Stomach acid is a strange thing and it’s managed to get itself a bad name. What you may not know is that stomach acid is very important, and low stomach acid is a more common problem than high stomach acid. The two are actually commonly confused. What’s important to know is how to balance stomach acid – not too high or too low – to ensure the best digestion right from the very beginning.
In response to food, the body signals the production of stomach acid, also known as gastrin. Gastrin is made up predominantly of hydrochloric acid, or HCI in the stomach. The main role of gastrin is to break down food, especially proteins. It is also important for the absorption of vitamin B12, but that’s a whole other story. The process that makes stomach acid is tightly regulated, and works on a negative feedback mechanism to ensure optimal balance. There are also cells that produce mucous, forming a physical barrier to prevent acid from damaging the cells of the stomach. As the food passes through the digestive tract, it becomes completely neutralised by large amounts of bicarbonate. As with many systems in the body, balance is key – too much or too little stomach acid can lead to disease.
Low mucous is often misdiagnosed as high stomach acid. This is because there is a compromised protection mechanism, resulting in acid burning or damaging your cells. In response, people may take an ante-acid, leading to reduced stomach acid levels and compromised digestion and absorption. Be careful before you pop the pills and rather look at balancing your levels and stimulating the right amount of stomach acid – naturally.
Signs and Symptoms of Low HCI
Vertical ridges on fingernails
Weak, peeling, cracked finger nails
Bloating and flatulence
Undigested food in stool
Nausea after supplements
Indigestion, diarrhoea and constipation
Rectal itching
Multiple food allergies
Post adolescent acne
Iron deficiency
Chronic candida
Chronic parasitic infections
Ways to stimulate HCI and balanced gastrin levels
Lemon, honey and ginger all stimulate HCI production
Green leafy vegetables: Spinach, kale, Brussel sprouts, broccoli (make sure you lightly steam them)
Apple Cider Vinegar: mix 1 Tbsp with warm water and drink on an empty stomach
Folate: Peas, beans, nuts, eggs, green leafy vegetables.
Zinc: Oysters, lean beef, lamb, spinach, pumpkin seeds, cashew nuts, cacao powder, chickpeas, mushrooms.
Histidine: Apples, pomegranates, celery, cucumber, carrots, spinach.
Magnesium: Green leafy veg, nuts, seeds, bananas, avocado, cacao powder.
Ways to support mucous production
Essential fatty acids: Flaxseeds, walnuts, oily fish, chia seeds.
Zinc: Oysters, lean beef, lamb, spinach, pumpkin seeds, cashew nuts, cacao powder, chickpeas, mushrooms.
Vitamin A: Sweet potatoes, carrots, green leafy veg, lettuce, bell peppers, tropical fruits.
Vitamin C: Bell peppers, green leafy veg, Kiwi, broccoli, berries, tomatoes, papaya, peas.
Vitamin E: Sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, pumpkin, red pepper, asparagus.
Protein: Fish, chicken, lean beef, lamb, lentils, chickpeas, red kidney beans.
Sulphate: Eggs and protein-rich foods.
It’s difficult to remember everything so best is to maintain a clean diet that is varied. By varying your diet, you ensure as many vitamins and minerals are taken in. See my example below of the perfect stomach acid day.
The perfect stomach acid day
Wake up: 1 glass of warm water with a squeeze of lemon, 1tsp honey and 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
Breakfast: 1 baked apple with yogurt and cacao nibs (http://findingfrost.co.za/recipe/baked-apples/)
Snack: 2 mini muffin frittatas (http://findingfrost.co.za/recipe/muffin-frittatas/)
Lunch: Cottage Cheese-stuffed chicken breast with avocado and a side salad (http://findingfrost.co.za/recipe/cottage-cheese-stuffed-chicken-breast/)
Snack: 2 carrots with 2 Tbsp homemade hummus (http://findingfrost.co.za/recipe/traditional-style-hummus/)
Dinner: Green veggie soup (http://findingfrost.co.za/recipe/green-veggie-soup/)
Dessert: 2 blocks 85% dark chocolate or 1 cup warm cacao
Before bed: 1 cup Rooibos tea with 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp grated ginger
Having optimal stomach acid levels is important for both digestion of food and absorption of essential nutrients.





