antacid sales, account for a 10-billion dollar a year market, Americans alone spend two billion a year on antacids, with a third of people plagued with heartburn and indigestion, due to poor diet and lifestyle choices! Then conventionally trained doctors often completely misdiagnose the condition blaming high HCL production when quite the opposite is true in most cases. So, they aren’t even addressing the correct symptoms, poorly managing the condition, not able to address the root cause, making it impossible to reverse it!!
SYMPTOMS OF LOW STOMACH ACID:
- upset stomach
- gas
- belching
- bloating
- flatulence
- nausea when taking vitamins and supplements
- heartburn
- indigestion
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- bad breath
- desire to eat when not hungry
- hair loss
- weak, brittle fingernails
- dry skin
- acne rosacea
- chronic candida
- undigested food in stool
- no interest in consuming meat
- foul smelling stool
- protein deficiency
- GI infections
- iron deficiency anemia
- deficiencies of other minerals, such as vitamin B-12, calcium, and magnesium
- neurological issues, such as numbness, tingling, and vision changes
- depression
QUICK EASY TEST TO DETERMINE IF YOU HAVE LOW STOMACH ACID:
Drink 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 4-6 ounces of water first thing in the morning before consuming anything.
If your stomach is producing adequate amounts of stomach acid you’ll likely belch within two to three minutes. Early and repeated belching may be due to excessive stomach acid, which is not nearly as common. (but don’t confuse these burps with small little burps from swallowing air when drinking the solution). Any belching after 3 minutes indicates a low acid level.
GERD MAY ALSO BE THE RESULT OF CERTAIN PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS:
- Hiatal hernia, which compromises the ability of the diaphragm to help the lower esophageal sphincter shut off
- Weak LES muscle contractions
- Altered angle at which the stomach and esophagus meet
- Hiatal sac wherein a small portion of the upper stomach pushes its way past the lower esophageal sphincter
- Esophageal contractions that causes irregular swallowing abilities
- Pinching of the fibers of the diaphragm
- A severe developmental delay
- Certain neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy
ACID REFLUX CAN ALSO OCCUR WHEN YOU ARE PRODUCING PLENTY OF STOMACH ACID!
Even babies can experience GERD, but low stomach acid is not the issue. In babies, the sphincter muscle (LES) that separates the esophagus from the stomach can be still be undeveloped opening regularly, allowing stomach acid to back up into the throat.
When you are young you are likely still producing plenty of stomach acid and may not experience any heartburn until you get into your 20’s, although far too many younger children are experiencing symptoms. Excess fat can put pressure on the stomach which can push stomach contents into the esophagus. The highly acid forming soda and other sugar filled caffeinated drinks, processed chemical laden foods and snacks, and overeating require more stomach acid production to process the stomach contents that remain in the stomach far longer, amplifying the likelihood for bloating, indigestion, and heartburn symptoms. Many children are unfortunately over exposed to like antibiotics, anti-anxiety, asthma, and other medications that also increase the risk or GERD as they weaken the LES and can create intestinal damage. Many young adults are experiencing these issues as well due to poor diets, drinking, and other exposures which only gets worse over time.
Paradoxically, when you consume excessive amounts of high acid forming cooked, overcooked, highly processed foods the body pumps out more and more stomach acid until eventually one day the system gets worn out and produces far less stomach acid than it needs to do the job! This is why LOW STOMACH acid is the cause of GERD for a great deal of adults as they age, although they may have experienced small bouts of reflux as young adults while they were still producing plenty of HCL.
DID YOU KNOW: With 1 out 6 children being obese or overweight in the US it’s not surprising that 10-20% of teens and pre-teens experience acid reflux or GERD!
WHAT TO AVOID AND HOW TO RELIEVE ACID REFLUX & INCREASE STOMACH ACID PRODUCTION
If you are experiencing some or many of these symptoms, you are not alone. Whether you are still young and producing plenty of stomach acid or getting older and not producing enough, addressing the root causes of your heartburn from acid reflux, or GERD from chronic reflux, can bring immediate relief and even reverse this debilitating condition over time!
Like other muscles in the body, the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) can weaken with age, especially when you are not producing enough stomach acid to digest your food to nourish the muscles and organ systems of the body!
Additionally, there are many OTHER CAUSES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE MALFUNCTIONING OF THE LES allowing stomach contents to back up into the esophagus:
Certain foods– For some people, citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, garlic, spicy foods, and yes even chocolate can trigger reflux, at least until the condition is resolved and pH levels are balanced.
NOTE: Medications, alcohol, smoking, and caffeine could be weakening the LES, which then makes the foods you are sensitive to more likely to induce heartburn!
Late night eating, overeating, being overweight or obesity, pregnancy, or hiatal hernias can increase abdominal pressure or push the stomach up, opening the LES causing reflux. Caffeinated beverages, alcohol, smoking, many medications (including NSAIDs, antibiotics, bronchodilators, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, nitrates, antidepressants, anti-anxiety, and anticholinergics) are associated with a weakened LES.
Carbonated beverages, especially high sugar sodas are not only highly acid forming, but the carbonation can expand the stomach and force open the LES.
Fatty foods can be an issue because when you are not producing enough stomach acid, you don’t release enough bile from the gallbladder to break down the fats. Fats also slow the digestive process which can cause indigestion, especially when stomach acid is low, and many fatty foods like meat and dairy are high in protein as well, which requires even more stomach acid to break the foods down.
Low magnesium levels can prevent sphincter muscle from relaxing to release food from the stomach into the intestines. This can cause delayed emptying of the stomach contents creating pressure on the LES from gas and bloating allowing acid to back up in the esophagus.
Check for allergens and food sensitivities like gluten, pasteurized dairy, corn, etc. that can cause indigestion from hard to digest proteins or intolerances to these foods.
Besides the diet, H. Pylori bacterial infections can also be at the root of the issue. If you are not getting success you can have your doctor test you for H. Pylori. Low stomach acid can also be the cause of the H. Pylori as well.
HIGH STRESS- persistent unmanaged stress (especially while you are eating) will decrease blood flow to the digestive system, minimizing HCL production, hampering the signal to close the LES, causing indigestion and heartburn.
Maintaining a pH balanced anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle (link to solutions section) is the ABSOLUTE BEST way to reverse reflux or GERD and increase stomach acid production! Consume an enzyme rich diet with plenty of alkaline raw foods. Remember, the stomach requires a very low pH to do its job properly, meaning adequate stomach acid is necessary, or the entire body will suffer as a result.
Chewing your food very well will help decrease the need for excessive acid production to break it down. Blended raw veggies and fruit smoothies are highly recommended. The body requires minimal effort to digest these foods and very little stomach acid.
Food combining is also a major factor that must be considered. Combining the wrong foods in one meal can cause indigestion leading to reflux. (link food combining section)
Drinking liquids with your meals will dilute stomach acid making it harder to break down the food causing indigestion leading to heartburn. Drink liquids 20-30 min prior to a meal and or 30 min to 1 hour after a meal. Hopefully, you are eating plenty of vegetables with your meal which contain plenty of water already!
Take 1 tbs of raw fermented apple cider vinegar (ACV) in ¼ cup of water prior to a meal to increase the acidity in the stomach. Since it is fermented and contains live probiotics, it will further aid in digestion. If you experience indigestion following the meal you can take another tbs. of ACV. If u get relief from heartburn and indigestion from ACV, then you most likely have low stomach acid.
An alternative to the ACV would be squeezing the juice of 1 lemon into a few ounces of water and consuming prior to the meal. This will increase stomach pH to aid in digestion and help prevent indigestion and reflux. Again, if you experience discomfort following the meal you can take another dose of lemon.
Celery juice is amazing for increasing HCL production as well! Celery is high in organic sodium and chloride. First thing in the morning – Drink 16 oz. freshly juiced celery on an empty stomach. Celery juice helps to restore your stomach’s production of HCL and strengthens digestion. The electrolytes and alkaline forming minerals help to purify the bloodstream, aid in digestion, relax the nerves, reduce blood pressure, and clear up skin problems.
Taking supplemental digestive enzymes will help to maximize HCL production by helping to digest proteins and other macronutrients, giving the system a rest so it can regenerate over time. The more cooked processed foods you consume over the years, the less enzymes the body produces, and the more stomach acid required to break down the food.
High quality probiotics or fermented veggies help to prevent or resolve the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria aiding in the overall digestive process and helping to prevent reflux.
Taking digestive bitters can not only help to increase stomach acid production but also stimulate bile production to help process fats!
DGL licorice has been found to stimulate cortisol production acting as a natural anti-inflammatory.
Zinc Carnosine can also be taken for a month or two to heal the mucosal lining on GI tract.
Taking a Betaine HCL supplement can be LIFE CHANGING, bringing instant relief of gas, bloating, and indigestion, being that it contains hydrochloric acid, the main component of stomach acid. If you have been on a standard American diet and you are over the age of 40, then HCL supplementation may be required, at least temporarily, until diet and lifestyle changes have been introduced. When selecting a Betaine HCL supplement it’s wise to choose one that includes pepsin.
-HCL only needs be taken with meals containing proteins, as very little stomach acid is required for digesting vegetables and fruits.
The amount of HCL capsules taken will vary person to person. In Dr. Wright’s book ‘Why Stomach Acid is Good for You” he states, “paradoxically adverse symptoms are most likely to occur in individuals with the lowest levels of stomach acid. This is because these people are most likely to have atrophic gastritis (a thinned-out stomach lining), which makes them much more sensitive to even small quantities of HCL than a normal, thicker stomach lining.” This makes sense because a super inflamed stomach lining won’t have its normal protective barrier intact to be able to handle the strong acids. In this case, it is wise to start with digestive bitters or get smaller dose Betaine HCL pills (think 350 mg or less). Taking zinc-carnosine will help re-build the mucosal lining of the stomach and the entire gastrointestinal tract.
Follow the process below to figure out the right dosage for your individual needs:
- Eat a meal that contains at least 15-20 grams of protein (about 4-6 ounces of meat).
- Start by taking 1 pill (650mg or less) of Betaine HCL during the beginning of the meal.
- Finish the meal as normal and observe your body for any changes in feeling associated with the stomach and belly button area. Things to look for: heaviness, hotness, burning, or other GI distress.
- Stay at this dosage of 1 pill for another day of meals with protein and if you don’t notice anything on the 3rd day, try 2 pills.
- Stay there for another day and then try 3 pills.
- Keep increasing the number of pills taken with each meal until you notice some GI discomfort described in step #3.
- When this happens, you will know your ideal Betaine HCL dosage is 1 pill less. For example, if you felt the discomfort going from 5 pills to 6 pills, then 5 pills is your proper dosage for a normal meal.
Side Note: Its always best to perform a liver/gallbladder & full body cleanse before taking HCL capsules. When you get the bile flowing well again, HCL production increases, limiting and sometimes even eliminating the need for HCL supplementation. If you have achlorhydria, or basically no stomach acid (like many elderly folks do) then HCL supplementation may be required for life. Hypochlorhydria can be reversed in many cases depending on your age and the steps taken to address the root causes, in which case the HCL supplemental dosage can be decreased over time and even eliminated.
HCL supplementation WARNINGS: Betaine HCL should NOT be used if you are currently taking H2 blockers, PPIs, NSAIDs, or aspirin as it may increase your risk for ulcers and stomach bleeding. DO NOT take if you currently have an ulcer. Work with a qualified doctor or practitioner to wean off of these drugs before supplementing with Betaine HCL.
DIAPHRAGM EXERCISES can help to strengthen a weak LES. The LES is an involuntary muscle, meaning you can’t control it directly, but the diaphragm that surrounds the lower esophagus is a voluntary muscle which can be exercised. How? Practicing breathing exercises or belly breathing is a technique that focuses on using the diaphragm to breathe, rather than using the lungs and the chest. This means inhaling slowly and deeply, expanding the abdomen on the inhale, and then contracting the stomach muscles to exhale each breathe. Try doing 5-10 repetitions at one time, and repeating as many times as you can throughout the day!
The importance of HCL cannot be overemphasized not only to avoid digestive obstruction, but to enjoy a thriving, healthy, balanced body!
1- Grossman MI, Kirsner JB, Gillespie IE. Basal and histalog-stimulated gastric secretion in control subjects and in patients with peptic ulcer or gastric cancer. Gastroenterology 1963;45:15-26.
2- Wright JV. Treatment of childhood asthma with parenteral vitamin B12, gastric re-acidification, and attention to food allergy, magnesium and pyridoxine. Three case reports with background and an integrated hypothesis. J Nutr Med 1990;1:277-282.
3- Saltzman JR, Kemp JA, Golner BB, et al. Effect of hypochlorhydria due to omeprazole treatment or atrophic gastritis on protein bound vitamin B12 absorption. J Amer Coll Nutr 1994;13:584-591.
5- http://gut.bmj.com/content/early/2017/09/18/gutjnl-2017-314605
6- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877782118300687?via%3Dihub
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