When it comes to gut health, indigestion is a common concern. Many of us face problems with digestion. They are caused by a number of dietary and/or lifestyle factors. Home remedies and tablets may provide quick and temporary relief. But for long-term gut health, we need to understand the true reasons behind the issues. Nutritionist Shikha Gupta recently shared an Instagram reel discussing a common yet lesser-known factor that leads to stomach problems: low stomach acid. She has explained the causes as well as effects of this condition. Here's what you need to understand first:
Also Read: To Eat Or Not To Eat? 11 Best And Worst Foods For Acid Reflux
What Is The Role Of Acid In The Stomach?
Gastric acid helps break down food and activates digestive enzymes for the digestion of protein. Stomach acid has a pH level between 1 and 2, which is quite high, but natural. It is important to note that gastric juice is made up of hydrochloric acid, enzyme pepsin and mucus. The cells in your stomach secrete the juice as well as mucus - and the latter is what protects the lining of the organ from damage. If your stomach acid is uncharacteristically high, it can lead to problems such as acid reflux, gastric ulcers and other problems. This form of acidity is relatively well-known to most of us. However, what we may not realise is that an unnatural decrease in gastric acid can also be bad for health. Find out more below.
3 Reasons Why You Should Beware Of Low Stomach Acid:
1. Because It Is Bad For Gut Health:
Stomach acid needs to be balanced for a healthy digestive system. Photo Credit: Pexels
According to the nutritionist Shikha, "Majority people have acidity due to low stomach acid. When stomach acid is low (hypochlorhydria), the food remains undigested." She explains that the lower oesophagal sphincter, which keeps the food intact in the stomach, is weakened when you have low stomach acid. "This causes undigested food with little acid mixed to enter the food pipe causing irritation and feeling of acid coming up," she says. Hence, remember that indigestion may not always be caused by excessive stomach acid.
2. Because It Can Cause Bloating:
The nutritionist explains, "When stomach acid levels are low, food is not broken down properly. This, in turn, increases gas production, leading to that uncomfortable feeling of bloating." This is how low stomach acid can also lead to flatulence. Shikha adds that this is especially seen in cases of protein digestion (or problems with the same).
3. Because It Can Contribute To Hair Fall:
Shikha also warns about the possible effect of insufficient stomach acid on your hair. She states, "Without enough stomach acid, the food doesn't break down properly, especially protein, iron and b12 that is important for hair growth. Therefore, if you really want to fix your hair fall issues, also consider looking at your digestive symptoms." Your gut health can affect your hair health too. Thus, apart from consuming nutrient-rich foods good for your hair, you should also ensure that they are being digested well.
Also Read: Here's The Surprising Link Between Your Gut And Immunity, And How To Keep Both Healthy
Note that problems such as acidity can affect nutrient absorption and worsen other existing health problems. Your gut health is closely linked with your overall physical and mental well-being. Hence, it is important that you follow a gut-friendly diet.
What To Do If You Have Low Stomach Acid?
Here is what the nutritionist recommends to fix this issue:
Dietary changes:
Include more spinach in your diet for a healthy gut. Photo Credit: Pixabay
- Consume lemon juice, ginger juice, dandelion root, and natural stomach acid bitters.
- Have 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar (if well tolerated) with meals.
- Calcium and magnesium can help improve stomach acid too. Hence you should add foods such as yoghurt, salmon, spinach, chia seeds, etc to your diet.
- Ensure that you chew your food really well.
- Keep a check on sugar consumption. According to the expert, increased sugar intake is one of the causes of low stomach acid.
Also Read: Tips For Better Gut Health: Add These Five Herbs To Your Diet
Lifestyle changes:
Get sufficient and quality sleep. This is important to restore balance to bodily functions like digestion.
- Reduce stress as much as possible. Shikha says, "Chronic stress is a root cause that ultimately leads to digestion that is constantly being interrupted, including inhibiting gastric acid secretion." You can choose to meditate, practice yoga, go for daily walks, etc. to keep stress at bay and remain fit.
Apart from these causes, the nutritionist says that low stomach acid may also result from ageing and long-term use of antacids and proton pump inhibitors used to treat acid reflux. Watch the complete reel here:
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.