<<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