It could be a case of insufficient hydrochloric acid secretions from your stomach:
Low or no hydrochloric acid (HCL) secretions can cause more problems than you’d think as it plays a massive role in effective digestion: breaking down foods (in particular protein), maintaining the correct acidic PH level in the stomach, provides vital defence against invading microbes and pathogens ingested with foods, encourages the flow of bile and pancreatic enzymes, and facilitates the absorption of nutrients such as folic acid, beta carotene, coenzyme Q10, non-heme iron and some forms of calcium, magnesium and zinc.
HCL levels decrease with age (especially after the age of 40), some signs and symptoms include: bloating after eating, diarrhea or constipation, gas after eating, heartburn, indigestion, tiredness, food allergies, skin conditions and even hair loss in women.
Hypochlorhydria can be confused with hypERchlorhydria (too much HCL), a good way to test this is the ‘apple cider vinegar (ACV) test’, which is as follows: add 1 teaspoon of ACV to water and drink, if your symptoms are worse than it is more likely to be hyperchlorhydria. If your symptoms are relieved than it points towards hyPOchlorhydria.
Dietary Inclusions:
- 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in water before every meal to promote gastric acidity.
- Lemon juice in water before every meal will also encourage gastric acidity.
- Eat 5-6 small meals per day.
- Eat protein part of meal first to provide the amino acids necessary for HCL production and increase the stomach’s acidity.
- Supplement with digestive enzymes (e.g. Digestaid by Eagle).
- Reduce inflammation with fish oil (e.g. Nordic Naturals Pro Omega Plus D by Nordic Naturals).
- Improve your gut flora with probiotics (e.g Polybac-8 by Nutrition Care).
Below is a list of some of the nutrients that can assist with low HCL secretions and its effects. Enjoy a diet high in, and/or supplement, with the following nutrients:
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Nutrient
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Dosage
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Rationale
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Plant Sources
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Zinc
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30mg/day
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Low acidity has a negative effect on zinc absorption. Zinc is important for the production of HCL.
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Almonds, capsicum, pumpkin seeds, ginger, bilberry
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Glutathione
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300mg/day
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Helps to decrease any associated gastrointestinal inflammation.
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Help body to make glutathione: avocado, asparagus, broccoli, garlic, spinach.
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Vitamin B12
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1000mcg/day
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Often deficient in patients with hypochlorhydria as HCL is required for absorption.
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Tempeh, miso, sea vegetables (but these are questionable), most reliable are animal products such as tuna, eggs, beef & chicken.
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Vitamin C
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1500mg/day
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Anti-inflammatory, antiviral and immune enhancing effects; facilitate healing.
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Red capsicum, broccoli, tomato, strawberries & orange.
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Choline
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800mg/day
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Taken with Vitamins B1 / 5 can assist the functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system which plays a vital role in the stimulation of gastric secretions through the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
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Cabbage, chickpeas, lentils, cauliflower, lettuce.
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Suggested supplements:
· Sublingual B12 1000 – (Eagle)
· Tresos-B – (Eagle)
· Intestamine – (Bioceuticals)
Dietary Exclusions:
- Lentils
- Soybeans
- Peanuts
- Cereal grains
- Potatoes
– All known to contain an enzyme inhibitor, inhibiting trypsin and interfering with the digestion of protein in the intestine.
Any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me: jules0105@hotmail.com