The more I learn about the digestive system the more I realise how incredibly complex it is. Through increased learnings I cannot stress how important a healthy digestive system is to your overall wellbeing. It’s a vast area to cover, so let’s start by taking a closer look at just one, the all-important stomach.

Common stomach problems include indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux and a general feeling of discomfort. If you suffer from any of these symptoms you may not realise that they could be due to a lack of stomach acid, (hypochlorhydria) as opposed to an excess. Surprised? It gets worse… In thinking you are suffering from too much stomach acid, you may reach for the over-the-counter antacids, or prescription acid blockers such as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI’s), which actually aim to reduce stomach acid. If your levels are already low, this form of self-medication can lead to devastating consequences to your entire digestive system, putting your health at risk.

Food for thought

So what does stomach acid do? When food passes into the stomach certain cells are triggered to secrete hydrochloric acid which in turn sets off the release of a digestive enzyme called pepsin. Pepsin breaks down proteins into amino acids. Because hydrochloric acid is so acidic, it sterilizes food and kills bugs and parasites, making it an essential part of our immune system.

Good levels of stomach acid are necessary to separate the minerals from the food we eat, enabling our body to benefit from this nutrition. It is also essential for the effective absorption of Vitamin B12 which plays a key role in the production of red blood cells and maintaining a healthy nervous system.

Spot the signs

There are a number of signs of low stomach acid to look out for including:

• Heartburn and indigestion
• Bloating
• Wind – especially after meals
• Abdominal tightness
• Undigested food in stools
• Constipation
• Abdominal cramping

Under pressure

It’s important to bear in mind that low stomach acid has far reaching effects which extend way beyond the digestive system. Additionally, there may be other areas of the digestive system that are under pressure. Insufficient levels of stomach acid can also be a sign of pancreatic enzyme deficiencies, bile insufficiencies, putrefaction of bacteria in the gut and even stress placed upon the kidneys and liver.

Stop!

Now, have I got your attention? If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, please do not take antacids as they will have the reverse effects and make you feel even worse. Looking at the cause of the problem is a far better solution than simply masking the symptoms.

Kath’s tips for a healthy digestive system

• Take your time and enjoy your food. Yes I agree, this is easier said than done, as I like nothing better than wolfing down my favourite dish! I’ve tried to take some good advice I once received to chew my food 20 times. Hmmm… a little unrealistic, but I at least give an extra three or four chews and savour the flavours. If you’re a guzzler too, see if you can try the same.
• Look, smell and taste! Use more of your senses so that you enjoy the aroma and the look as well as the taste of your food. This will trigger a response in your nervous system that encourages your stomach acid to kick in.
• Sit down and relax! Try not to eat on the run.
• Take Zinc and Vitamin B6 which help your body to produce its own stomach acid.
• Take a Digestive Enzyme or Betaine HCl and help restore the balance.
• Avoid refined foods.
• Finally… try to manage your stress levels.