Treating Hypochlorhydria

As discussed in the article about Hypochlorhydria diagnosis, It is important to properly identify whether or not this is a condition you have. Swallowing Betaine Hydrochloride capsules with meals is a common way to introduce more Hydrochloride into the stomach until the stomach is able to produce enough on its own. As the previous article also discusses, take enough 525 milligram capsules (up to 5) with a meal until you feel the burning, indigestion sensation. Once you feel it, reduce the amount of capsules by one, and that is an estimate of how much you should consume with meals.

There are of may natural dietary and simple lifestyle recommendations for treating Hypochlorhydria. Some natural dietary recommendations are:

• Cider vinegar: Eating a salad with a cider vinegar dressing before a meal will help acidify the stomach and aid in digestion.
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C): combined with your vitamin and mineral supplements at mealtime, they will react to produce mineral ascorbate and Hydrochloride, which are the optimal combination to digest and absorb these vitamins and minerals.
• Maintain a diet with a low glycemic index, low fat, and low allergies.
• Increase your intake of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids
• Increase probiotic consumption either through eating yogurt or taking a probiotic supplement. This will greatly balance bacteria and yeast levels in the stomach and intestines.
• Many herbs and oils help maintain healthy bacteria levels such as garlic, oregano oil, grapefruit seed oil, peppermint oil, and others.
• Consume ginger and/or ginger tea. Ginger is a natural digestive aid and reduces bloating.
• Avoid drinking ice cold water before, during, or right after a meal because it slows HCl production.
• Avoid Alcohol, excess caffeine, refined carbs, processed foods, MSG, wheat protein, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, fish with high mercury levels, bottom-feeder seafood, refined sugar, and artificial sweeteners.

Some other simple lifestyle recommendations are:

• Eat smaller meals more regularly.
• Chew your meals thoroughly.
• Remain sitting up for a least 45 minutes after eating to reduce the occurrence of acid being churned up into the esophagus and to allow gravity to play its part.
• Take multivitamins that include B3 and B12 in case you do have a deficiency caused by the hypochlorhydria.