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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.

Latest revision as of 02:46, 8 May 2025

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.
  • Stomach acid plays a critical role in breaking down proteins, activating digestive enzymes, and absorbing key nutrients such as B12, iron, and magnesium.
  • Functional medicine addresses the root causes of hypochlorhydria, including stress, infection, nutritional deficiencies, and gut dysfunction.

How Did We Get Here?

Root Causes & Contributing Factors:

  • Chronic Stress: Suppresses stomach acid production by impairing the parasympathetic nervous system.
  • H. pylori Infection: Can reduce stomach acid by damaging gastric cells.
  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Zinc and B vitamins are essential for HCl production.
  • Aging: Stomach acid production naturally declines with age.
  • Use of Acid Suppressants: Chronic use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antacids leads to decreased acid levels.

Signs & Symptoms:

  • Bloating, gas, and indigestion after meals.
  • Feeling of fullness or heaviness after eating.
  • Nutrient deficiencies (B12, iron, calcium, magnesium).
  • Undigested food in stools.
  • Increased susceptibility to infections due to reduced stomach acid defense.

Lab Test Findings

The following lab tests help evaluate hypochlorhydria and its underlying causes:

Lab Test Name Expected Changes Optimal Range
Albumin Decreased 4.50-5.00 g/dL
Alkaline Phosphatase Increased 45.00-100.00 U/L
Anion Gap Altered 7.00-12.00 mEq/L
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Decreased 10.00-16.00 mg/dL
Calcium Altered 8.90-9.50 mg/dL
Calcium : Phosphorus Ratio Altered 2.30-3.20
Carbon Dioxide Altered 25.00-30.00 mEq/L
Globulin Altered 2.40-2.80 g/dL
Iron, Total Decreased 85.00-130.00 µg/dL
MCH Altered 28.00-31.90 pg
MCV Altered 82.00-89.90 fL
Phosphorus (Phosphate) Altered 3.00-4.00 mg/dL
Total Iron Binding Capacity Altered 250.00-350.00 µg/dL
Total Protein Decreased 6.90-7.4 g/dL
Vitamin D25-OH, Total Decreased 45-65 ng/mL

How Do We Treat It?

Treatment focuses on restoring optimal stomach acid levels and improving digestion.

Supplement Protocol

Supplement Function Dosage & Frequency
Vita-Digestyzyme Supports digestive enzyme production and acid balance 2 capsule 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily
Vita-Candid Helps maintain gut microbiota and prevent microbial overgrowth 2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, daily
V-Inflamma Reduces inflammation and supports gut healing 1 capsule without food, daily
Gluta Protect Enhances gut lining integrity and mucosal barrier 1 scoop of powder without food, daily
Vita-Biotic Supports gut microbiome balance and immune function 1 capsule without food, daily
Vita-Flux Promotes vascular health and circulation 2 capsules 20-30 minutes  prior to food, three times daily

Additional Lifestyle Interventions:

  • Increase HCl Production: Incorporate apple cider vinegar or digestive bitters before meals.
  • Optimize Zinc Intake: Include zinc-rich foods like pumpkin seeds, oysters, and beef.
  • Mindful Eating: Encourage relaxation before meals to stimulate stomach acid production.
  • Avoid Overuse of Antacids & PPIs: These medications should only be used when medically necessary.
  • Support Gut Health: Incorporate probiotics and prebiotic-rich foods to maintain a balanced microbiome.
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