A Simple Self-Test For Stomach Acid

Hydrochloric acid (HCI), produced by glands in the stomach, is necessary for the breakdown and digestion of our foods. Insufficient amounts of HCI can lead to indigestion and hinder nutrient absorption, causing nutrient deficiencies. The HCI also has the job of killing viruses and bacteria that enter in through our mouth.

Unfortunately HCI levels can often decline with age; as most other substances do.

You can determine if you need more hydrocloric acid with this simple test:

Take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, mixed in 8 ounces of water. If this makes your indigestion go away, then you need more stomach acid. If it gives you symptoms or makes your symptoms worse, then you have too much acid and you should take care not to take any supplements that contain HCI.

What can cause too much acid in the stomach?

What would make us have too much HCI in the first place? This is a good question, since people who do tend to reach for the Tums, or visit their doctor with symptoms, typically get put on acid blockers or protein pump inhibitors.

What can cause too much acid in the stomach?

Coffee, Soda and alcohol are the top culprits. Orange or citrus juice can be another cause and especially drinking them on an empty stomach (Is that really O.J. or genetically modified corn syrup, dye and preservatives?) Not chewing your food thoroughly can cause extra acid because enzymes are not activated and once swallowed your food can then sit and ferment. Processed foods, containing preservatives and chemicals that our bodies were not meant to digest may cause too much acid. In addition, over the counter pain medications like Motrin, Aspirin, Advil, and the like can be a problem. A few simple changes here and for most, the hyperacidity will clear.

Often times it's not too much acid but too little!

Although some symptoms might make one think they have too much acid, the problem could very well be that they don't have enough, and that they are just eating the wrong things. Nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins are essential for maintaining stomach acid levels. A poor diet can result in low stomach acid and it can also cause stomach inflammation; this can lead some to think they have too much acid. So, they take the tums or they ask their doctor for the protein pump inhibitor that they seen advertised.

Unfortunately, these medications do not heal the problem; they put a band-aid on it. The medications temporarily cover the symptoms with temporary relief, but, they also block and prohibit the body to perform it's natural function. The antacids soak up acid; the very same acid you need for digestion and nutrient absorption. The others, the Protein Pump Inhibitors and the H2 Blockers, turn off acid secretion. The very same acid needed for digestion and nutrient absorption. Also, H2 Blockers compromises detoxification pathways. adding problems onto problems.

These drugs are nutrient muggers! Acid blockers steal all your nutrients because they alter the pH of your gut and can cause serious vitamin and mineral deficiencies! Side effects may not show up right away, but, they will catch up if a correction isn't made.

Of course, as always, when it comes to prescription medications you need to discuss issues, concerns and questions with your health care provider.

For the over the counter antacids please try to limit them to only on a rare occasion. You can take the ones that do not contain aluminum (a Nero-toxin that promotes Alzheimer's). Aluminum containing antacids include Maalox, Gaviscon, Mylanta, Di-Gel and Amphogel. Swap any of those out for Rolaids or Phillips Milk of Magnesia. These contain no aluminum, but magnesium.

What do you do if you've been taking any of these acid blockers?

You should eliminate or cut down on the coffee, sodas and alcohol. Try to eat wholesome nutrient dense foods and chew each bite well. Eat in a comfortable, stress free environment and enjoy the meal.

To help correct nutrient deficiencies it would be a good idea to supplement with a high quality multi-vitamin and trace minerals like OmniBlue. Adding Vitamin B-12 (250 - 500 mgc daily) and CoQ10 is a good idea since these nutrients are mugged due to the medications.

You may also need to take a high quality acid supplement and / or enzyme supplement.

Other supplements that can help include:

Phosphatidylcholine , L-glutamine, and Cod Liver Oil , these are all extremely beneficial and supportive to a healthy gut.

• Phosphatidylcholine - may help protect the large intestine wall and relieve symptoms

• L-glutamine - feeds your small intestine it helps maintain a healthy stomach and intestinal lining by supporting optimal gut barrier function and cell reproduction. By enabling your gut cells to regenerate more quickly,

• Cod Liver Oil - Bacterial infections, smoking, overuse of anti-inflammatory drugs and excess acid in the stomach are some of the causative factors for ulcers. Supplementing with cod liver oil is effective in reducing inflammation in the lining of the GI tract and heal ulcers in the stomach and gut

Here's a tip- Juicing raw cabbage with an apple (peeling included) is healing to ulcers.

Wishing you the best in health! Val

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