When we suffer from Heartburn we tend to think that we might have a high stomach acid. Well I’m here to tell that surprisingly, you have a higher risk of having low stomach acid than you may having high stomach acid! The symptoms of low and high stomach acid actually are very similar causing very similar discomfort- heartburn!
Just think about it, kids have quite strong bellies and they seem to be able to digest nearly anything, and I haven’t met a child that suffers from Heartburn so far! Have you?
At least 60% of my clients suffer from low stomach acid at some point in their lives, with older adults being affected at much higher rates than younger people.
The symptoms of low stomach acid are :
• Heartburn
• Bloating
• Burping
• Abdominal pain
• Food intolerances
• Nutritional Deficiencies
• Skin Problems/
• Undigested Food in Stools
• Hair Loss in Women
• Dry skin and fragile nails
• Diarrhea or Constipation
In fact, low stomach acid levels can hinder nutrient absorption and cause digestive problems., you see we need nutrients like zinc, folate, iron, B6, to name few, to make a potent stomach acid for proper food digestion. But it can be impaired as a result of low stomach acid not helping food and nutrients being digested and later absorbed !.. And so it is never ending cycle!
Stomach acid also kills harmful bacteria and parasites in the food we eat. A poor diet can result in low stomach acid, as can a loss of nutrients due to health problems, stress, smoking, or alcohol. Toxic metals like mercury and H. pylori bacterial infection also are very common in people with low stomach acid. And usually takes time to clear (most commonly used supplements are vitamins, minerals and probiotics to treat low stomach acid) once toxins are gone and your diet is good stomach acid will recover quickly. If you’re experiencing a Heartburn more than once a week, chances are your stomach acid needs some help, book an appointment today! Remember Your well-being starts in your stomach!
