Stress, Energy, and Stomach Acid Deficiency
Howard F. Loomis, Jr. DC
All symptoms are caused by stress that exhausts specific organs and tissues that can no longer adequately perform their intended functions. That stress may be caused by structural, emotional, or nutritional problems (either excess or deficient). Our job is to find out which organs and why. Once the cause is known, the treatment becomes obvious.
One of the most common explanations we hear about digestive symptoms, such as heartburn, is they are caused by excess stomach acid. We discussed in my last article why that was not true. The term "excess stomach acid" is simply a misnomer for an inflamed mucosal lining that cannot protect the stomach wall even with the smallest amount of acid. Compare the symptoms of gastritis and deficient stomach acid (hypochlorhydria).
How can you tell the difference? Well, let's look at the most likely causes of stomach acid deficiency:
• Age - The stomach can produce less acid as we grow older (starting in the mid-40s). According to a 2013 review, hypochlorhydria is the main change in the stomach of older adults. People over the age of 65 have the highest risk.
• Stress - While ordinary daily stress isn't given much credit for affecting the production of stomach acid, chronic stress can contribute to hypochlorhydria. Remember that there are three forms of stress: structural, emotional, and dietary excesses or deficiencies.
• Medications - Frequent use of antacids or other medications for acid reflux most certainly decrease the body's production of stomach acid.
• Zinc deficiency - Zinc is essential for production of stomach acid.
• Stomach surgery - Some surgical procedures, including gastric bypass surgery, can reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces.
Perhaps an easy way to recognize signs of stomach acid deficiency in yourself or others can be found on the following chart that I have used for many years:
Additional Problems Associated with Stomach Acid Deficiency Compromised protein digestion -Contrary to popular belief, stomach acid does not digest protein, or anything else, for that matter. It has two functions:
1. To prevent the growth of bacteria in the stomach. Bacteria cannot thrive in an acidic environment. When stomach acid is deficient, Helicobacter pylori can grow, thrive, and become very symptomatic requiring medical attention.
2. To activate the activity of a protein-digesting enzyme secreted by the stomach and maintain the acid pH for that enzyme to be active. When stomach acid is deficient, the first step in protein digestion is compromised. This will eventually cause any of the following symptoms due to reduced protein levels holding water in the circulation.
• Increased watery secretions from the mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Edema (water gain) - swelling in the hands, feet, and snakes.
• Cold hands and feet - poor circulation
• Menstrual cramping and muscle cramps at night due to reduced calcium utilization.
• Patient does not tolerate exercise
• Bleeding gums
Finally, last but certainly not least, deficient stomach acid causes reduced flow of bile, resulting in gallbladder symptoms, whether the patient still has his or her gallbladder or not!
Conclusion
Stress exhausts the organs and tissues of the body to perform their normal functions to maintain health. The key is to know which tissues and why. Arguably, digestive and resulting bowel problems are the most common visceral problems seen in chiropractic offices.
Next time, we will discuss how stomach acid deficiency causes gallbladder symptoms and fatty acid deficiencies. In the meantime, if you have questions, you can contact us at (888) 243-1322 or go online to www.foodenzymeinstitute.com.
Howard F. Loomis, Jr., DC, has an extensive background in enzymes and enzyme supplements. He is the founder and president of the Food Enzyme Institute. His extensive knowledge of physiology, biochemistry, and enzymology has made him a sought-after speaker and a prolific writer.
If you have questions, you can reach The Food Enzyme Institute at 800-662-2630 or go online to www. foodenzymeinstitute. com
