Guest Author - Sharon Lasitter

With heartburn affecting 15% of the population, and about 50% of anyone 50 or older in the US, it would seem that diagnosing the difference between high levels of stomach acid, and low levels of stomach acid would be step one for doctors’ treatment methods. However, it is not even considered. We are being dangerously medicated with antacids, proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers for heartburn caused by Hypochlorhydria, when the problem is that stomach acid levels are already too low. Reducing low stomach acid leads to Achlorhydria, or no stomach acid.

Who Treats Hypochlorhydria?
Only practitioners of Alternative Medicine diagnose and treat Hypochlorhydria. Once the source of your chronic heartburn has been pinpointed, only then can proper treatments be administered. *See below for link on how to find a naturopath.

Can Hypochlorhydria Be Cured?
All cases of Hypochlorhydria can be cured by natural means.

Naturopathic Treatments Include:

Ascorbic Acid (taken at meal times)

Hydrochloride or Betaine HCL Capsules (a natural beet derivative taken at meal times)

Papaya or Pineapple Enzymes

What You Can Do

Important:Always chew your food thoroughly. Un-chewed food will remain undigested. Undigested food is wasted food, because it cannot release the nutrients it stores in a whole or semi-whole state!

Aviod all high fat, high sugar foods:

Foods that are high in fat, reduce stomach acid levels

Foods that are high in sugar weaken the immune system

Replace sugar with Stevia, Lo Han or Zylatol (plant derivatives that do not have the effects of sugar on the body)

Avoid white flours and processed foods

Processed foods reduce stomach acid levels

Base your diet on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fresh fish and meats.

Take three capsules of probiotics, daily

Include fermented foods in your diet (such as sauerkraut)

Avoid foods and drinks that weaken the LES


*Please know that I am not a medical doctor or a health practitioner. I cannot diagnose your stomach problems nor can I guarantee a cure. I am here to share my knowledge, which applications have worked for me and to offer suggestions of where you may go physically, emotionally and spiritually for healing and self-empowerment. If you choose to explore alternative medicine, do not independently stop taking your prescribed medications. Always consult with your current doctor as well as your new practitioner when changing your medical program. Find a Naturopath near you.