Low or no stomach acid in medical jargon is called “hypochlorhydria or “achlorhydria” respectively. Low stomach acid can lead to weight gain, among other issues.
Common Misconceptions about Low Stomach Acid
Symptoms of low stomach acid match those of high stomach acid and often leads to misdiagnoses. In Western medical practice most all acid reflux symptoms are considered to be high stomach acid which is the opposite condition. Many people have the misconception that they have high stomach acid and end up taking OTC Prilosec, TUMS and drinking milk thus exacerbating their symptoms. Adding fuel to the fire can be drinking water with meals, sleeping or laying down after big meals, avoiding spicy foods, stress and poor eating habits.
There are several causes of low stomach acid, but common causes include obesity, hypothyroidism, stress, taking too many antacids, low zinc, malnutrition, helicobacter pylori infection in stomach and fatty liver.
The Long-Term Effects of Low Stomach Acid
The long-term effects of low or no stomach acid include multiple nutritional deficiencies, weight gain, bacterial and viral infections in the gut, malabsorption, dementia, arthritis, autoimmune disease, strokes, heart disease and even cancer, which can worsen upon taking proton pump inhibitors. Common brands of inhibitors include Prilosec, Pantoprazole, Nexium as well as H1 blockers like Rantac and Pepcid, which are commonly prescribed in traditional medical settings. Even regularly using Maalox, Mylanta, or TUMS can lead to health issues. Often, patients end up getting upper GI endoscopy which comes back with no abnormal findings and are perplexed by the results.
Acid reflux is the most common symptom of fatty liver or NASH (Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis). This condition is extremely common in overweight or obese people and can be present in lean subjects who have abdominal obesity such as those from South Asia. Low stomach acid is also common among those with celiac disease. (seen mostly in patients of Scandinavian decent). Autoimmune conditions can cause damage to the stomach lining leading to loss of stomach acid.
Why We Need Stomach Acid
Stomach acid is very important to predigest many foods like protein before it can be processed in the intestines by bile and pancreatic juices. By impeding this natural process, we end up with empty calories that convert to fat easily and promote growth of harmful bugs in the small intestine. This condition is otherwise called bacterial overgrowth or fungal overgrowth.
Fixing the problem requires lifestyle changes and supplements as well as achieving a healthy weight. Detoxing the liver is another vital step in this process. Common lifestyle changes include avoiding more than 3-4oz of water with meals, walking for 20 minutes after each meal, ensuring you have proper zinc rich foods and avoiding prescription or OTC acid blockers. Common supplements used to help are DGL, zinc carnosine, apple cider vinegar, digestive bitters, and Betaine HCL among others. Lab testing includes a complete thyroid panel, GI map stool test, GGT, RBC zinc and copper levels as well as intrinsic factor antibodies among others.
A Functional Medicine Approach
Functional Medicine looks at root causation. It avoids gunshot medicine and prevents side effects of taking prescription drugs. An effective approach requires patient involvement and direction rather than a physician simply making decisions. Western Medicine has its place in advanced illnesses when we cannot or do not want to make lifestyle changes or diet changes. I have made it my lifetime goal to serve others and believe that we should all live a long healthy life rather than be sick, weak and aged, inundated with multiple prescriptions and eating a Standard American Diet (aka SAD).
I love to practice this for myself, my family and my friends and hope that you will find the value as well! I invite you to book a comprehensive appointment in order to take a deep dive into your health.
Call 202-237-7000, ext. 123, for more information or to schedule with Dr. Kalva
