Acid reflux is often the end result of low Stomach acid. Dr Hagmeyers acid reflux and low stomach acid support pack offers a comprehensive approach to help with the symptoms of acid reflux and low stomach acid. This support pack offers a multi pronged approach that addresses the many causes of low stomach acid and the symptoms of acid reflux.
Stomach acid is critical for disinfecting and killing off bad microbes and for optimizing protein digestion in the body. When the body is unable to produce enough stomach acid, inadequate digestion and microbial overgrowth occurs. For healthy protein digestion, the pH should be in the 1.5-2.2 range. That is a big jump and that is why it is so important to improve stomach acid levels for optimal digestion.
The Problem With Low Stomach Acid:
When the body is unable to produce enough stomach acid, it is unable to digest protein molecules and key minerals (3). These partially digested protein molecules get into the small intestine and create significant stress on the pancreas to produce adequate enzymes to metabolize the protein effectively.
If this occurs repeatedly over time, it will wear down the pancreatic enzyme storage and cause stress and irritation to the intestinal lining. Additionally, if the protein molecules are not efficiently metabolized we are unable to absorb enough amino acids which are necessary for numerous vital functions of the body. This can lead to amino acid deficiencies, poor healing and a breakdown of various important bodily functions. (4)
The large protein molecules and incomplete digestion irritates the gut lining, leading to leaky gut syndrome. This process can trigger the development of auto-immune activity in the body. Poor digestion also creates an environment suited for the development of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), Candida overgrowth and parasitic infections (5, 6).
When we digest our food poorly it leads to increased inflammatory activity which depletes key minerals and anti-oxidants throughout the body (8). This mineral depletion leads to an inability to form stomach acid and the vicious cycle of poor digestion and chronic inflammation continues (7, 8).
12 Signs that You Have Low Stomach Acid:
The condition of low HCL causes poor digestive motility and sphincter activity. This allows food contents to sit in the stomach and be metabolized by bacteria that are able to survive due to lack of stomach acid. The result of this bacterial fermentation is gas which can cause bloating, cramping, belching, etc.
Here are the most common signs and symptoms that you have low stomach acid production.
1) Gas and Belching: With low HCL, this usually comes on shortly after a meal, within 60 minutes.
2) Acid Reflux: This is most commonly caused by low acid (not too much acid) as explained in this article.
3) Bloating and Cramping: The gas production from the bacterial fermentation in the stomach produces this. Again, it typically comes on within an hour of eating.
4) Chronic Bad Breath: This is due to the toxic metabolites produced through bacterial fermentation in the stomach.
5) Bad Body Odor: Poor stomach acid production leads to an overall microbial overgrowth throughout the body. More microbes produce more stinky toxins.
6) Undigested Food in Stools: This is obvious, you are not able to completely metabolize the food you are consuming.
7) Aversion to Meat: Many people with low stomach acid desire to avoid meat and have digestive problems (as described above) when they eat it. Especially red meat which is usually tougher and depends upon more HCL than whiter meats for digestion.
8) Tired After Meals: If the digestive process has to work twice as hard, it will cost us a lot of energy, leaving us tired.
9) Feeling Full But Still Hungry: You are full because food isn’t leaving your stomach, but you are hungry because you are not absorbing nutrients effectively.
10) Chronic Anemia: You aren’t having excessive bleeding, you are consuming enough iron in your diet (or even in supplements), yet you still have a non-responsive anemia (9).
11) Weak Fingernails: If your fingernails break, chip or peel easily it is a classic sign of nutrient deficiencies, especially protein, minerals and B12.
12) Frequent Nausea: Because your stomach gets full quickly, it can often trigger a nausea reflex.
Supplements to Help with Acid Reflux and Low Stomach Acid
Probiotics — In addition to eating probiotic foods, you can try taking 25 billion–50 billion units of high-quality probiotics daily to crowd out bad bacteria in the gut.This high-potency, hypoallergenic blend of 12 certified probiotic species offers the most complete spectrum of microorganisms.InTactic® technology to ensure maximum delivery of live microorganisms throughout the intestinal tract.
Magnesium — Many people are low in this crucial nutrient, experiencing a magnesium deficiency without even realizing it. Magnesium relaxes muscles, can help you sleep better, helps deal with stress, eases digestion and can prevent improper sphincter functioning.
Take 400 milligrams of a high-quality magnesium supplement once or twice per day.
L-Glutamine — L-glutamine has gained attention for being one of the best ways to support healing from digestion disorders like leaky gut, IBS or ulcerative colitis.
I recommend taking five grams of glutamine powder one-two times per day with meals.
Betaine and Pepsin– An estimated 30% of Americans suffer from low levels of acidity, which can result in the incomplete digestion of foods and displacement of food from the stomach.
Studies have shown that HCl production decreases with age. According to one study, 30% of men and women suffer from low acid production.
A second found that 40% of post-menopausal women lacked basal acid secretions. Since HCl and healthy digestive enzyme status is essential for access to nutrients from foods, depletion of enzymes and HCl can result in suboptimal nutritional status.
Ongoing use of acid- reducing medications can also deplete stomach acid and lead to malabsorption of certain vitamins and minerals.
pecial Note- You should not take Betaine HCL and Pepsin if you have active bleeding ulcers, peptic ulcers, if you have been diagnosed with Barret’s esophagitis unless you first speak with your treating physician.
Directions
1-2 capsules before each meal, or as recommended by your health care professional.
Vital Zymes Chewable
Vital Zymes Complete Chewable is one of Dr Hagmeyer’s most recommended, multi-enzyme formulations.
Vital Zymes Complete Chewable offers an unusually comprehensive range of plant/ microbial-based enzymes, together with lysozyme, that work in concert to support normal enzyme activities such as digestion of foods and intestinal repair and maintenance mechanisms.†
The broad-spectrum combination of enzymes in Vital-Zymes Complete supports the breakdown, absorption, and utilization of macronutrients from a wide spectrum of foods, including proteins and protein peptides, complex carbohydrates, disaccharides and sugars, lipids/fats, and vegetable fibers.†
As such, Vital-Zymes Complete is an important dietary adjunct for individuals who seek to improve nutrient uptake, and for those with occasional indigestion.†
It can also be used for individuals who wish to support a balanced microbiota and healthy inflammation metabolism.†
Order Dr Hagmeyer’s Acid Reflux Support Pack for Comprehensive Relief of Low Stomach Acid and Acid Reflux
Causes Of Low Stomach Acid
Symptoms of Low Stomach Acid
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