10 Symptoms Of Low Stomach Acid

By Archana Mukherji

Wednesday, February 25, 2015, 17:28 [IST]

We all know about stomach acidity. However, stomach acid is not what most people think about, yet, it is one of the important aspects of our digestive system. There is a misconception among many people that stomach burning and indigestion are caused due to over production of stomach acid, but this is not true, it is in fact due to low stomach acid. This is a very common problem that many people face and there is nothing to be feared about it. It is completely curable. All that you need to do is check for the symptoms of low stomach acid.

What is the benefit of this stomach acid? Well, it plays a vital role in absorption and protection. Stomach acid is important for the breakdown of proteins into a form that they can be digested. It helps in the activation of the enzyme pepsin, which is responsible for protein digestion. Stomach acid inhibits the growth of microorganisms that enter the body through food to prevent infection and signals when the food, called chyme, is ready to leave the stomach and move into the small intestine for continued digestion. If produced in lesser levels, the low stomach acid will lead to stomach burning and indigestion.

Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Acidity

When stomach acid is low, the dysfunction throughout the digestive system leads to numerous symptoms and diseases. Discussed below are a few common signs of low stomach acidity that can help you identify the problem:

Stomach Bloating

Low stomach acidity causes stomach burning and ultimately leads to bloating, belching and flatulence immediately after meals.

Heartburn

Heart burning sensation is often thought to be caused due to over production of stomach acid, whereas it is another symptom of low stomach acid. The valve at the top of the stomach, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), when opened frequently towards the esophagus, releases the pressure, causing heartburn.

Indigestion, Diarrhea And Constipation

Some undigested food particles may continue to stay in the large intestine. This leads to an inflamed large intestine, which again causes stomach burning and leads to indigestion, diarrhea and constipation.

Undigested Food In Stools

The low stomach acid promotes an environment that is friendlier to the growth of microorganisms, which are fed by the carbohydrates that become fermented from sitting in the stomach due to indigestion for too long. Eventually, excessive pressure from the bacterial overgrowth and mal-digested food results in undigested food in stools. This again causes stomach burning.

Chronic Candida

Another symptom of low stomach acid is chronic candida. Patients have discovered that increasing the acidic level of their stomach can slow the growth of candida.

Food Allergies

All of a sudden, when you find yourself allergic to certain kinds of food, it is a symptom of low stomach acid.

Weak, Peeling Or Cracked Fingernails

Your fingernails can also easily indicate that you have a stomach burning symptom due to low stomach acid. Weak, peeling or cracked fingernails are the indications.

Hair Loss In Women

Women suffering from sudden hair loss can get themselves checked on their stomach acid level, because this disorder can cause hair loss.

Acne And Dry Skin

Any stomach disorders automatically tend to show up on your face and skin. If you suddenly started getting acne or dry skin, it might be due to low stomach acid.