Hypochlorhydria results from insufficient production of hydrochloric acid by the parietal cells of the stomach. However, this stomach acid constitutes an essential element of digestive functioning. In case of deficiency, digestion becomes slower and gastrointestinal symptoms occur. What are the repercussions of hypochlorhydria? How to overcome ?
Hydrochloric acid, essential for digestion
Human digestion is a complex process that involves different substances and requires several steps. After being chewed and subjected to the action of salivary enzymes, food goes from the mouth to the stomach, first passing through the esophagus. The chyme – the name given to the food bolus at this stage – is mixed with the famous gastric juices which are composed of pepsin, an enzyme responsible for breaking the peptide bonds of proteins, and hydrochloric acid. It is this last component which creates an acidic environment essential to allow the decomposition of food and, thus, their passage towards the duodenum.
On average, stomach cells secrete nearly 2 liters of hydrochloric acid every day. It is this production which will allow regulation of the pH of the stomach. This will be maintained between 1 and 3, which represents a sufficiently high acidity to allow an optimal digestive process. In cases of mild to moderate hypochlorhydria, the gastric pH oscillates between 3 and 5. It will be greater than 5 in people who do not produce stomach acid. We then speak of achlorhydria.
Hypochlorhydria, what causes?
Hydrochloric acid production naturally declines with age. But other etiologies can explain notable variations in the substance. This is particularly the case with stress, which can alter the efficiency of the parasympathetic nervous system and, consequently, certain digestive mechanisms. Zinc deficiency can also constitute a significant cause, since this trace element is one of the cofactors in the production of hydrochloric acid. On the other hand, Helicobacter pylori infection sometimes hinders the secretion of stomach acid by causing inflammation of the stomach (gastritis). But many other causes can be mentioned in the presence of hypochlorhydria: insufficient chewing, pituitary disorder, hypothyroidism, lack of salt intake, prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors, etc.
Hypochlorhydria, what symptoms?
As gastric acid plays a major role in the phase which takes place in the stomach, its insufficiency naturally leads to symptoms of a digestive nature. These bear a striking resemblance to the clinical signs induced by excessive acid production. Among the main clinical manifestations, we find, according toAssociation of approved naturopaths of Quebec :
- a feeling of very rapid fullness after the start of the meal;
- stagnation of food in the stomach (up to 4 hours compared to 1 hour usually);
- reflux;
- halitosis;
- untimely belching;
- stomach pain;
- bloating and flatulence;
- chronic candidiasis;
- increased fatigue after a meal;
- intestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and/or constipation)…
Hypochlorhydria, what are the consequences?
In the absence of detection and treatment, hypochlorhydria can have significant repercussions on the absorption of nutrients, ultimately causing potential deficiencies. Among the compounds likely to be deficient in the presence of too high a pH, include, among others, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins and even proteins. When unresolved, these nutritional imbalances can cause — or worsen — pathologies or disorders such as pernicious anemia, irritable bowel syndrome, osteoporosis or even eczema.
Hypochlorhydria, what treatments?
Firstly, changing or improving lifestyle habits is often required to try to restart the production of hydrochloric acid. This involves adopting certain health and dietary measures, such as more careful chewing, better stress management, following a balanced diet, reducing foods that are not recommended (coffee, sugars, etc.), replacing anti-inflammatories with other molecules… Generally, these simple precautions make it possible to restore sufficient acidity within the stomach. But for the most severe cases, it is possible to resort to supplementation to boost the digestive process. Among the most frequently used supplements is betaine hydrochloride, which combines betaine and hydrochloric acid. It is sometimes accompanied by digestive enzymes such as lipase, maltase or even amylase. However, these supplements have notable side effects as well as certain contraindications. Prior medical advice is therefore essential.
Sources
- Hypochlorhydria, too often ignoredAssociation of approved naturopaths of Quebec
- Lack of acidity in the stomach: how to treat it?Julien Venesson website, December 20, 2023
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