Ways to Produce Stomach Acid

Bring up the topic of stomach acid and most people instantly think of a burning sensation or pain. In fact, many people who suffer from low stomach acid mistakenly believe they have GERD. Low stomach acid is often associated with aging. As we age, the amount of stomach acid we produce naturally begins to decline. Low stomach acid can lead to a number of complications and conditions. However, there are ways you can increase the amount of acid in your stomach.

Hypochlorhydria

• Hypochlorhydria is the medical term for the production of too little stomach acid. Like the overproduction of acid, hypochlorhydria comes with a long list of complications and side effects. People who have hypochlorhydria may have difficultly digesting food or absorbing elements (See Reference 3). Their stomachs may not be able to sterilize contents. If the condition is not treated, it may lead to more serious complications including osteoporosis, accelerated aging, infections (See Reference 1), eczema, over or underactive thyroid, gallbladder disease, diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic hepatitis (See Reference 3). The findings of a research study conducted at the University of Michigan and reported in the April 2005 issue of Science News suggest low stomach acid production can lead to cancer or pneumonia (See Reference 2).

  Sometimes hypochlorhydria is caused by another condition such as vitamin B12 deficiency, stomach cancer, autoimmune disorders, childhood asthma, and a few others. Some drugs may lead to the under production of stomach acid (See Reference 1).

  Hypochlorhydria is associated with a list of common symptoms, including food allergies, gas and bloating, bad breath, indigestion, constipation or diarrhea, hair loss, weak fingernails, nausea, anemia, GERD symptoms (burning, belching or bloating following meals), and itching around the rectum area. Some people may feel full even though they haven't eaten or develop an aversion to eating meat (See Reference 1). The symptoms tend to vary between individuals (See Reference 3).

Acid Production

• There are a number of ways you can coax your body into producing more stomach acid. Begin by adding vitamin supplements to your daily routine. Some individuals benefit from adding vinegar and lemon juice to meals (See Reference 3). Changes in diet, such as eating smaller meals, is also helpful. Identifying food allergies and eliminating offending foods from the diet is another positive step toward normalizing stomach acid.

  In the Health News Review, Dr. Jonathan V. Wright recommends taking hydrochloric acid to even out stomach acid. The doctor admits the solution does have its doubters. One reason is stomach acid is rarely measured. Another reason is because hydrochloric acid treatments can be dangerous. While taking hydrochloric supplements, patients cannot take a number of medications, including aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs. Taking these medications in combination with hydrochloric acid increases your risks for developing stomach ulcers and may cause stomach bleeding. People taking hydrochloric acid to increase stomach acid should also take pepsin (See Reference 3).

  Dr. Wright recommends getting a diagnosis of low stomach acid before beginning treatment. Most individuals do well with hydrochloric acid capsules. For those that cannot tolerate capsules, the doctor recommends "small doses of liquid hydrochloric dissolved in water." The dose can be gradually increased over time (See Reference 3).