Hypochlorhydria: Difference between revisions

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=== What Does It Mean? ===
== What Does It Mean? ==


* Hypochlorhydria is a condition marked by low levels of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid or HCl), which can lead to impaired digestion and nutrient malabsorption.
* Hypochlorhydria is a condition marked by low levels of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid or HCl), which can lead to impaired digestion and nutrient malabsorption.
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* Functional medicine addresses the root causes of hypochlorhydria, including stress, infection, nutritional deficiencies, and gut dysfunction.
* Functional medicine addresses the root causes of hypochlorhydria, including stress, infection, nutritional deficiencies, and gut dysfunction.


=== How Did We Get Here? ===
== How Did We Get Here? ==
Root Causes & Contributing Factors:
 
=== Root Causes & Contributing Factors: ===


* Chronic Stress: Suppresses stomach acid production by impairing the parasympathetic nervous system.
* Chronic Stress: Suppresses stomach acid production by impairing the parasympathetic nervous system.
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* Use of Acid Suppressants: Chronic use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antacids leads to decreased acid levels.
* Use of Acid Suppressants: Chronic use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antacids leads to decreased acid levels.


Signs & Symptoms:
=== Signs & Symptoms: ===


* Bloating, gas, and indigestion after meals.
* Bloating, gas, and indigestion after meals.
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The following lab tests help evaluate hypochlorhydria and its underlying causes:
The following lab tests help evaluate hypochlorhydria and its underlying causes:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|Lab Test Name
|'''Lab Test Name'''
|Expected Changes
|'''Expected Changes'''
|Optimal Range
|'''Optimal Range'''
|-
|-
|Albumin
|Albumin
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|}
|}


=== How Do We Treat It? ===
== How Do We Treat It? ==
Treatment focuses on restoring optimal stomach acid levels and improving digestion.
Treatment focuses on restoring optimal stomach acid levels and improving digestion.


==== Supplement Protocol ====
=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|Supplement
|'''Supplement'''
|Function
|'''Function'''
|Dosage & Frequency
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|-
|Vita-Digestyzyme
|Vita-Digestyzyme
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|}
|}


==== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ====
=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===


* Increase HCl Production: Incorporate apple cider vinegar or digestive bitters before meals.
* Increase HCl Production: Incorporate apple cider vinegar or digestive bitters before meals.