Did you know that stomach acid is actually good for you? In fact, many people who think that they have high stomach acid levels, have low stomach acid levels. Proper stomach acid production is vital to unlocking optimal digestion. That is why testing is important.

Low stomach acid or hypochlorhydria occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough stomach acid to digest foods and tends to be more pronounced as you age. When the stomach cannot produce enough acid, key minerals and proteins can’t be absorbed into the body leading to vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Stomach acid is also responsible for killing harmful bacteria from foods and neutralizing enzymes. Hypochlorhydria can leave the body vulnerable to several health complications and diseases linked to the inability of foods to be broken down, sitting in the stomach, and bacteria build-up. Optimal release of stomach acid takes place when the body is relaxed and in the parasympathetic nervous system state.

• Burping
• Cramping
• Heartburn
• Nausea – especially when taking supplements
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Infection
• Undigested food in stools
• Bad breath
• Weak hair and nails
• Dry skin
• Hair loss

The most common causes of low stomach acid include:

Stress and poor diet are two of the most common reasons that can directly affect your stomach acid levels. Other factors include:

• Eating too quickly
• High sugar intake
• Zinc deficiency
• Age
• Antacid medication and prescription drugs
• Food intolerances, sensitivities or allergies
• Infection i.e. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
• Chronic illness
• Stomach surgeries 

• Vitamin B12 – PPIs block the release of stomach acid and intrinsic factor which is required for the absorption of vitamin B12. ^15-17 Vitamin B12 is required in the body for energy production.
• Iron – the reduced absorption of iron can lead to anemia. ¹⁸ Iron is important for oxygenation and energy.
• Calcium – optimal calcium absorption requires the presence of acid.¹⁹ The body uses calcium for the contraction of all muscles and for bone health.
• Magnesium- PPIs are thought to inhibit the active transport of magnesium in the intestine. Magnesium is helps to promote relaxation in the body.
• Folic acid – absorption is reduced.^19,20  Folic acid is needed for optimal energy and cardiovascular health.
• Zinc – is impaired, which is needed for many enzyme reactions in the body.²¹

When there is an increase in abdominal fat, more pressure is created and or the angle of the stomach and esophagus may change. When this happens, your stomach acid has more of a tendency to reflux and cause problems.

Your Naturopath or Nurse Practitioner will help assess which test is right for you, including an analysis of the most cost-efficient.

Your medical doctor will focus on OHIP covered tests and referral to a GI specialist who commonly will perform blood work, an endoscope or colonoscopy to rule out disease. These tests are simple functional tests that can help determine your plan to improve your digestion. path of testing. We recommend a New Patient Visit with one of our Naturopathic Doctors for the most comprehensive approach to your health or a Pre-Lab Visit for a quick snapshot prior to lab testing as there are many tests available.  Lab testing alone is a one-dimensional picture of your health. The expertise of a health professional is required to create a three-dimensional picture for proper selection, and interpretation of lab testing. To complete your care we recommend booking your Post-Lab consult 2 weeks after testing to review your results and receive your tailored health plan.

Third-party insurance companies may cover all or a portion of your consultations. The at-home tests are easy to perform and minimal cost. Please check with your individual provider for details and how to submit claims for consultation coverage.

At Revivelife our Naturopathic Doctors in Ottawa provide focused treatment and specialized care based on the root cause of your low stomach acid. Naturopathic approaches include lifestyle management, stress management, assessment of food sensitivities, promotion of relaxation while dining, nutritional support (fermented foods, raw apple cider vinegar and ginger), acupuncture, and tailored supplements including pre and probiotics, enzymes, and herbals to improve your microbiome and overall digestion.

Simple at-home strategies include:

1. Relax while dining. You need to be the parasympathetic or relaxed part of the nervous system for your body to release enough enzymes and stomach acid to break down your foods. Add music or candle lights to your dining routine to promote shifting from your busy day to enjoying your foods all while promoting digestion.
2. Limit processed foods. A whole food nutrition plan that is right for you can make a great difference in how you feel. Fuel your body with foods rich in nutrients and enzymes like raw fruits and vegetables and or fermented foods – such as kimchi, sauerkraut, or water kefir.
3. Include 1-2 Tbsp. of raw apple cider vinegar (RACV) in a small amount of water and drink before meals. RACV is a fermented liquid made from crushed apples, bacteria, and yeast. It’s rich in protein and enzymes that can help break down foods. Note – be sure and add to water as pure RACV may over time damage the enamel on your teeth.

We recommend a New Patient Visit for the most comprehensive approach to your health or a Pre-Lab Visit for a quick snapshot before lab testing and a Post-Lab consult to review your results and receive your tailored health plan.

Click Here to book an appointment.

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