Hypochlorhydria is a poor stomach output of hydrochloric acid.
Hypochlorhydria is fairly common; according to some surveys, a low
level of stomach acid occurs in up to 47% of the general population,
the highest incidence being found in older people.
Much has been said in the media about too much acid, hyperacidity,
and millions of dollars are erroneously spent on antacids, when the
opposite problem is often the case - too little acid.
On the other hand, some people may experience no gastrointestinal
symptoms whatsoever. When there are no symptoms, individuals can wind
up years later with serious consequences which are never related to the
unrecognized hypochlorhydria.
Without acid, the body has a difficult time digesting food. The
chief function of stomach acid is the initiation of protein digestion.
Without it, proteins putrefy in the intestines which means the bacteria
wind up decomposing the protein and producing foul-smelling compounds
like hydrogen sulfide gas and cadaverine.
Acid secretion is also of fundamental importance in the assimilation
of many minerals, and of vitamin B12. Before looking to hormone
replacement therapy for prevention of
osteoporosis, check your stomach acid. As well as looking to vitamin
B12 shots for pernicious anemia, check your stomach acid.
Another important function of hydrochloric acid is the stimulation
of pancreatic enzyme and bile release into the small intestine. Without
enough pancreatic enzymes and bile,
the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and
vitamins A and E, is severely compromised, inadvertently causing
undernutrition even with an excellent diet.
Over time the stomach cells that secrete acid may be repaired by
supplements of licorice, glutamine, and gentian. Sometimes acupuncture
helps restore the cells, and if a subluxation is creating weakened
stimulation of nerves to the stomach, chiropractic will help.
Symptoms of poor stomach acid output:
- Stomach bloating
- Burping
- Upset stomach
- Burning
- Flatulence
- Diarrhea
- Nausea after taking supplements
- Rectal itching
- Weak, peeling, cracked fingernails
- Dilated capillaries in the cheeks and nose (in non- alcoholics)
- Post adolescent Acne.html">Acne
- Iron deficiency
- Other mineral deficiencies
- Chronic intestinal infections
- Undigested food in stool
Disorders associated with poor stomach acid output:
- Acne Rosacea
- Addison's disease or weak adrenals
- Asthma.html">Asthma
- Celiac Disease
- Chronic autoimmune disorders
- Diabetes
- Eczema
- Food Allergies
- Gall bladder disease
- Gastric cancer
- Gastritis.html">Gastritis
- Graves disease
- Hepatitis
- Lupus
- Osteoporosis
- Pernicious Anemia
- Psoriasis
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Urticaria
- Vitiligo
- Colitis (Ulcerative)
- Hair loss
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
