low stomach acid?

[boo2facialredness]

This may be a stupid question, but how do you know if you have low stomach acid? Is it a heartburn/indigestion/reflux feeling or do you actually have a test done?

Thanks!

~J

[phlika29]

It is not connected to heartburn/reflux-these are connected to a weak sphincter allowing the acid back through.

Think more along the lines of poor digestion. Stomach acid is there to help start break down the macromolecules (proteins, carbohydrates) by denaturing them allowing digestive enzymes greater access.

Therefore if your stomach is not producing enough acid food may not be adequately broken down leading to issues like bloating, etc. I would say it is impossible to definitely know what the real issue is with regards the stomach area. Another possibility is small intestine bacterial overgrowth as talked about by artist in another thread (in the news section).

Generally poor digestion can lead to bloating/gas/diarrhoea/poor ingestion of nutrients

[boo2facialredness]

Interesting!

I started having stomach issues a few months ago. I went through a bunch of testing with a gastro, including ultrasounds, endoscopy, and a food emptying study. Basically they gave me an egg sandwich laced with dye and then put a camera over me for 90 minutes to see if my stomach emptied in a timely manner. It didn't! The doctor called it a "virus" and said that I didn't even need medication, just a low fat diet and I guess it would work itself out. He said that what happens with the virus is that my stomach stopped breaking down the fat properly so I would eat and then end up feeling bad. I didn't have any "tummy troubles", though, just more of a heartburn-type feeling. He never mentioned low acid, so I guess that's not an issue for me. I'll have to ask when I go back to see him in March. I would assume he could've figured out low acid with my symptoms and tests he did. I don't have any cramping/bloating, etc.

Thanks for the info!

~J

[phlika29]

Well I'm no expert so this is just my understanding. I'm not sure how a doctor will see it. It is definitely worth mentioning too him and asking how they can test for it.

[Rocky123]

There are many people who suffer from either too much or too little stomach acid. Both of these conditions can cause stomach problems including stomach bloating, burping, belching and flatulence more than normal. While everyone sometimes has to deal with indigestion when they are chronic or severe you need to find assistance.

[travellingpete]

There are many people who suffer from either too much or too little stomach acid. Both of these conditions can cause stomach problems including stomach bloating, burping, belching and flatulence more than normal. While everyone sometimes has to deal with indigestion when they are chronic or severe you need to find assistance.

Hello

I goggled stomach acid and the first link that appeared is http://www.nutritional-healing.com.a...pochlorhydria).
Very interestingly one of the medical conditions mentioned is Rosacea.

Pete

[Souris24]

Have digestive enzymes and betaine HCL the same efficiency regarding the treatment of low stomach acid ?