How to Increase Stomach Acid

Proper levels of stomach acid, also called hydrochloric acid (HCl), are needed for proper digestion of food, and hypochlorhydria is the condition that results when you have a deficiency in HCl. As you get older, your stomach is likely to reduce its levels of acid production, which may require you to supplement your body's supply in one or more of the following ways.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Vitamin C
• Natural enzymes
• Betaine hydrochloride
• Fermented products

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Instructions

• 1

  Add 1 to 3 tablespoons of vinegar to your premeal salad dressing, or--if you can tolerate it--swallow the spoonfuls like you would cough syrup to increase the acidity in your stomach.

• 2

  Take Vitamin C supplements at the start of your meals, or include natural sources of the vitamin in your diet by eating these foods in their raw form or as part of a salad: broccoli, parsley, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, chilies, citrus fruits, kiwi fruit or strawberries.

• 3

  Digestive enzymes from fresh food sources can be less expensive than purchased supplements and help increase stomach acid. Of particular benefit are enzymes from pineapple and papaya, but the following are also helpful when eaten prior to--or along with--your meals: avocados, mangoes, melons, garlic, herbs, onions, bananas and sprouts.

• 4

  Betaine hydrochloride is a source of HCl and is available in capsule form. Doses vary based on your condition and reaction to the supplement but should be started with one capsule at meal time. If symptoms persist and there is no discomfort from the capsule, increase dosage up to three pills until symptoms of hypochlorhydria subside.

• 5

  Increase the number of fermented foods and drinks you ingest with your meals to increase stomach acid. This would include products such as alcoholic beverages, sauerkraut, olives, yogurt and pickles.