What are the symptoms of low stomach acid?

Your stomach protects itself from being digested by its own enzymes, or burnt by the corrosive hydrochloric acid, by secreting sticky, neutralising mucus that clings to the stomach walls. If this layer becomes damaged in any way it can result in painful and unpleasant stomach ulcers.

The stomach is much more than a simple reservoir, although it does serve this function. Stomach cells produce pepsin, an enzyme that digests proteins. To prevent pepsin from digesting the very cells that produce it, an inactive precursor — pepsinogen — is secreted.

• Bloating.
• Diarrhea.
• Acid reflux or heartburn.
• Gas.
• Undigested food in the stool.
• Nausea while taking supplements.
• Nutrient deficiencies.
• Hair loss or brittle fingernails, which can signal nutrient deficiency.

Possible Side Effects Because betaine HCL can boost the amount of hydrochloric acid in your stomach, it may irritate stomach ulcers or prevent them from getting better. For this reason, it’s best not to take betaine HCL if you have a peptic ulcer or live with peptic ulcer disease.

Always take the betaine HCL either half-way through the meal or right at the end of the meal. Taking it before a meal may create a false experience of heartburn and can turn off stomach acid production for this meal. Caution: Do not take HCL if you are taking any NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, Tylenol, or aspirin.

5 ways to improve stomach acid

1. Limit processed foods. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can also increase your stomach acid levels.
2. Eat fermented vegetables. Fermented vegetables — such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles — can naturally improve your stomach acid levels.
3. Drink apple cider vinegar.
4. Eat ginger.