The Importance of Optimal Stomach Acidity for Weight Loss

An appropriate level of stomach acid is critical to a properly-functioning physiology and absolutely essential to regulating our body weight and promoting fat-loss.

Achieving optimal levels of stomach acidity is something I work on with every weight loss client. The symptoms of low stomach acidity include but are not limited to:

• Bloating
• Reflux (commonly thought to be caused by too much acid which is not often the case)
• Headaches
• Nausea after eating
• Aversion to meat or an inability to digest meat
• Fatigue
• Candida overgrowth
• Vitamin & mineral deficiency
• Diarrhea and/or constipation

When stomach acidity is low it can be difficult to breakdown and digest food which leads to increased hunger despite being full. This occurs because the body has not received the nutrients it requires so it prompts you to eat more.

Low stomach acidity can lead to a condition known as "leaky gut syndrome" which creates inflammation in the body. Inflammation leads to systemic stress, prolonged stress causes weight gain.

A sluggish gut leads to a sluggish metabolism so we must ensure that our gut is secreting normal levels of digestive juices and maintaining a healthy level of gastric acidity.

Digestive juice and stomach acid stimulate the breakdown and absorption of essential nutrients that play a key role in fat loss. Any deficiencies will down-regulate the overall functioning of our body, decrease our metabolism, trigger cravings and cause fatigue along with other stubborn, chronic issues.

How to Increase Stomach Acid Safely and Naturally

There are many things you can do to increase stomach acid levels gently and safely.

Himalayan salt is an easy addition. Adequate salt intake is essential for the production of hydrochloric acid in the gut. Low levels of HCL can lead to bloating, fatigue, sluggish feelings (mentally and physically) and an inability to digest meat. Himalayan salt contains many other essential minerals and is a better choice than white salt.

Apple cider vinegar is a remedy I recommend to almost every one I see. ACV can help to increase stomach acidity while creating a happy environment for a wider variety of good bacteria to flourish. My general recommendation is 1 tsp in a small amount of water 30 minutes before meals. Choose an apple cider vinegar that contains the "mother".

Avoid foods that you know cause heartburn or reflux. These foods are having a direct negative effect on your stomach's ability to achieve and maintain optimal acid levels.

It is best to avoid drinking liquids at meal times but if you must drink water at meal times choose warm water or room temperature water

Chew your food slowly and thoroughly. Digestion begins in the mouth and will stimulate your stomach to secrete those essential digestive juices.

In conclusion

Optimal levels of stomach acid are essential for good health and easy weight loss. Reach out any time for guidance on how you can heal your gut and become your healthiest self today!