Stomach Acid Problems

[Guest guest]

Stomach Acid Problems

We may think that our stomachs are **overly acidic** because of heartburn,

sour stomach, or overall stomach upset and distress, when in fact having **too

little acid** creates the same symptoms as an **over acid** condition in the

stomach. Most candida sufferers have digestive problems, which starts in the

stomach with " too little " stomach acid.

The technical term for low stomach acidity is Hypochlorhydria, and a stomach

that is not producing any acid is called Achlorhydria.

The most common symptoms of low stomach acidity include:

* heartburn

* upset stomach, nausea

* vomiting

* sour stomach

* a heavy feeling, as if the food is just sitting in the stomach

Our stomachs are supposed to be acidic. The stomach produces high

concentrations of hydrochloric acid (HCl) used for digestion and absorption of

many

nutrients. It also produces bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) in order to

protect the lining of the stomach from being eaten up by HCl. When the stomach

doesn't produce enough HCl, it will also not produce enough bicarbonate of soda

allowing the stomach to become ulcerated.

When hydrochloric acid is lacking, malnutrition results. HCl digests by

attacking particles of food causing them to break into small molecules. These

smaller molecules move on for further digestion in the intestinal tract.

Hydrochloric acid also kills many bacteria, yeasts, and parasites, so it

will eliminate these intruders before they can cause problems. Low stomach acid

is associated with a greater incidence of gastrointestinal problems like h.

pylori bacteria which cause stomach ulcers.

Inadequate hydrochloric acid production is linked not only to

gastrointestinal symptoms, but also to autoimmune diseases and degenerative

diseases of all

kinds.

Our stomachs need adequate acid so we can get the benefit of a good diet and

the nutrients it contains.

How to Increase Stomach Acid

* Take betaine hydochloric acid supplements – see _How to Take

Hydrochloric Acid Supplements_

* Avoid raw vegetables until digestion has improved, except for

lacto-fermented vegetables, which are actually pre-digested.

* Do not over cook meats, and under cook egg yolks, leaving them

runny.

* Use spices liberally when cooking, and add ocean sea salt to foods

after they are cooked.

* Drink about 3 to 4 ounces of the electrolyte drink (juice of 1/2

lemon and 1/4 teaspoon of ocean sea salt in filtered water) just before you

begin to eat a meal, and sip the remainder of the 6 ounces throughout the meal.

* Chew foods thoroughly to stimulate digestive enzymes in the mouth,

and to break up foods into the smallest particles as possible for better

digestion.

* Eat enough foods at each meal that includes a good balance of

proteins, good fats (coconut oil, butter, lard, etc.) and vegetables.

* Eat at least 2 complete meals per day, but not more than 3 meals.

* Avoid snacking in between meals in order to allow time for your body

to digest foods properly.

* Eat at least 2 tablespoons of unheated sauerkraut or kimchi with

each meal.