You Are Not What You Eat MAY 26, 2009.
Im sure you have heard people say, “You are what you eat”?
Well not exactly, you are what you do with your food… and if what you doing with your food is not absorbing it, you’re not doing much with it!
1 “Just because something goes down your esophagus does not mean that it will make it to the cells of your body.”
3 Before you start analyzing your percentage of fat, carbohydrates and protein intake, start buying expensive supplements, before you start analyzing your Training make sure your acid level is good. If you can’t break down your muscle-building nutrients, you’re putting in a lot of money and hard work and not getting the most from them.
Low Stomach Acid “Hypochlorhydria” is the lack of adequate HCL (hydrochloric acid) production. Stomach acid is responsible for two key functions.
- The sterilization of food against potentially harmful micro-organisms.
- Digestion of protein molecules and the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
Stomach acid also signals the release of digestive enzymes and bicarbonate from the pancreas required for digestion.
2 “ingestion of the best nutritional substances may be of little benefit when breakdown and assimilation are inadequate.”
Because the normal production of stomach acid is vital to the digestive process, and therefore the release of nutrients into the body, “Hypochlorhydria” can lead to many health issues.
Food that is not broken down moves from the stomach, into the small intestine and colon, and then exits the body unutilized. This can cause the body to display symptoms of nutrient deprivation. High acid levels are required for the break down of many trace minerals such as zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, calcium, boron, selenium, and vitamins B12 and B3, which are vital for organ support.
In addition, a toxic condition known as dysbiosis can result, leaving the sufferer with fatigue, gas, headaches, hypertension, insomnia, irritation, muscle aches and pain, personality changes, and many other problems.
Other Side effects and symptoms associated with Hypochlorhydria are;
Bad breath, Metallic taste in mouth, Sore tongue, Heartburn, Stomach bloating and belching immediately after eating, IBS, Foul smelling gas, Indigestion, Diarrhea or constipation, Celiac Disease, Gallbladder Disease, Stomach Cancer, Childhood asthma, Acne, Rosacea, Hives, Eczema, Vitiligo (loss of skin pigment), Chronic dry skin, Rectal or anal itching, Hair loss in women (due to zinc deficiency), Fingernails that are weak, peeling or cracked, CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), Adrenal fatigue.
Autoimmune diseases (including arthritis), Food allergies and sensitivities, Systemic Candida (stomach acid kills much of the harmful yeasts that may be ingested), Graves Disease, Anemia, Lupus, Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar}.
What causes Hypochlorhydria?
Poor diet (a diet high in white flour, high fat and low fiber – This is because the byproducts of fermentation can impair proper levels of acid production in the stomach. Aging is one of the primary causes of low stomach acid at age 45 stomach acid naturally starts to decrease.
However, alcohol consumption, bacterial infection, gastric bypass surgery, improper use of heartburn medications and chronic stress, are also associated with this condition.
“Ultimately everything in the body -- muscle, bone, central nervous system and cardiovascular function is affected…”
Regardless of how well you eat, poor digestion and malabsorption of nutrients is the end result of low stomach acid. Without adequate nourishment, you will be a target for infectious and degenerative diseases.
How do I fix it??
I use a method that was taught to me by world-renowned strength coach Charles Poliquin, which is also one that is recommended by Drs. Michael Murray and Joe Pizzorno, ND’s. Its one of the first tests we do here at the center, in conjunction with the Bio-Signature Modulation.
Continue to increase the dose by one capsule at each subsequent meal, until you can feel warmth in your stomach.
DO NOT EXCEED SEVEN CAPSULES (1400mg), the feeling is not dissimilar to an acid reflux feeling.
Look for a capsule (not tablet*) that contains both betaine hydrochloride and pepsin,
1 When taken with meals, betaine can help produce stomach acid, alleviating the immediate issue. Long-term use of betaine can help your stomach produce more stomach acid on its own.
4 People who've suffered for years with low stomach acid have been known to have immediate, life changing results with betaine HCL.
*We have found that people with such poor HCL will not even break down the tablet; a way around this if you cannot find a capsule. is break up the tablets before taking
Other Things That May Assist Are:
- Chewing thoroughly
- A Good Quality Multivitamin - Because Hypochlorhydria may lead to deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals.
- And Probiotics – When Using antibiotics or while experiencing digestive disruptions such as low stomach acid, that can create Bacterial Overgrowth with in the Gut.
There are many digestive enzyme formulas available on the market most of them are in tablet form.
High Quality Encapsulated Digestive enzymes;
- PPC Digestzymes
- PPC Ultra HCL 4.0
- Duo-Zyme
To order Digestzymes, and Ultra HCL 4.0, please contact beverly@charlespoliquin.com
References
1. Ron Kennedy, MD, "Hypochlorhydria," http://www.medical-library.net/content/view/177/9/
2. HEIDELBERG pH CAPSULE GASTRIC ANALYSIS by Stephen A. Barrie, N.D.
3. Charles Poliquin, “The Acid Test” http://www.charlespoliquin.com/Supplements/acid-test.php
4. University of Maryland Medical Center, "Betaine / Trimethylglycine," http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/betaine-000287.htm
5. David G. Young, ND, “Food Allergies – Medical Considerations,”