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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat Causes Low Stomach Acid?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You may be thinking to yourself, how did I even get here? Digestion used to be so effortless and without any discomfort. Let\u2019s take a look at some contributing factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Age<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Studies are mixed as to whether or not stomach acid decreases simply due to aging as a factor.<\/span> However, we do know that stomach acid-related conditions increase with age.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n A study of 753 subjects examined the connection between age, gender, and gastric acid secretion. Researchers divided subjects into nine distinct age groups, with particular emphasis on individuals aged 65 and older. Researchers placed a pH probe in the stomach to record pH levels every four seconds over 24 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike earlier studies, researchers found no significant differences in average stomach acid levels (mean gastric pH), baseline acidity, or acidity levels during the day, night, or after eating, regardless of age or gender.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n So, what could be the factors contributing to lower stomach acidity that seems to become oh-so-common as we get older? Researchers noticed a few factors. Let\u2019s take a look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One factor recognized by research contributing to low stomach acid is H. pylori<\/em> infections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n H. pylori<\/em> is a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach. Over time, this infection can cause long-lasting irritation due to an enzyme called urease that the bacteria make and damage to the stomach lining.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n This irritation can harm the cells and tissues responsible for producing stomach acid, often referred to as atrophic gastritis. As the infection persists, the number of cells that create stomach acid may gradually decrease, leading to lower acid levels.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n This ongoing irritation can also prompt the release of certain immune system chemicals, known as cytokines, which interfere with the cells that usually produce stomach acid (parietal cells), causing them to become less effective.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to the digestive impact, stomach acid plays an essential protective role in the body by helping eliminate harmful microorganisms entering the gastrointestinal tract. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) creates an acidic environment that destroys various bacteria, viruses, and parasites that might otherwise threaten health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When stomach acid levels are low, this weakens the protective barrier, potentially increasing the risk of infections and making them more severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n H. pylori infections affect around 50% of the US population<\/span>. Worldwide, H. pylori<\/em> infections tend to become more common with age. In older adults, rates can reach 40%-60% for those without symptoms and over 70% for elderly patients with stomach or intestinal issues.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s still unclear whether the prevalence of H. pylori<\/em> infections increases with age, potentially because stomach acid naturally declines for some people as they age. Further studies are needed to clarify this connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n H. pylori <\/em>requires medical attention. Note that it can be a particularly hard infection to correctly diagnose and treat. If you have H. pylori<\/em>, a more acidic stomach makes the bacteria more resistant to antibiotics.<\/span> In this case, it might be beneficial to temporarily block stomach acid as you\u2019re taking antibiotics and avoid taking betaine HCl supplements. You should see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A second factor contributing to low stomach acid involves the use of certain medications that can reduce or interfere with acid production in the stomach<\/span>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n And, of course, there are the obvious antacids<\/strong> that some people pop like candy. These over-the-counter chewable tablets or liquids, often made from calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, or aluminum hydroxide, work by neutralizing existing stomach acid on contact. While they provide quick relief for heartburn or indigestion, frequent overuse may disrupt the balance of stomach acid and lead to digestive issues over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, here we are. Add stomach acid to the long list of things that stress can mess up. Stress can lower stomach acid through a complex interplay of physiological mechanisms involving the nervous system and neurotransmitters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The primary pathway is the release of nitric oxide (NO) in the brain, which inhibits gastric acid secretion as a protective reflex to prevent damage to the stomach lining during stress. Stress triggers NO release in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve, a key area in regulating stomach acid production. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Researchers discovered the role of nitric oxide (NO) in stomach acid regulation through experiments that involved blocking its production. When researchers inhibited NO, the stress-induced reduction in stomach acid was reversed, demonstrating that NO plays a crucial role in this process.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n While this response is meant to be protective, modern life\u2019s constant stressors\u2014work, relationships, financial worries, and even information overload\u2014can lead to a persistent cycle of low stomach acid. This can have long-term effects on digestion and gut health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your body gives more than one clue that you might be low in the stomach acid department. Low stomach acid disrupts digestion, affecting food breakdown and nutrient absorption. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s start with the obvious: the things you can feel. Stomach acid plays a key role in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. When stomach acid levels are insufficient, various digestive symptoms can arise, many of which resemble other common digestive issues. This similarity can make it challenging to identify the exact cause without careful assessment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Common symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are experiencing these or similar symptoms, it\u2019s important to consult with a healthcare practitioner. They can provide a thorough evaluation, rule out other potential factors, and help develop a tailored plan to support your digestive health effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Low stomach acid can have subtle but significant effects on your health, such as nutrient deficiencies and malabsorption. It\u2019s not just about the food you eat\u2014it\u2019s about how effectively your body can break it down and absorb essential nutrients. When stomach acid levels are too low, this crucial process is compromised, leading to potential deficiencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A review of studies explored micronutrient deficiencies that occur with low stomach acid. This is what they highlighted<\/span>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stomach acid plays a key role in vitamin B12 absorption by first helping to release the vitamin from food. After that, stomach acid helps vitamin B12 bind to intrinsic factor, a protein in saliva. This process is important because intrinsic factor is essential for vitamin B12 absorption in the intestine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To absorb ferric iron, the most common form of iron in Western diets, your body needs stomach acid. Stomach acid helps keep the iron in a form that can be easily absorbed, preventing it from solidifying and getting stuck. It also helps vitamin C, which is important for boosting iron absorption, by helping change the iron into a form your body can use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stomach acid also helps maintain vitamin C in its active form, called ascorbic acid. Without enough acid, vitamin C becomes a less effective form called dehydroascorbic acid. Since vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, having less of the active form can make it harder for your body to absorb iron properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Calcium absorption starts when stomach acid helps dissolve calcium salts into a form that can be absorbed in the small intestine. People with low stomach acid absorb less calcium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like calcium, stomach acid helps dissolve magnesium into a form that the intestines can absorb. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These deficiencies highlight the importance of monitoring nutrient levels, especially if you have low stomach acid or take acid-reducing medications long-term. Consulting a healthcare professional can help ensure proper nutrient intake to correct any deficiencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to note that low stomach acid is not the only factor that can affect nutrient absorption. Other conditions, such as digestive disorders, medications, and certain lifestyle habits, can also impact your ability to absorb nutrients effectively. Always consult a healthcare professional to identify the root cause of any nutrient imbalances and receive personalized advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At this point, you may be wondering if you have low stomach acid. While recognizing the symptoms is an important first step, diagnosing low stomach acid typically requires testing. To help you understand how it’s assessed, here\u2019s a breakdown of stomach acid levels and their potential implications:<\/p>\n\n\n\nH. pylori<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Medications<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Stress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Signs and Symptoms of Low Stomach Acid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Digestive Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Nutritional Deficiencies and Malabsorption<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Vitamin B12<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Iron<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Vitamin C<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Calcium<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Magnesium<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How to Test for Low Stomach Acid (Including DIY and Medical Options)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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