Why Balanced Stomach Acid Levels Matter More Than You Think & The Baking Soda Test
- Simona Baibachaev
- Aug 27, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 8
Table of Contents
What is Stomach Acid?
Well, stomach acid is one of the most important components of our digestive system. It also goes by the name gastric acid. This fluid is mostly made of hydrochloric acid (HCl) which is strong enough to melt metal! Don’t worry, our stomachs contain a protective lining so that HCl can be produced to aid in digestion without causing harm to your body.
Why do we Need Balanced Stomach Acid Levels?
Balanced stomach acid levels are essential for a well-functioning digestive system. Think Goldilocks: too much is no good, too little is no good, we want it to be juuuuust right.
When stomach acid is at the right level, it breaks down food into smaller components, making sure that essential nutrients - essential because they keep you alive - are absorbed efficiently by the body. This process fuels your energy and vitality.
This process also supports the rest of the functions of your digestive tract. When stomach acid levels are low, food particles are not broken down well enough. This leads to nutrient deficiencies which can leave you feeling tired and sluggish. When stomach acid is high, the tissues of the stomach and esophagus (throat) may become irritated and damaged, causing discomfort and disrupting your digestion.
The balance of stomach acid impacts the health of your liver and kidneys as well - our detoxifying organs.
The liver detoxifies and metabolizes nutrients. When digestion is compromised, the liver faces added strain, reducing its efficiency and leading to feelings of fatigue, imbalance, and increasing overall body toxicity levels.
Similarly, the kidneys rely on a balanced digestive system to help regulate electrolytes and maintain fluid balance in the body. Proper stomach acid levels make sure that the kidneys can filter waste effectively, supporting overall health and well-being.
It all starts with juuust the right amount of stomach acid.
What is Hypochlorhydria?
Hypochlorhydria is the fancy scientific name for low stomach acid. This means that your stomach isn’t producing optimal levels of gastric acid (or HCl) for proper breakdown of your food.
Many factors can contribute to low stomach acid levels:
Pancreatic exhaustion
High-stress levels
Gut microbiome imbalances
Poor nutrient diets
Chronic stress is a common culprit - it hampers the stomach's ability to produce enough acid. It moves blood and resources away from the digestive system so stomach acid levels are compromised.
Symptoms of low stomach acid are varied and can affect multiple aspects of your well-being. Common signs include:
Bloating: Feeling overly full or swollen after meals.
Belching: Frequent burping, especially after eating.
Weak and Peeling Fingernails: Indicating possible nutrient deficiencies.
Heartburn: Burning sensation in the chest, often worsening after a meal.
Acne: Breakouts that may be linked to poor nutrient absorption.
Nausea After Taking Supplements: Stomach discomfort when trying to boost nutrient intake.
Itching Around the Rectum: A less commonly discussed but significant symptom.
Nutrient and Mineral Deficiencies: Such as iron, which is vital for energy and overall health.
Diarrhea and/or Constipation: Digestive irregularities can point to hypochlorhydria.
Hair Loss in Women: Indicating potential nutrient absorption issues.
Low stomach acid can be associated with several conditions.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition where harmful bacteria proliferate in the small intestine due to ineffective acid barriers. People with low stomach acid may be more susceptible to infections like H. pylori, a bacterium that can contribute to ulcers and chronic gastritis. Gastrointestinal infections are also more likely, as insufficient stomach acid fails to kill harmful pathogens effectively.
Pro Tip: A lot of people take antacids for heartburn thinking the cause is high stomach acid. Taking antacids without proper diagnosis can make this problem worse, making it crucial to approach the problem with informed care. Most doctors don't ask about low or high stomach acid levels before prescribing antacids. Ask your doctor how they are certain your problem is high stomach acid before you take those antacids.
What is Hyperchlorhydria?
Hyperchlorhydria is the opposite of hypochlorhydria and refers to the condition where there is too much stomach acid. This condition is often seen in people with symptoms or diagnoses of H. pylori overgrowth, GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), heartburn, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancers.
These issues can arise from the overuse of over-the-counter medications, particularly antacids and acid reducers. Antacid and acid reducers disturb the balance of stomach acid levels by neutralizing the stomach acid. Misuse of antacids, in some cases, can contribute to low stomach acid levels, creating a complex cycle of imbalance.
Symptoms of excess stomach acid can include, but are not limited to:
Loss of Appetite: A feeling of fullness that diminishes the desire to eat.
Nausea: Persistent queasiness that can interfere with daily activities.
Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, often worsening after meals.
Indigestion: General discomfort in the stomach area, including gas and bloating.
Cough: A chronic cough that can be related to acid reflux irritation.
You may have noticed that the disorders listed in low stomach acid levels contribute to high stomach acid levels. This is because there is a balance within our digestive systems. Issues related to low stomach acid levels can contribute to high stomach acid levels.
Take H. pylori, for instance—this sneaky bacterium loves a low-acid environment. When stomach acid is initially low, H. pylori can flourish, but as it settles into the stomach lining, it can cause inflammation. This inflammation prompts the stomach to produce more acid as a defence mechanism, and suddenly, we're dealing with symptoms of excess acid, or hyperchlorhydria.
Let's mention antacids again. We reach for them when we feel that burning sensation. It seems like the right thing to do.
While they can temporarily relieve excess stomach acid, overusing them can lower stomach acid levels too much. This can weaken the stomach's natural defences, allowing various pathogens and irritants to cause trouble. Over time, this may lead to conditions like GERD and peptic ulcers, which stimulate even more acid production.
It's a powerful reminder of just how interconnected our body systems are!
Pro Tip: Find out the root cause of the imbalanced stomach acid and sort that out! If it's chronic stress then work on stress management. Stomach acid levels will balance once the root issue is solved.
The Problem of Antacids
Alright. Let's discuss this one more time because it's important!
You might have noticed that many of the symptoms for low stomach acid levels and high stomach acid levels are the same. Heartburn, gas, and bloating are some of the more common ones that can be associated with either high or low stomach acid levels. This overlap can make it tricky to determine the root cause of your discomfort.
This is where antacids often come into play. Many people reach for antacids to relieve these symptoms, thinking they have high stomach acid. However, if you have low stomach acid, antacids may provide temporary relief but can ultimately make the problem worse by further reducing your stomach acid production.
This leaves you open to infection and overgrowth of H. pylori.
But this imbalance also affects the rest of your digestive system: your liver, kidneys, and intestinal tract (or gut).
Any harmful bacteria that don't get killed by your stomach acid can now thrive in your intestinal tract and create an imbalance in the gut microbiome. Any food particles that don't get broken down into their smallest components can contribute to inflammation in the body, eventually leading to allergic symptoms. The inflammation contributes to a leaky gut which allows toxins to pass through into the bloodstream. The liver and kidneys now have to work double time to filter toxins out of the body. It's a vicious cycle.
Factors that Influence Stomach Acid Levels
There are A LOT of factors that can influence stomach acid levels. This is a short list of the most common factors. If you believe you might have a stomach acid imbalance it’s always best to work with a health practitioner.
Chronic Stress: High stress levels can significantly impact stomach acid production. Stress can either reduce or increase acid levels, depending on individual responses.
High Sugar and Processed Foods: Consuming excessive sugar and processed foods can disrupt stomach acid production, leading to imbalances.
Spicy and Fatty Foods: While these can sometimes increase stomach acid, they can also irritate the stomach lining and create discomfort.
Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can stimulate excess acid production and exacerbate symptoms of heartburn and reflux.
Hydration: Drinking too much water during meals can dilute stomach acid, making digestion less efficient.
Sleep Patterns: Poor sleep can affect your digestive system's overall function, including acid production.
Over-the-Counter Antacids: Frequent use can reduce stomach acid levels too much, creating an imbalance.
Eating Habits: Eating too quickly, overeating, or eating late at night can all disrupt stomach acid levels.
The Baking Soda Test
What does the Test Measure?
The baking soda test is a simple at-home test that measures whether you might have hypochlorhydria or hyperchlorhydria. This test does not harm the body in any way.
If you're interested in testing your stomach acid, here's how to do the test.
Working With a Practitioner for Optimal Stomach Health
Working with a healthcare practitioner can be a transformative experience for optimizing your stomach health. By partnering with an expert, you're not just addressing symptoms but also understanding the root causes of your digestive issues. This collaboration makes sure that you receive a comprehensive and personalized approach to treatment. When you work with a practitioner, you benefit from their specialized knowledge and experience.
A practitioner can create a tailored treatment plan that considers your unique needs, including dietary recommendations, lifestyle adjustments, stress management techniques, and possibly medications or supplements. This personalized approach ensures that you are not following a one-size-fits-all plan, but rather one that is specifically designed for you. We are all unique, it only makes sense to have a unique plan.
The holistic approach many practitioners offer acknowledges the mind-body-spirit connection, incorporating techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga to complement your treatment plan. This well-rounded strategy promotes overall well-being and balance, helping you sustainably achieve optimal health.
Remember, this journey is a partnership. By actively participating and staying engaged in your treatment plan, you are empowering yourself to reach your health goals. Your practitioner is there to guide, support, and educate you every step of the way.
