What happens if stomach ph is too high

Smaller food particles are more easily digested in the stomach. It is a good idea to avoid eating for at least 3 hours before bedtime. This allows the body to fully digest before sleeping, and it can reduce the risk of nighttime heartburn. For the stomach to produce HCL, the body needs to absorb zinc from the diet. Zinc-rich foods include:. A low level of stomach acid can result in other deficiencies, such as a lack of iron, vitamin B, and calcium. A doctor or a dietician can help.

They may recommend taking supplements or increasing dietary intake of these nutrients, especially once a person regains a regular level of stomach acid. It is important for people to report associated symptoms and undergo testing. Prompt treatment also reduces the risk of complications. Treatment options include making dietary and lifestyle changes, taking supplements, and altering the course of medications.

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A look at lactic acidosis, a condition characterized by overproduction of lactic acid. Included is detail on complications and prevention. What is hypochlorhydria? Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M. Share on Pinterest Bloating, burping, and gas may be symptoms of hypochlorhydria. Risk factors.

Share on Pinterest Being 65 or older is a risk factor for developing hypochlorhydria. Sometimes, however, those systems fail. Having gastric juices with low or high levels of acidity can be problematic. Stomach acid encounters a lot of things on behalf of your body. It breaks down the foods you eat into easier-to-digest particles. It also acts as the first line of defense against pathogens and microbes that could make you sick. Acidity is measured on a pH scale.

This scale ranges from 0 to For example, battery acid has a pH of 0. The least acidic fluids are at In the middle at 7. Keep in mind that battery acid can dissolve materials like metal and bone. Stomach acid, with its pH balance only one or two spots higher, can also do great damage to some of the strongest materials, like bones and teeth. Other components include potassium chloride KCl and sodium chloride NaCl.

The cells lining your stomach wall secrete this acidic trio. The cells also release several enzymes and mucus. This mucus is vitally important to the process.

Certain situations, like medication and stress, can interfere with this all-important fluid. That may prevent your body from producing as much HCl. But if your stomach acid is chronically low, you may have a condition called hypochlorhydria.

The complications of chronically low levels of acid can be quite significant. The early stages of this condition can result in difficulties digesting food and absorbing the nutrients your body needs to function properly. If left untreated, it can damage your gastrointestinal GI system. This increases your risk for infections and chronic health issues. Your doctor may prescribe an HCl supplement. They may also prescribe medications with the enzyme pepsin.

This enzyme helps increase stomach acidity. If the level of acid in your gastric juices is too high, the mucus in your stomach may stop being effective. High stomach acid levels can lead to a number of complications, including:.

High stomach acid is most commonly treated with medication. This may allow for adequate digestion. Hypochlorhydria is a condition that occurs when a person has low levels of HCL in their stomach. It can lead to symptoms such as:.

Although anyone can have low stomach acid, hypochlorhydria is most common in adults aged 60 years and over. Although occasional bloating and stomach pain can lead to discomfort, these symptoms tend to resolve on their own with time.

Hypochlorhydria is a relatively common condition that can lead to bloating, indigestion, and changes in bowel habits. Low stomach acid is not a life threatening condition. People can manage symptoms of hypochlorhydria and increase their levels of stomach acid by making certain dietary and lifestyle changes. Older adults may benefit from taking HCL supplements that contain pepsin, which is an essential digestive enzyme. People who experience indigestion that lasts longer than 2 weeks may wish to consider speaking with a healthcare professional.

There are a few things that people can try to naturally increase their levels of stomach acid. However, there is not much evidence supporting these methods. People should speak with a doctor before taking any new supplements or making any significant dietary changes. They should also contact a healthcare professional if they have indigestion that lasts longer than 2 weeks and seek medical attention if they experience blood in the stool, frequent vomiting, or unintentional weight loss.

People with hypochlorhydria are unable to produce enough stomach acid. This can lead to problems with digestion and nutritional deficiencies. Acid reflux is an uncomfortable condition in which stomach acid flows back into the food pipe.

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It can result from bacteria or irritation, and medications and dietary changes can help. Learn more…. How can you naturally increase stomach acid? Medically reviewed by Kathy W.