5 Ways To Increase Stomach Acid Naturally

5/29/2020 5 Ways to Increase Stomach Acid Naturally
How to Increase Stomach Acid at Home

Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, MD, MPH on March 7, 2018 — Written by Kiara
Anthony
Causes Symptoms Treatment Outlook
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How this works.
Low stomach acid

Stomach acid, also referred to as gastric acid, is essential for the digestive
process. When the stomach cannot produce enough acid, key minerals
and proteins can’t be absorbed into this body. Low stomach acid is
medically referred to as hypochlorhydria.
If the body doesn’t receive necessary nutrients, you can become vitamin
or mineral deficient. Stomach acid is also responsible for killing harmful
bacteria from foods and neutralizing enzymes. Low gastric acid can leave
the body vulnerable to a number of diseases and health complications.
Inadequate stomach acid levels have been associated with a number of

health conditions, including:
upset stomach
nausea
acid reflux
heartburn
malnutrition
skin issues
osteoporosis
leaky gut syndrome
diabetes 
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cancer
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-increase-stomach-acid#outlook 1/12
asthma
rheumatoid arthritis
small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

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What causes low stomach acid?

There are a number of contributing factors for low stomach acid. Stress
and a poor diet are two of the more common reasons that can directly
affect your digestive process.
Other factors that may cause low stomach acid include:
eating too quickly
high sugar intake

zinc deficiency
age
antacid medication and prescription drugs
food sensitivities or allergies

infection
chronic illness
Addressing these issues can not only increase and normalize your
stomach acid levels, but also improve your digestive health and reduce
stress on your body.
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Symptoms from low stomach acid

Low stomach acid is a trigger for poor digestive activity. Because food
and nutrients can’t be broken down, they sit in the stomach and cause
bacteria to build up. The main symptoms from this process are gas and
bloating.
Other symptoms you may experience from low stomach acid include:
cramping
heartburn
nausea
acid reflux
constipation
diarrhea
infection
undigested food in stools
bad breath
weak hair and nails

dry skin
hair loss
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5 ways to improve stomach acid

Treating low stomach acid depends on the underlying cause. If you’ve
been prescribed antacid medication for your heartburn symptoms, your
doctor may change your prescription to avoid triggering hypochlorhydria
symptoms.
However, there are a few steps you can follow to help increase stomach
acid levels on your own.
1. Chew your food
A simple but overlooked tip to improve stomach acid levels and digestion
is to thoroughly chew your food. Digestion begins at your mouth. Racing
through your meals can affect how your body digests your food.
Chew your food and take smaller bites to stimulate your digestive
enzymes. This can eliminate symptoms associated with low stomach acid
and help maintain a positive level in your stomach.
2. Limit processed foods
A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can also increase your
stomach acid levels. Processed foods and sugars can cause inflammation
in your stomach, decrease acid activity, and trigger acid reflux symptoms.
Incorporating a healthy diet can also improve your digestive process,

allowing the stomach to adequately break down food and absorb
essential proteins into the body. Consider limiting alcohol intake for
added benefits.
3. Eat fermented vegetables
Fermented vegetables — such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles — can

naturally improve your stomach acid levels. Fermented vegetables and
foods have probiotic 
A D V E R Teffects
I S E M E N T that can improve digestion, fight harmful
bacteria and reduce inflammation from low stomach acid.
Other than improving digestion, fermented vegetables have been

associated with strengthening immune function, promoting weight loss,
and lowering blood pressure. Before incorporating fermented foods into
your diet, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
4. Drink apple cider vinegar
Raw apple cider vinegar is a fermented liquid made from crushed apples,
bacteria, and yeast. It’s rich in protein and enzymes that can help break
down bacteria in food. Raw apple cider vinegar can increase stomach
acid levels because its acidic properties introduce more acid into the
digestive tract.
Other than increasing stomach acid levels, raw apple cider vinegar has
been associated with reducing symptoms from acid reflux, diabetes, and
high blood sugar.
To use apple cider vinegar, dilute a small amount with water and drink it
before your meal. Without water or another solvent, apple cider vinegar
can damage the enamel on your teeth.
You can shop for apple cider vinegar on Amazon.
5. Eat ginger
Ginger is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties, an essential

quality for reducing inflammation from low stomach acid. It has also been
recognized as an alternative treatment for acid reflux and other
gastrointestinal disorders. However, more research is needed to confirm
its effects on improving stomach acid.
You can slice, grate, or steep ginger into tea and foods. It’s also available
as an oral supplement and as a powder. Consult with your doctor before
incorporating ginger into your diet.
Outlook
Stomach acid is essential to proper digestion. Low amounts prevent the
stomach from absorbing necessary nutrients and vitamins. Low stomach
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
acid also leaves the body vulnerable to infection.
While treatment depends on the underlying cause, incorporating lifestyle

changes and improving your diet can help you increase stomach acid
levels on your own.
Before pursuing any alternative treatment, discuss your options with your
doctor. Your condition may require a more conventional approach.
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5/29/2020 5 Ways to Increase Stomach Acid Naturally

How to Increase Stomach Acid at Home

Causes Symptoms Treatment Outlook

Low stomach acid

Inadequate stomach acid levels have been associated with a number of

leaky gut syndrome

small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

What causes low stomach acid?

Other factors that may cause low stomach acid include:

eating too quickly

high sugar intake

food sensitivities or allergies

FIND YOUR DIETS

Symptoms from low stomach acid

weak hair and nails

5 ways to improve stomach acid

1. Chew your food

2. Limit processed foods

Incorporating a healthy diet can also improve your digestive process,

3. Eat fermented vegetables

Fermented vegetables — such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles — can

bacteria and reduce inflammation from low stomach acid.

Other than improving digestion, fermented vegetables have been

4. Drink apple cider vinegar

You can shop for apple cider vinegar on Amazon.

Ginger is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties, an essential

acid also leaves the body vulnerable to infection.

While treatment depends on the underlying cause, incorporating lifestyle

Time for a gut check

Enter your email

Make my inbox healthier. Sign me up for Healthline’s free Wellness newsletter.

Your privacy is important to us

READ THIS NEXT

8 Fermented Foods to Boost Digestion and

Fermented foods contain beneficial probiotics, which can improve

6 Proven Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is incredibly popular in the natural health community.

11 Proven Health Benefits of Ginger

Ginger is a popular spice with powerful medicinal properties. Here are 11

7 Natural Remedies for Your Upset Stomach

Stomachaches are a common occurrence that can be treated at home.

Is Leaky Gut Syndrome a Real Condition? An

18 Remedies to Get Rid of Headaches

10 Evidence-Based Benefits of Green Tea

How Much Water Should You Drink Per Day?

16 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety

Excess stress is a common problem for many people. Learn effective

How to Be Happy: 25 Habits to Add to Your

Get our wellness newsletter

Enter your email

Your privacy is important to us

About Us Health Topics

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