Digestive issues are extremely common these days and most people believe that it is something they have to live with, however, this is not the case! One of the most common causes of digestive upset is low stomach acid. So how do you know if you have low stomach acid?
Here are a few common symptoms…
heartburn/reflux
nutrient deficiencies (especially B12)
chronic gas and bloating
low energy and mood issues
undigested food in your stool
raised vertical lines on your nails
feeling tired after eating
Do any of these sound familiar to you? Many people do not have enough stomach acid. It has been estimated that 90% of people produce too little stomach acid. Usually, when you seek treatment for some of these symptoms listed above, you end up being put on an acid-blocking medication because well-meaning doctors treat low acid symptoms as if there is excess stomach acid. Short-term, these will reduce symptoms, however, if they are used for long periods of time, it ends up making the problems worse and can also end up creating new issues.
Stomach acid is ESSENTIAL for your digestion to work properly. When our digestion is in good working condition, we can properly digest food, absorb nutrients, and also be protected from GI tract infections.
So why do we end up with low stomach acid in the first place? These are a few of the top reasons …
consuming too much caffeine or alcohol
high sugar diet
poor quality oils
stress
infections in the GI tract
You can 100% improve your digestion by working with the right person. The first step is figuring out the root cause and committing to changing your lifestyle for the better. Once we figure out what exactly is going on, we will make a plan to get your digestion working properly and then begin the process to heal your gut. This will lead to you having more energy, not feeling gassy or bloated all the time, and ultimately it will improve your quality of life so you will be able to enjoy things you may have previously missed out on! My job as a Holistic Nutritionist is to fully support my clients throughout the entire process to be sure we are doing everything possible to get them feeling better. If you want to learn more about working with me, let’s connect, I would love to help you!
Natural ways to improve your digestion that you can start now!
(these are only recommended to try if you do not have chronic indigestion and are not taking acid blockers/PPI’s)
2ml of herbal digestive bitters 15 minutes before meals - this is a herbal tincture that helps to stimulate digestion (please note that digestive bitters should not be taken during pregnancy)
1 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar in water in water before meals - do not supplement with ACV gummies, this is not the same thing!
Avoid drinking water 30 minutes before and after meals - drinking too much liquid with food dilutes stomach acid, impairing digestion
Eat slow & chew thoroughly - digestion begins in the mouth, well-chewed food improves digestibility
Take a few deep breaths before eating - get into “rest & digest mode”
Drink warm water with lemon first thing in the morning on an empty stomach - another way to naturally stimulate digestion
*note - these will not work for everyone and will depend on your personal situation. If you are on medication or have frequent symptoms you might require different or additional support.
Article by - Allyson Lewis, RHN
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Disclaimer
None of the information provided on this website should be substituted for medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed healthcare practitioner. We would be happy to discuss your situation with you one on one to determine what’s best for your situation.
References:
Wright, Jonathan V., and Lane Lenard. Why Stomach Acid Is Good for You: Natural Relief from Heartburn, Indigestion, Reflux, and GERD. M. Evans, 2001.
McCorry, Laurie Kelly. “Physiology of the Autonomic Nervous System.” American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 15 Aug. 2007, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1959222/.
Rémond D; Machebeuf M; Yven C; Buffière C; Mioche L; Mosoni L; Patureau Mirand P; “Postprandial Whole-Body Protein Metabolism after a Meat Meal Is Influenced by Chewing Efficiency in Elderly Subjects.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17490964/.