Still Bloated? How's Your Stomach Acid?
When someone is experiencing constant bloating, one of the first things that should be talked about is stomach acid. We first start digesting food in our mouth by chewing properly, and next it is to be hit with strong stomach acid so we can break down our food so we can absorb the nutrients like B12 and zinc.
Do you struggle with acid reflux? If you do, you've likely been told it's because you have too much stomach acid when its much more likely you don't have enough. When there isn't enough acid in the stomach or when it isn't acidic enough, this results in the esophageal sphincter to remain open, causing the acid to come up the esophagus instead of staying in the stomach where it belongs.
How does stomach acid become low?
Eating a low protein diet since HCL is the primary way protein is broken down, the body's need for it decreases when you don't eat enough.
You're eating a diet with too much refined foods and unhealthy fats. This alters the gut microbiome and weakens the stomach acid.
You have a parasite and/or H-pylori which alter the microbiome and further weaken stomach acid.
You're constantly in sympathetic dominance (aka stressed out!). When your body is constantly in a state of stress it is not going to prioritize digestion. Instead, the blood flow that should go to the stomach and intestines is getting pumped out to your extremities to deal with whatever stressor you're experiencing.
Use of alcohol and/or OTC drugs alter not only stomach acid but also liver and pancreas function. This is where we make our digestive enzymes!
10 Ways to Improve Stomach Acid
Start your day with fresh ginger tea. Ginger is known is Ayurveda to turn up the fire on your digestion and is considered to be a natural bitter.
Sip on apple cider vinegar and lemon in water. Another great way to turn up the heat on your digestion and is a known remedy for bloating.
Don't drink liquid with meals. Aim to drink your daily water amount 30 minutes before a meal and wait 1 hour after meals, otherwise you will be diluting the enzymes needed for digestion.
Eat protein at the beginning of meals.
Eat your largest meal when you are the most relaxed.
Identify and treat unwanted parasites and pathogens.
Use digestive enzymes for fat, carbs, and protein.
Try celery juice in the morning upon waking. It has been shown in studies to improve stomach acid.
Limit alcohol and OTC with healthier alternatives that don't affect the stomach lining.
Eat more bitter foods like artichokes, arugula, radishes, dandelion, and burdock root.
Do You Struggle with Acid Reflux?
As tempting as it may be, don't reach for the tums or pepcid, it's just going to make the problem worse. It is possible for you to get off of your prescription medication, even if you've been on it for years. I've helped clients get off their reflux medication they had been on for 5 years! It takes about 4-6 weeks on average, no tums required!
Wanna learn more?
Click to book a free consult to learn how to get off your medication!