Digestive issues impact many people. Look at the shelf space in drug stores or grocery stores given to products to address gas, belching, acid reflux bloating, bad breath, constipation, heartburn, or diarrhea.
Hydrochloric acid (i.e., stomach acid) is vital to digestion and immunity. It helps break down protein, absorb essential nutrients, and it helps control viruses and bacteria that might otherwise infect your stomach.
How do you know if your digestive symptoms are due to a lack of stomach acid?
If you struggle with any of the following symptoms, it is a sign you have low stomach acid.
- Gas and belching (can come from bacteria fermenting in the stomach due to low stomach acid)
- GERD or acid reflux (due to open gastroesophageal junction)
- Bloating and cramping (due to bacteria in the stomach and small intestine, as carbohydrates ferment and delay the opening of the pyloric sphincter)
- Nausea
- Bad breath (Due to poor digestion and fermentation in the stomach)
- Undigested food in stools
- Dislike of animal protein (due to inability to digest them properly)
- Anemia (due to lack of protein digestion)
- Weak fingernails and slow hair growth (due to lack of protein from poor protein digestion)
- Fatigue (due to lack of stomach acid, causing poor mineral absorption)
What can you do to support stomach acid production in your body?
- Eat protein first to help stimulate acid production
- Drink fluids later ~ about 30 minutes after you finish your meal. This gives the stomach more time to produce the acid.
- Avoid overly fatty, processed foods as they are harder to digest, if at all.
- Take Apple Cider Vinegar (liquid or tablets) to increase acidity.
- Eat smaller meals and chew thoroughly.
- Finish your meal 2-3 hours before bedtime. This gives your body time to digest before lying down.
In addition to the above, the Loomis HCL digestive aid is invaluable in helping the body increase stomach acid production. HCL is a unique blend of pepsin and betaine (stomachic herbs) that strengthens the action of the stomach and improves its protective lining. Low stomach acid usually reflects severe gluten and dairy intolerance.
HCL is one of our best-selling enzyme support products. It is a professional product so you will need to contact the office for order information – it is not available on our website. Email us at info@lifestyleforhealth.com or call 719-488-5688.
Is it OK to take this supplement along with the STM enzyme?
Thanks for checking, Cathy. It’s best to take STM by itself and not with other enzymes. It’s specifically designed to help heal the gut lining.