What Is Stomach Acid?

How to Avoid Stomach Acid Discomfort

Stomach acid, which is also known as gastric acid, is a secretion produced by the stomach to help break down food so it can be absorbed by the body. It also activates certain kinds of digestive enzymes that facilitate this process.

The goal of this article is to answer the question what is stomach acid and to explain a number of problems related to stomach acid and how to get relief from those problems.

What is stomach acid?

Chemically speaking, stomach acid consists mainly of hydrochloric acid. It also contains a little potassium chloride and sodium chloride.

In addition to helping with digestion, normal levels of stomach acid are needed to keep the stomach free from invasion by bacteria and parasites. Aging, poor nutritional habits, overuse of certain medications, and bacterial infections reduce your ability to produce stomach acid.

Problems related to stomach acid

The most common problem most people have is low acidity, which can lead to inadequate digestion of food. The result is often stomach gas, stomach bloating, belching, diarrhea or constipation.

People who have low acidity conditions are vulnerable to many diseases and illnesses, including Addison's disease, anemia, immune disorders, depression, asthma, eczema, gallstones, hepatitis, hives, osteoporosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea, and thyroid disease.

Low acidity is extremely common in North America. It's believed that almost one person in three has low stomach acid. Because of this, food is not digested properly and bacteria begin to colonize the stomach or small intestine, impairing digestion.

Symptoms of low stomach acid

Too little stomach acid may produce a wide range of symptoms.

• Adult acne
• Constipation and diarrhea
• Chronic yeast infections
• Nausea after taking supplements
• Hair loss in women
• Indigestion
• Iron deficiency
• Low tolerance for dentures
• Multiple food allergies
• Rectal itching
• Redness or dilated blood vessels in the cheeks and nose
• Soreness, burning or dryness of the mouth
• Undigested food in the stools
• Weak, peeling and cracked fingernails

Many of these and symptoms may also be found in other illnesses. Your doctor is the best judge.

Treatment and relief

The best way to find out if you have low acid is a test that measures the pH in the stomach. Once you knityow low stomach acid is causing your symptoms, there are several options.

You can supplement your diet with betaine hydrochloride (HCL) which contains hydrochloric acid. It should only be administered under a doctor's care. You can damage your stomach lining if you take betaine hydrochloride improperly.

Be especially careful if you've previously had stomach ulcers or gastritis, stomach pain or discomfort, or heartburn. You should also be careful if you're taking NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), cortisone-like drugs, or certain other medications.

Quick tips for avoiding stomach acid problems

You can also avoid problems and get relief from your symptoms by

• eating small meals, and eating them more frequently during the day. The stomach doesn't have to work as hard to digest small meals, and therefore it doesn't have to produce as much stomach acid.
• eating foods that are high in complex carbohydrates in each meal. Such as rice, breads and pasta are often easy on the stomach.
• avoiding high-fat meals, especially fast food because they stay in the stomach longer and require more stomach acid to digest.
• eating moderately. Over eating stimulates the stomach to secret more acids for digestion.
• avoiding or limiting alcohol, chocolate, and food and drinks with caffeine
• staying in an upright position after meals. Don't lie down for at least 45 minutes after eating.

Related articles are available on acid reflux causes and remedies for acid reflux.