<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

     Thanks for finding this site on low acid. I've been GF for about 6
years and had a hard time getting over being constipated. I think low acid
was the major problem after getting GF.  Just within the last year I've
tried to increase  enzyme intake, and it has really worked.  I eat a mango
and some dried papaya every day.
      This is the site for low acid for those who don't have web access.


POOR STOMACH ACID OUTPUT CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS DISORDERS
Lynda J. Wells, Ph.D.

Q.  My symptoms are burping, stomach bloating, my stomach
upsets easily and I tend to be constipated.  I take antacids
for the symptoms but do not get much relief.  Do you have any
ideas to help my digestion?
                                           W.S.,  RI

A.  It sounds like you may have poor stomach output of
hydrochloric acid, known as hypochlorhydria.  Have a
comprehensive stool analysis and a hair analysis to help
ascertain if that is the problem.

     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.  The bloating, belching, upset stomach, and
constipation that you mention are common symptoms.  Some
others are listed below.

     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, cadaverine (what does a name like that tell
you?).

     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.

     Hydrochloric acid is also primarily responsible for
keeping the three pounds of bacteria that live in the colon
from translocating up into the  small intestines.  (This is a
very important immune function.)  Without a potent amount of
hydrochloric acid, undesirable strains of bacteria and
yeast can take hold and multiply, and interfere with
digestion and absorption.   They can also inflame the
intestines, cause them to become permeable to undigested
foods and thus the individual becomes allergic  to healthful
foods.  Do you know that the total absorptive area of the
inside wall of the small intestine of an average person is
about the same as a standard football field, and every square
inch of this surface can be covered with mucus in which
bacteria are imbedded and growing?  Imagine the negative
impact from odd strains of bacteria.

     One can begin to see why, if allowed to continue for
many years without treatment,  many diseases can ensue from
hypochlorhydria.  Some associated with it are:  asthma,
celiac disease, chronic autoimmune disorders, diabetes,
eczema, food allergies, gall bladder disease, gastric cancer,
gastritis,  lupus, osteoporosis, pernicious anemia,
psoriasis, and acne rosacea.

      According to Dr. Jonathan Wright at a September, 1994
seminar on the Use of Laboratory Testing in Nutritional
Medicine,  ulcerative colitis, hair loss, 100% of multiple
sclerosis, and 100% of rheumatoid arthritis can also be added
to the list.

     A way to determine the proper dose of hydrochloric acid
for your individual need may be accomplished in the following
manner.  On three consecutive mornings take one, then two,
then three betaine hydrochloric acid tablets on an empty
stomach. If you have no negative reactions, then take one or
two before each meal for a week and see how your digestion
feels.  If it is better, you can safely assume that your
stomach has not been producing enough acid for proper
digestion.  Some bad reactions to the tabs are heartburn,
worse gas, pain in the stomach.  If it hurts, do not take any
more.  You can neutralize the reaction with milk or baking
soda in water.  A few persons require as little as 5-10
grains of betaine hydrochloride with each meal.  Others may
need as much as 50-60 grains.  The right dose can be
estimated but has to be finally adjusted by trial and error.
Pepsin and gentian are often added to the hydrochloric acid
supplements to further promote protein digestion.

     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.

     Next time you think of taking an antacid, STOP, try
taking acid first to see if that relieves the symptoms.  If
your problem is too little acid,  antacids just contribute
further to the above scenario.



  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
iron deficiency
other mineral deficiencies
chronic intestinal infections
undigested food in stool

  Disorders associated with poor stomach acid output
Addison's disease or weak adrenals
asthma
celiac disease
chronic autoimmune disorders
diabetes
eczema
food allergies
gall bladder disease
gastric cancer
gastritis
Graves disease
hepatitis
lupus
osteoporosis
pernicious anemia
psoriasis
acne rosacea
thyrotoxicosis
urticaria
vitiligo
ulcerative colitis
hair loss
multiple sclerosis
rheumatoid arthritis



                                   ______''_________________________
     Dwight Corbitt               /    Gluten free in Tennessee   /
                                 /                               /
                                /_______________________________/

    Keep a song in your heart.     --  Lawrence Welk