• Ironically, vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause a vicious cycle of low stomach acid and malnutrition because they are all needed for stomach acid production. If any of these are lacking in the diet, hypochlorhydria can develop. In turn, hypochlorhydria affects the body’s ability to absorb the vitamins and minerals it needs to produce the proper levels of HCl. The lack of proper nutrient absorption sets the stage for the vicious cycle of low stomach acid output and chronic nutrient deficiencies.²
• Chronic stress can impair the body’s ability to produce the proper amount of HCl.
• Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the cells that produce HCl in the stomach.
• The presence in the stomach of a common bacteria, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), can impair the body’s ability to produce the proper amount of HCl.³
• HCl production decreases with age. The average 60-year-old produces only one-fourth as much HCl as a 20-year-old.⁶

Additional Stomach Acid Imbalance Information

1. Stomach Acid Imbalance Overview
2. Common symptoms of stomach acid imbalance
3. Natural and alternative treatments for stomach acid imbalance
4. Dietary and lifestyle recommendations that may help in the treatment of stomach acid imbalance
5. Conventional or prescription medications used in the treatment of stomach acid imbalance
6. Cited Sources and Additional Reading for stomach acid imbalance