The Big Bloat

Dinner was delicious, but now that uncomfortable feeling of belly bloat has begun again!

Do you struggle with feeling bloated after eating, with gas and cramping? This is an all-to common complaint and it can definitely ruin a great meal.

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Hypochlorhydria - A common but misunderstood condition for low stomach acid.

The stomach needs to be very acidic with an optimal pH of 1.5-3 to activate important enzymes that break down protein efficiently. If we suffer from insufficient stomach acid, protein won't digest properly and we miss getting all the vital minerals from the foods we eat.

The secretion of hydrochloric acid [HCI] is an absolutely essential part of the digestive puzzle and the first-line of defense against food-borne pathogens.

Heartburn & Acid Reflux.

For many of us, we take antacids or acid reflux medications because of the symptoms we suffer from. But, here's an interesting truth to consider.

Most people who are prescribed antacids by their doctors aren't actually tested for stomach acidity levels. And when tested, it's actually quite rare that the levels come back too high.

The Root of the Problem.

Symptoms of digestive dysfunction more than likely point to low stomach acid production and to correct the gut, this needs to be addressed. From parasites to food sensitivities, to SIBO, IBS, colitis and many more - low stomach acid production is the problem.

Do You Have Hypochlorhydria?

Here are some of the common signs that you aren't producing enough stomach acid.

1. You've lost the taste for meat.

When you don't really like the taste for meat,especially like you used to, instead of assuming you would be better off as a vegetarian, consider HCI support. You may be surprised and find your appetite improves and the ability to digest animal protein.

2. A History [now or past] of a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Vegetarians don't eat much animal protein and vegans eat none, which causes the body to slow down the production of HCI accordingly. This is why the vegan [and to some extent, a vegetarian] diet can be hard on the digestion without that all-important stomach acid production. This diminishes mineral absorption from the foods, which then decreases the production of pancreatic enzymes and properly triggering the secretion of bile from the gallbladder. It's a cascade of trickle-down problems of digestion.

3. Experience belching, gas, bloating or cramps about an hour after eating.

This is generally a result of low stomach acid. One of it's important roles is to trigger the opening of the pyloric valve, the small valve that connects the stomach to the top of the small intestine. That valve knows when to open exactly when the contents of the stomach are at the proper state of digestion - when it's sufficiently acidic. If this never happens, the contents of the stomach begins to ferment. Fermentation creates gas and gas needs to be released one way or another.

4. Experience heartburn or acid reflux.

Contrary to popular [and your doctor's opinion], acid reflux is not because of too much stomach acid. Most of the time, it's because of too little stomach acid that leads to acid in the wrong place.

Optimal digestion needs a very acidic environment, and this is accomplished by the stomach secreting mucous to protect the lining so you don't actually digest yourself. The esophagus has no such protective coating. So, if you're not secreting enough acid, your valve won't open and the contents of the stomach begin to ferment creating gas. Gas needs to be released - either up as belching, that means the esophageal valve that connects the esophagus to the stomach has opened and allows that gas to travel up, or down as explosive gas. Sometimes, along with the gas, some stomach juices spurt up into the esophagus and the delicate linig is also damaged. Antacids will work on these symptoms, but actually exacerbate the root cause of the problem - a lowering of acid production.

5. You have bad breath.

Ruling out poor dental hygiene, bad breath is the result of digestive dysfunction. When food isn't properly digested it will create toxic byproducts which can overload the body's detoxification abilities. The solution is to support better stomach acid production to effectively break down food.

6. Stinky sweat.

Sweat can be stinky for many reasons - magnesium deficiency, or liver and kidney disfunction. But, just like with bad breath, the more toxic the body, the more toxic the sweat. This could likely be caused from improperly digested protein, resulting from low stomach acid production which is a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast to proliferate. Unfortunately, bacteria and yeast produce toxins - a toxicity from within.

7. No appetite in the morning.

When we eat later in the evening and have low stomach acid, our dinner is still sitting in the stomach waiting to be digested which means we are still full from last night's meal.

8. Sleepy after meals.

There are a few reasons for this: blood sugar issues, improper balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, or inadequate digestion, leaving too much food in the digestive tract. It takes a lot of energy to digest, and more energy resources will be diverted there if digestion is less than optimal. Supporting stomach acid levels will increase the body's ability to thrive.

If you feel that low stomach acid could be causing digestion issues, I can help you find solutions that will improve both how you feel and increase your body's ability to actually absorb those important nutrients you need to thrive.

You can feel better and I'm here to help.

Reach out here. https://janlindquistntp.com

Thanks for reading,

Jan