Low stomach acid, also known as hypochlorhydria, occurs when there's not enough acid in your stomach. This can cause problems with digesting food and absorbing nutrients, leading to issues like indigestion, malnutrition, and sometimes bacterial overgrowth. Luckily, diagnosing and treating low stomach acid is usually straightforward. Let's find out about what are the symptoms of low stomach acid!
What is Low Stomach Acid?
Low stomach acid, also known as hypochlorhydria, refers to a condition where hydrochloric acid (HCl) production is deficient in the stomach. This acid is crucial for digestion and immune function. It aids in breaking down proteins and absorbing vital nutrients, as well as controlling harmful viruses and bacteria in the stomach.
When you have low stomach acid, it becomes difficult to digest food properly, especially proteins. This can lead to the development of severe nutritional deficiencies over time. Additionally, you may be more susceptible to infections, which can further harm your stomach and digestive system.
Symptoms Of Low Stomach Acid
Low stomach acid symptoms can affect digestion, make you more prone to infections, and reduce the absorption of nutrients from your food.
These symptoms may include:
- Bloating
- Burping
- Upset stomach
- Nausea when taking vitamins and supplements
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Feeling hungry when you're not
- Indigestion
- Hair loss
- Seeing undigested food in your stool
- Weak, brittle fingernails
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal infections
- Anemia due to low iron levels
- Deficiencies in other minerals like vitamin B-12, calcium, and magnesium
- Protein deficiency
- Neurological issues such as numbness, tingling, and changes in vision
Several chronic health conditions have been linked to low stomach acid levels, including:
- Lupus
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Thyroid problems
- Acne
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Gastritis
- Chronic autoimmune disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Pernicious anemia
6 Causes Of Low Stomach Acid
Source: Common causes of low stomach acid, or hypochlorhydria
Low stomach acid causes, including:
- Age: Hypochlorhydria is more prevalent in older adults, particularly those over 65 years old.
- Stress: Chronic stress can decrease the production of stomach acid.
- Vitamin deficiency: Deficiencies in zinc or B vitamins, caused by inadequate dietary intake or nutrient loss due to stress, smoking, or alcohol consumption, may lead to low stomach acid.
- Medications: Long-term use of antacids or medications prescribed for ulcers and acid reflux, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can contribute to hypochlorhydria. It's essential to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medications if you suspect low stomach acid.
- H. Pylori infection: Infection with H. pylori, a bacterium associated with gastric ulcers, can lead to decreased stomach acid if left untreated.
- Surgery: Stomach surgeries like gastric bypass surgery can reduce the production of stomach acid.
Risk Factors For Low Stomach Acid
Risk factors for hypochlorhydria or low stomach acid include:
- Age: Individuals over 65 years old are more susceptible to low stomach acid
- High levels of stress: Chronic stress can contribute to reduced stomach acid production.
- Continuous use of medications that lower stomach acid: Long-term use of medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or antacids can increase the risk of hypochlorhydria.
- Vitamin deficiency: Deficiencies in certain vitamins, particularly zinc and B vitamins, may lead to low stomach acid levels.
- H. pylori infection: Infection with H. pylori bacteria can decrease stomach acid production if left untreated.
- History of stomach surgery: Previous stomach surgeries, such as gastric bypass surgery, can affect stomach acid levels.
Low Stomach Acid Treatments
Treatment for hypochlorhydria depends on the cause and how severe your symptoms are.
Doctors often recommend dietary changes and supplements. Taking an HCl supplement, like betaine hydrochloride, along with an enzyme called pepsin, may help increase stomach acidity.
Your doctor might suggest trying HCl supplements to help diagnose hypochlorhydria if your diagnosis is uncertain. If your symptoms improve with this supplement, it could help confirm the condition.
- If an H. pylori infection is causing your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
- If an underlying medical condition is causing low stomach acid, your doctor can help you manage both the condition and its symptoms.
Your doctor can also help you handle your medications and find the best treatment plan if medications like PPIs are causing symptoms of low stomach acid.
In Summary
Low stomach acid can lead to significant health issues if not addressed. If you notice any changes in your digestion or have worrying symptoms, it's crucial to see your doctor without delay. Your doctor can assess whether you have hypochlorhydria and provide treatment or guidance on managing its root cause. Many underlying causes of low stomach acid can be treated, which helps prevent more severe complications.
