When stomach acid is weak, the body grows deficient in protein.
The old saying goes, “You are what you eat.” In reality, you are what you absorb.Diet is important. But digestive health trumps what you eat.
In other words, in order to get the most out of food, it is essential that you have the ability to extract nutrients and use them.
As it turns out, low stomach acid is responsible for both protein deficiency and mineral deficiency.
What does this mean for you?
When it comes to early signs of protein deficiency, watch out for these 2 red flags:
- Sugar cravings, unstable blood sugar, and constant snacking.
- Chronically low levels of energy or extreme tiredness.
Signs can include muscle cramps, white flecks on fingernails, wounds that are slow to heal, low levels of energy, iron-deficiency anemia, and Candida overgrowth. Some long-term mineral deficiencies can even lead to osteoporosis—or the break down of bone. (2)
The Cause and Effect of Low Stomach Acid
Low energy levels could be a sign of a protein or mineral deficiency. Low stomach acid could be to blame, caused by pharmaceutical medications, stress, or age.
Medication that treats heartburn reduces stomach acid. Examples include H2 antagonists (Zantac) or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs, like Prilosec). Both suppress the secretion of stomach acid.
Stomach acid, HCl (hydrochloric acid), is naturally acidic for a reason. The acidic nature of stomach acid protects the body against outside bacteria, yeast, parasites, and other infectious microorganisms.
Stomach acid activates enzymes that break down protein into smaller fragments that the body can use. When stomach acid is weak, the body grows deficient in protein.
Stress—physical, emotional, or mental—can reduce stomach acid and shut down digestion in the stomach. Furthermore, as the body ages, the stomach naturally becomes less efficient. (3)
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Low Stomach Acid and Candida Overgrowth
Stomach acid creates a harsh environment, making it hard for organisms to survive.Antacid medication changes this. It reduces the acidity of the stomach.
Research shows that Candida overgrowth inside the esophagus is associated with PPI medication. (4) Another study published in May 2013 concludes that antacid medication is an important risk factor for Candida overgrowth. (5)
When it comes to Candida overgrowth in the upper gastrointestinal tract, restoring the acidic nature of the stomach is sometimes not enough. This is because Candida is aggressive.
As it turns out, Candida thrives in a high-pH environment. In other words, antacid medication creates just the right environment for Candida to grow. To make matters worse, researchers have also found that Candida can control the pH of its environment. (6)
When necessary, Candida produces and releases ammonia. Ammonia is alkaline in nature. The ability of Candida to produce ammonia ensures its survival.
This is why it is essential to:
1. Correct the pH of the stomach with Assist Dairy & Protein.
2. Follow the Body Ecology healing protocol to control Candida overgrowth.
DANGER! Low Stomach Acid Leads to Mineral Deficiency and Weak Bones
Unfortunately, low stomach acid—either from infection, stress, or prescription antacids—can have serious, long-term consequences.An acidic environment in the stomach is necessary for the absorption of mineral micronutrients like:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Phosphorous
- Zinc
- Iron
- Selenium
For example, your stomach acid needs to be acidic enough in order to absorb iron. Over time, the inability to absorb iron can lead to iron-deficiency anemia or anemia due to B12 deficiency. (8) Anemia can mean weakness, fatigue, and poor concentration.
Another example is calcium. Large studies have been done on the relationship between low stomach acid, poor calcium absorption, and osteoporosis—or, the break down of bone density. The culprit here is “drug-induced hypochlorhydria,” or weak stomach acid from antacid medication. (9) The risk is especial high in postmenopausal women. (10)
Restoring Bone Density
How can you restore the naturally acidic environment of your stomach?It is important to get off antacids (if you are on them), reduce stress, and conquer infection.
However, research also shows that probiotics may greatly reduce the negative effects that antacid medications have on bone health. While both studies were done on rats, researchers did find that absorption and retention of important minerals were enhanced by probiotics.
One study, published in May 2013 in Biological Trace Element Research, found that probiotics increased absorption of calcium, magnesium, and zinc. (11) The other study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2011, found that probiotics improved the absorption of calcium even when taking antacid medication. (12)
This means it is essential to follow a healthy diet that includes beneficial bacteria from fermented foods and probiotic liquids.
What To Remember Most About This Article:
Your diet does matter, but your gut health can also determine which nutrients you absorb from the foods you eat. If you have low stomach acid, it could be directly linked to a protein or mineral deficiency.- Signs of a protein deficiency may include sugar cravings, constant snacking, and low energy levels.
- Signs of a mineral deficiency may include slow-healing wounds, low energy levels, muscle cramps, and Candida overgrowth.
You can improve your digestive health to correct a protein or mineral deficiency early on by:
- Balancing the pH of the stomach with Assist Dairy & Protein.
- Following the healing principles of the Body Ecology Diet to curb Candida overgrowth.
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