Why Does Stomach Acidity Matter?
Stomach acid is extremely important for so many aspects of our health! With proper stomach acidity, our bodies are able to break down food, sterilize it, and absorb its nutrients. Our stomach acidity also protects us from any foreign invaders like parasites or bad bacteria.
Many of our clients complain of acid reflux symptoms like:
heartburn
indigestion
sour taste in your mouth
bad breath
recurrent cough or hiccups
constipation or diarrhea
bloating
dry skin or brittle nails
gut issues like IBS
Many doctors will say this is from the body overproducing acid, but it is actually the opposite! It is estimated that over 90% of people actually produce too LITTLE stomach acidity. We have been able to reverse these reflux symptoms in less than a week for our clients!
What Causes This?
Stress
Overuse of antibiotics
H-pylori infection
Processed foods
Overuse of NSAIDs
Overconsumption of alcohol
So many people are taking PPI's like Prilosec and Nexium because they have been told their stomach acidity is too high, but in actuality, it is usually too low as their stomach is overproducing acid to make up for the lack of acidity. It is completely backwards! Luckily, there are natural ways to help. We have gotten countless clients off of these acid blockers and they are now completely symptom-free.
Now, you may be thinking, how do I know if this is even an issue for me? Do I have to go to the doctor and run expensive tests? Not particularly. There is a great cheap, at home, quick test you can do right now for an initial screening!
The Acid Test
How It Works
The baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) create a chemical reaction in your tummy. The result of this reaction is carbon dioxide gas, which causes burping. So a burp within 3 minutes of drinking the solution can indicate an adequate level of stomach acid. A burp after the 3 minutes (or not at all) can indicate a low level of stomach acid.
First thing in the morning, before eating or drinking anything:
Mix ¼ tsp baking soda in 4 to 6 ounces of cold water.
Drink the baking soda solution.
Time how long it takes for a burp to occur. Time it for up to 3 minutes:
If you have not burped within 3 minutes, it may be a sign of insufficient stomach acid. Early and repeated burping may be due to too much stomach acid (do not to confuse this with small burps from swallowing air when drinking the solution). Any burping after 3 minutes is an indication of low stomach acid levels. You may want to repeat testing to confirm the results
I Have Low Stomach Acidity, Now What?
Use apple cider vinegar and lemon! First thing in the morning make yourself a nice Living Fuel Morning Cocktail. The ingredients are 16oz of warm water, a squeeze of lemon, a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of sea salt
Use digestive bitters (message us for our favorite)
The most effective way is to supplement with betaine HCL (message us for our favorite as well!)
Other General Lifestyle Tips for Low Acidity
Try not to drink water with meals. Space water 15 minutes before and after meals
Include ginger and fermented foods into your diet
Eat-in a relaxed state to optimize digestion
Want more one-on-one help optimizing your gut health and getting your stomach acidity back? Want to get off your PPI medication for good? Sick of the burning feeling in your throat after meals? Fill out a contact form on our page and let's get started!
