Low Stomach Acid is Worth Discussing
I have been receiving many comments in regards to a commonly talked about issue called Hypochlorhydria. This is also referred to as Achlorhydria, and it is the condition where the stomach does not produce enough or sometimes any hydrochloric acid (HCl). It is vital to understand the importance of hydrochloric acid (HCl), which can be found in the article entitled Hydrochloric Acid and Its Importance in the Stomach. Just as a quick recap, hydrochloric acid (HCl) serves three major purposes: 1.) it is necessary in order to digest and absorb nutrients, 2.) sterilize the stomach, and 3.) allow food to empty into the small intestine.
Based on the lack of these three important functions, people suffering from hypochlorhydria can eventually experience these commonly associated conditions:
- Asthma
- Celiac Disease
- Eczema, Psoriasis, Urticaria (hives)
- Lupus
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
- Macular Degeneration (vision loss)
- Pernicious Anaemia
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori)
- Stomach Cancer
- Acid Reflux, GERD, Barrett’s Esophagus, Stomach Ulcers
- Gastritis (stomach inflammation)
The top 3 conditions listed are primarily due to the fact that when food is not properly digested, large food particles enter the lower intestines where the immune system attacks them (assuming they are foreign particles and dangerous to the body), thus causing an allergic reaction. This developes into food allergies that can present symptoms in other areas of the body besides the digestive tract such as skin and lungs.
Conditions 4 through 9 (to name a few) can occur due to lack of nutrient absorption. When a person lacks the proper amount of hydrochloric acid (HCl) to digest food and absorb nutrients they become deficient. This can be very dangerous because nutrients are needed in ever aspect of healthy bodily function.
Conditions number 10 and 11 are examples of conditions resulting from the stomach’s inability to kill excess bacteria, yeast, and fungus due to the lack of acids needed to sterilize the stomach.
Listed conditions 11 through 13 are due to the stomach’s inability to empty its contents. When the stomach does not empty properly, its contents (foods and their acids) are left to sit stagnant and ferment. Stagnation allows acids to stew too long in the stomach, and fermentation causes gas, bloating, belching, and the opportunity for acids to travel up into the esophagus.
It is obvious that hypochlorhydria and these conditions are worth taking very seriously. There are a few diagnosis tricks and treatments that can be done at home as discussed in the articles entitled Diagnosing Hypochloryhdria and Treating Hypochlorhydria. However, if you are experiencing serious symptoms and/or any of the conditions listed above, please consult a gastroenterologist. If you are not satisfied with the care received from them, please seek a second opinion. You may find that some doctors overlook hypochlorhydria, so do make sure you feel you are properly diagnosed.
from → Digestion
Nice article. I believe GPs are not likely to diagnose hypochlorhydria because the treatment (hydrochlroic acid) does not benefit pharmacological companies. GPs are prone to dispense acid inhibitors without ever testing for acidity levels (e.g. heidelberg test), thereby making the problem worse.
You are absolutely correct. I have found that more often than not, Gastroenterologists overlook diagnosing hypochlorhydria. In my experience with digestive disorders, I was saved by a second opinion b/c my first GE just didn’t listen to my concerns. My first GE’s answer for my problems was more proton pump inhibitors, and surprise surprise, it added more symptoms to my already misdiagnosed condition. I hope people seek out better doctors. They are out there.