How to Increase Stomach Acidity

Effective methods to raise stomach acidity are limited but achievable.

Understanding Low Stomach Acidity

Acidity levels are measured on the pH scale from 1 to 14, where 1 is highly acidic, 7 is neutral, and 14 is highly alkaline. For example, lemon juice has a pH of around 2, pure water is neutral at 7, and the small intestine is slightly alkaline at approximately 7.4.

Normally, stomach acid has a pH between 1.5 and 2. Occasionally, this level may rise to around 3, indicating reduced acidity.

Low stomach acidity impairs protein digestion and leads to deficiencies in vitamin B12 and certain minerals, as stomach acid is crucial for breaking down and absorbing these nutrients. Poorly digested food can ferment, causing bacterial overgrowth. Additionally, reduced acidity increases the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection since acid no longer effectively eliminates harmful bacteria. This bacterium can cause gastritis and even stomach cancer.

Doctors assess stomach acidity using a specialized tube and indicator strips. Testing is recommended if you experience symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain;
• Bloating;
• Excessive gas;
• Persistent constipation or diarrhea;
• Undigested food particles in stool;
• Heartburn.

Long-term signs of low acidity include:

• Brittle nails;
• Hair loss;
• Pale complexion;
• Fatigue and weakness;
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet.

Ways to Increase Stomach Acidity

There are only a few reliable methods to raise stomach acid, and they usually require collaboration with a healthcare professional.

Identify and Address the Underlying Cause

Low stomach acidity is a symptom, not the root issue. A doctor can help pinpoint the trigger, which often includes:

1. Atrophic gastritis – a condition where acid-producing cells in the stomach stop functioning, often caused by chronic gastritis due to factors like alcohol abuse, autoimmune diseases, or Helicobacter pylori infection.
2. Helicobacter pylori infection – this bacterium can both result from and cause low acidity by neutralizing stomach acid to create a favorable environment.
3. Use of acid-reducing medications – antacids, H2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors can decrease acid production. While short-term use is generally safe, long-term use may cause acid-producing glands to diminish their function.
4. Thyroid disorders – hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can reduce or eliminate acid-producing stomach cells, contributing to low acidity.

Follow Prescribed Treatments

Doctors may recommend betaine hydrochloride supplements to increase stomach acid. In the stomach, betaine hydrochloride breaks down into betaine and hydrochloric acid, boosting acidity. It is often combined with pepsin, an enzyme that aids digestion.

Self-medicating is discouraged, as these supplements can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Additional Tips for Managing Low Stomach Acidity

While these suggestions won’t directly increase acidity, they can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Replenish Nutrient Deficiencies

Low acid levels hinder absorption of vital nutrients like protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12. Incorporate rich sources such as meat, fish, and eggs. Vegetarians can focus on dairy, dark leafy greens, legumes, tofu, soy, and seitan.

Avoid overly fatty and processed foods, which are difficult to digest and low in essential nutrients.

Adopt Proper Eating Habits

Eating smaller, frequent meals reduces the demand for large amounts of stomach acid at once, helping prevent nutrient deficiencies.

Eat slowly and chew thoroughly to ease digestion. Avoid drinking liquids during meals; wait at least 30 minutes after eating to allow acid production.

Finish your last meal 2–3 hours before bedtime to give your stomach enough time to digest food.

What to Avoid

The internet is full of unproven advice, such as consuming vinegar or dietary supplements, which can be ineffective or harmful.

Avoid Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice

Although often recommended for heartburn and low acidity, apple cider vinegar lacks scientific support and can damage tooth enamel.

Some studies suggest diluted lemon juice might relieve symptoms, but evidence is inconclusive, and it can irritate the stomach lining.

Steer Clear of Unregulated Supplements

It’s safer to obtain nutrients from food rather than supplements, which are not strictly regulated and may contain harmful substances, posing risks to your liver and overall health.

Don’t Experiment Excessively with Spices

There is no solid evidence that spices or bitter substances increase stomach acidity. While adding pepper or spices to food is generally safe and enjoyable, deliberately increasing their intake to boost acid is not recommended and may spoil your meals.

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