Stomach Acid Problems

© Copyright Bee Wilder, Revised October 30, 2011

Note: Carbohydrates (carbs) are any foods not classified as protein or fat, which includes vegetables, spices, herbs, fruits, grains, nuts, seeds, sugars, etc.

Many people today, and most candida sufferers, have digestive problems, which is mainly caused by the stomach producing "too little" stomach acid. We may think our stomachs are "overly acidic" because of heartburn, sour stomach, or overall stomach upset, nausea and pain, when in fact having "too little acid" creates exactly the same symptoms as an "over acid" stomach.

The technical term for low stomach acidity is "hypochlorhydria," and a stomach that is not producing any acid is called "achlorhydria."

The most common symptoms of low stomach acidity include:

  • heartburn (if there isn't enough stomach acid the valve that closes the end of the esophagus won't close properly, so even low stomach acid can burn the esophagus)
  • upset stomach, nausea
  • vomiting
  • sour stomach
  • a heavy feeling, as if the food is just sitting in the stomach in a lump

Our stomachs are supposed to be acidic, so it important that it produce high concentrations of hydrochloric acid (HCl). When the stomach produces HCl it also produces bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) which protects the lining of the stomach from being damaged or eaten up by HCl. When the stomach doesn't produce enough HCl, it also will not produce enough bicarbonate of soda so the stomach can become ulcerated.

When hydrochloric acid is low it causes malnutrition and many digestive problems. HCl mainly digests protein, breaking it down into small molecules, which are further digested in the intestinal tract.

Low stomach acid is associated with a higher incidence of gastrointestinal problems like h. pylori bacteria which cause stomach ulcers, acid reflux (heartburn), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's Disease, diarrhea, constipation, etc.

Our stomachs need adequate acid so we can get the benefit of a good diet and the nutrients it contains, and in order for digestion to proceed like it should throughout the intestines.

How Foods Are Digested

Carbohydrates (carbs) start being digested by enzymes produced in the mouth - carbs are all foods that are not classified as protein or fat, including vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, seeds, sugar, starches, herbs, spices, etc. Some carbs also contain protein and fat, such as grains, nuts, seeds and some vegetables. Also some protein foods also contain carbs and fats such as eggs.

HCl (hydrochloric acid or stomach acid) mainly digests protein. When a person starts to eat the stomach is stimulated to start producing hydrochloric acid (HCl). Stomach acid gradually increases during a meal. When the stomach acid gets high enough, which normally takes about 20-30 minutes after eating, it neutralizes enzymes from the mouth so carb digestion stops.

Digestive enzymes from the mouth only work on carbs while the mixture is alkaline. Therefore, if HCl supplements are taken too early it stops carb digestion in the stomach too soon. HCl also neutralizes any digestive enzyme supplements, so taking them is a waste. That is why it is important to take HCl supplements 30-45 minutes after eating a meal.

When the mixture of food, water and HCl (called chyme) empties out of the stomach it has to go through a hole that is the size of the end of a pencil. The mixture squirts through that small hole in spurts. That rate at which foods empty out of the stomach is highly regulated. If the mixture is too solid and doesn't contain enough fluid it isn't as able to get through that small hole. That is why drinking enough fluids with meals is also very important.

When the mixture starts squirting through that small hole, if the pancreas detects it contains enough fluids and HCl it is able to do its job. First the mixture must be made alkaline, so the pancreas pours lots of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) onto the mixture as it is squirting through that small hole. Pancreatic digestive enzymes only work on an alkaline mixture, just like enzymes in the mouth.

Next, the pancreas produces several enzymes which digest carbs, fats and further digests protein, i.e. protease digests protein, amylase digests carbs and lipase digests fats. The small intestine also produces digestive enzymes that only work on an alkaline mixture.

Therefore taking HCl supplements and improving its production in the stomach, along with having enough fluids with meals, is very important for proper digestion, whereas taking digestive enzymes is a waste and doesn't help digestion.

Foods that Improve Digestion

  • Meats, eggs and "Good" fats such as coconut oil, butter, lard, naturally occurring animal fats, etc. are the easiest foods to digest compared to carbs (plant foods).
  • Mineral-Rich Bone Broth

How to Increase Stomach Acid Production

  • Always have ocean sea salt with meals since salt is important for proper digestion and it also stimulates stomach acid production. Ensure you use a good one that contains over 84 minerals, i.e. Celtic brand available at Selina Naturally, or Le Paludier, which is available in many health stores and online.
  • Avoid raw vegetables until digestion improves. All plant cell walls are made of cellulose fibers that the human digestive system cannot digest.
    Therefore, the cellulose cell walls (fibers) of plants must be broken down before they are digestible, and in order for nutrients to be available for digestion. This is done by fermenting them long enough or cooking them until they are "well done" so they can easily be mashed with a fork - see Raw Versus Cooked Carbs (Plant Foods).
  • Do not cook meats or eggs using high heat, and do not overcook them. Cooking proteins actually pre-digests them, called denaturing. However overheating or overcooking them makes them lose moisture and binds the protein molecules tighter together which makes them harder to digest. Meats can also be pre-digested (denatured), by soaking them in acidic mediums such as lemon or lime juice, tomato juice, apple cider vinegar, etc. Marinating meats is a good way to pre-digest or pre-cook them.
  • Eat protein and "good" fats with every meal. Protein stimulates stomach acid production, and protein and fats stimulate the gall bladder to dump bile into the small intestines. The liver needs good fats in order to produce bile needed for digestion.
  • Drink enough fluids with meals so the mixture in the stomach is able to squirt through the small opening between the stomach and the first part of the small intestines, called the duodenum.
  • Chew foods thoroughly to stimulate digestive enzymes in the mouth, and to break up foods into the smallest particles possible for better digestion.
  • Eat enough foods every day that include a good balance of proteins, good fats (coconut oil, butter, lard, etc.) and vegetables.
  • Eat at least 2 complete meals per day, but not more than 3 meals.
  • Avoid snacking in between meals in order to allow time for your body to digest foods properly. When food is moving through the first part of the small intestines stomach acid production decreases.
  • If necessary, take betaine hydochloric acid supplements (HCl) 30-45 minutes after eating – see How to Take Hydrochloric Acid Supplements.
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