238 Diet Wise
Surprisingly, a common symptom of hypochlorhydria is heartburn, or “acid
indigestion.” Television commercials tell us that when we have heartburn
we should neutralize our stomach acid with various antacids, or, even more
drastically, take medications such as ranitidine, cimetidine, nizatidine, or
famotidine, which reduce our production of stomach acid. For those who
have heartburn because of hypochlorhydria, these medications may lead
to further deterioration of digestion and thus to dysbiosis, leaky gut, food
allergies and even stomach cancer. You would be wise to work with your
health care provider to make sure that the diagnosis is correct: either too
much or too little stomach acid.
Digestive supplements
Now that we have looked at the digestive process in a little more detail and
seen the effect of inadequate digestion, the reader will ask what can be
done.
First try bitter herbs. These stimulate the secretion of stomach acid
and digestive enzymes. Angostura bitters are present in many cocktails and
the French swear by their aperitif before eating. Examples of medicinal
bitter herbs include: Dandelion, Yarrow, Mugwort and Chamomile, which
are mild, and Wormwood (as in Absinthe), Barberry, Gentian, Rue and
Tansy, which are pretty grim.
You must use a liquid tincture, otherwise the bitterness effect
does not trigger secretions. Add up to 3 ml of the herb tincture to room
temperature or warm water and sip. Drink 15 to 30 minutes before eating.
Another option is to buy an herbal tea containing bitter herbs and drink
one cup before eating.
If bitter herbs are insufficient, next try betaine hydrochloride
capsules with pepsin. These should be taken at the start of a meal, and the
dose depends on the size of the meal. Capsules are preferred. If you take
tablets, avoid all contact with the teeth, as hydrochloric acid will damage
the enamel. Put the tablets on a spoon and drop them in the back of your
mouth before swallowing.
Betaine hydrochloride should not be taken by people taking
cortisone, NSAIDS or aspirin, or individuals who have a known peptic
ulcer. If abdominal pain, burning, discomfort or dark stools occur, it
should be discontinued immediately.