Chronic Stress (emotional, structural, or nutritional) leads to signs and symptoms of Low Stomach Acid.
Stress overtime can then exhaust our organs and tissues so they are unable to perform as intended. Today, I wanted to talk about how chronic stress can lead to low stomach acid.
Adequate stomach acid is needed to helps us break down proteins into amnio acids which are required by the body for many essential functions. Stomach acid also protects the body from nasty invaders, like parasites, bugs, fungus and infections like H Pylori.
We have been mislead by big pharma to think that symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux are cause by too acid. We know now that is just not the case. These symptoms are due to low stomach acid. Low Acid means that you are unable to break down foods leading to putrefaction of those foods which then leads to inflammation of the stomach lining.
Our levels of HC ( hydrochloride ) are not only needed for digestion of foods but also required for the proper absorption of calcium, iron, Vitamin B12 and many other substances. Bottom line low stomach acid actually leads to an alkaline GI tract.
When we as humans are under stress perceived or real our digestive track shuts down as digestion is not required to run away from the tiger. Chronic stress therefore leads to inadequate stomach acid and malabsorption problems.
Symptoms of Low Stomach Acid
Bad Breath
Smelly sweat under the arms and Stinky Feet
Bloating soon after a meal
Heartburn
Smelly Gas
Itchy Bum
Hungry all the time
Weak nails that break and peel
Increasing Allergies
Arthritis and feeling Stiff in the Mornings
What to do to Support and Increase Stomach Acid
It is important to remember that a healthy gut means a healthy immune system and a healthy brain.
- Supplement with HCL and pepsin ( make sure you know you do not have an Ulcer first as that need to be treated before you add Digestive support)
- A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar neat or in water
- Add zinc
- take time to decrease stress before you eat and make an effort to not eat o the run or right after a stressful event
- Eat more slowly
- If you suffer from arthritic problems you could benefit from an acid calcium salt or phosphoric acid.
- Cut out Sugar … as it only continues to feed an alkaline GI tract
- Implement Stress relief techniques like meditation, exercise, laughter, nature etc etc
Final Thoughts
If you have damage to the mucosal lining of the stomach then you need to address that issue first before adding in digestive supplements listed above.
Unfortunately most of the products that I like to heal and support the stomach are only available through Clinicians. If you have a digestive challenge and have a quick question about what would be right for you please feel free to leave a short text. 214 8696404.
If your case is more complicated then we should sit down and discuss in person. You can make an appointment online
Enjoy the week and stay hydrated add electrolytes if needed and be cool
Best
Dr Pia
