(loss of stomach acid - hydrochloric acid):
Contrary to popular belief, stress will result in loss of
stomach acid production. Achlorhydria is also a natural
process of aging and perhaps the most significant aging
phenomenon. Seventy-five percent of people over the age of 50
years require supplementation of stomach acid. Sodium
chloride is the raw material required to manufacture
stomach acid, so it follows that people on a salt
restricted diet are more likely to develop
achlorhydria.<br><br>Symptoms include "burp, belch, and bloat" after eating.
The reduction or absence of acid in the stomach
allows intestinal bacteria and yeast (Candida albicans)
to enter the stomach and ferment high carbohydrate
foods (i.e., juice, fruit, breads, etc.) Failure to
deal with achlorhydria will result in B12, calcium,
and protein deficiencies and the onset of new food
allergies acquired later in life as a result of absorption
of partially digested polypeptides (relatively large
protein fragments) which trigger an allergic
response.<br><br>Treatment of achlorhydria includes salting your food to
taste and supplementation of betaine HCI at the rate of
75-250 mg 15-20 minutes before each meal. In the absence
of betaine HCI, 1-2 oz of vinegar with English
bitters (Gentian) may be taken before meals.
Additionally, plant derived collodial minerals tone the stomach
and increase its ability to produce stomach acid.