Suffering from acid reflux? Have trouble digesting protein? It could be low stomach acid. As we age, the cells that produce stomach acid naturally die off, leading to slower digestion, frequent indigestion, and even bacterial overgrowth.

But that’s not all: low stomach acid symptoms don’t just stop at fullness and discomfort. Serious bacterial infections like H. pylori, stomach ulcers, and even pernicious anemia from Vitamin B12 deficiency can all stem from low stomach acid. In this article, we’ll cover: low stomach acid symptoms, betaine HCl supplements, and betaine HCl benefits. 

What Does Stomach Acid Do?

Stomach acid, also known as “gastric acid” is an essential part of the digestive process. Gastric acid helps break down food, kill foodborne pathogens (dangerous viruses, bacteria, and fungi), and supercharge the protein-digesting enzyme pepsin. It’s also necessary for critical vitamin and mineral absorption, especially Vitamin B12, magnesium, iron, zinc, and calcium. 

Unfortunately, stomach acid suffers from a bad rap. Even though more people suffer from having too little stomach acid than having too much, many of the symptoms of low stomach acid are mistaken for excessive stomach acid. This is because two of the most common symptoms of low stomach acid are acid reflux and heartburn. 

In fact, as much as 40% of the population may suffer from low stomach acid. However, because acid reflux and heartburn from too much stomach acid feels very similar to acid reflux and heartburn from too little stomach acid, some of these people may end up taking proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antacids that further reduce acid production, worsening their condition. 

But wait–how does low stomach acid cause reflux and heartburn? It has to do with the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

The lower esophageal sphincter is a durable, muscular valve that seals the base of the esophagus where it connects to the stomach. In healthy individuals, the LES prevents food and digestive juices from backflowing into the esophagus where caustic stomach acid can burn sensitive tissue. However, a weakened or improperly closed LES may allow stomach acid back up into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn, acid reflux, and irritation. 

Low stomach acid can cause the LES to weaken in several ways. First, the chemical signal that tells the body to open and close the LES is linked to stomach pH and acidity. If stomach acid drops below a certain threshold, the LES may open at inappropriate times, causing reflux. Second, low stomach acid often results in poor digestion. When poorly digested food enters the lower intestine, it often causes gas and bloating which increase intra-abdominal pressure, further opening the LES.

Low Stomach Acid Symptoms

Curious about the symptoms of low stomach acid? Symptoms of low stomach acid, or hypochlorhydria, include:

• Indigestion
• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Acid Reflux
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Undigested food in poop
• Hair loss
• Weight loss
• Malnutrition
• Chronic Fatigue
• Weakness
• Memory loss
• Anemia  

What is Betaine HCl?

Betaine hydrochloride (often shortened to HCl) is a natural supplement that offers a gentle source of hydrochloric acid–the same acid found in stomach acid. Betaine hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt of betaine, a compound that readily donates a positively-charged hydrogen ion in an aqueous (or watery) environment like the stomach. 

With proper supplementation, betaine HCl can help maintain a healthy gastric pH, improve nutrient absorption, boost microbiome diversity, fight SIBO, and improve protein digestion. 

Betaine HCl Benefits

Betaine HCl benefits include: 

• Healthier microbiome
• Fights SIBO
• Better digestion (especially protein)
• Less gas
• Less bloating
• Better nutrient absorption (especially Vitamin B12, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron)

Where to Buy Standard Process Betaine Hydrochloride

Looking for a healthy, high-quality betaine HCl supplement? Try Standard Process Betaine Hydrochloride. Standard Process Betaine Hydrochloride is a powerful digestion booster that includes betaine hydrochloride, pepsin (the chief enzyme responsible for breaking down protein), calcium lactate, and magnesium citrate. With Standard Process Betaine Hydrochloride you can help reset your stomach pH, improve protein digestion, and target common nutrient deficiencies caused by low stomach acid. Buy it here in our shop.

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Digestion

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