How To Increase Stomach Acid In 5 Natural Ways

To increase stomach acid naturally, start by cutting out processed foods. Drinking lemon water, adding ginger to your diet and eating more vegetables can also boost stomach acid. Make sure that you eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly to make digestion as efficient as possible.

What is low stomach acid and what causes it?

Low stomach acid (also known as Hypochlorhydria) is a deficiency in the levels of hydrochloric acid found in the stomach.

 Hydrochloric acid is essential for helping the body to digest and break down food into the nutrients it needs. It also helps eliminate viruses and bacteria in the gut. 

Low stomach acid can severely impact the body's ability to absorb nutrients and, if left untreated, can cause a number of health and gastrointestinal issues, including acid reflux.

Symptoms of low stomach acid

Low stomach acid sufferers experience a variety of symptoms, including but not limited to:

• Acid reflux
• Constipation
• Gas and bloating
• Skin problems
• Infection
• Cramping
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Infection
• Nutritional deficiencies

Food is often undigested, which leads to nutritional deficiencies if the condition isn’t corrected. A person with this condition needs to take steps to help increase the amount of stomach acid in their body and alleviate their symptoms.

Can having low stomach acid cause acid reflux?

Low and high stomach acid can both cause acid reflux. The digestive system requires the right balance to properly break down food. When stomach acid is too low, it can lead to indigestion and heartburn that’s associated with acid reflux.

Medications can help you increase stomach acid, such as betaine hydrochloride (HCI) and pepsin. 

Diet can also help increase stomach acid levels and alleviate the symptoms you’re experiencing. Natural methods are often recommended for long-term success, although medication may be required in moderate to severe cases.

5 natural ways to increase stomach acid

1. Avoid eating processed foods

Processed foods are known to decrease acid activity, amplify acid reflux and cause inflammation. Removing processed foods from your diet and substituting for healthy alternatives can help aid in digestion and allow the body to break down food more adequately.

2. Drink lemon water

Lemon water, when consumed in small amounts, can provide an alkalizing effect. Mix a small amount of lemon juice and water together to help neutralize the acid in your stomach. Lemon also helps increase the body’s production of HCI to produce more stomach acid while calming the symptoms you’re experiencing. 

3. Eat more vegetables

Vegetables provide the body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally, and that includes stomach acid production. Fermented vegetables, like sauerkraut, kimchi and pickles promote healthy stomach acid levels and also help with digestion. 

4. Try ginger

Ginger has potent anti-inflammatory properties, but it’s also rich in antioxidants and other chemicals that help with digestion. Its phenolic compounds help prevent stomach irritation and help stop acid from making its way into your esophagus. These properties work together to help promote healthy stomach acid levels.

5. Take your time to eat and fully chew your food

Eating too quickly makes it harder for your body to digest food. Chewing and saliva play a really important role in the digestive process, so take your time when eating. Savor you food. Chew it thoroughly. Aim to chew each bite 32 times to break down your food before it reaches your stomach.

Why Omeprazole (Generic Prilosec) is your best treatment option for acid reflux

With moderate to severe cases of acid reflux, making simple lifestyle and dietary changes may not be enough to curb your symptoms. The good news? Prescription drug Omeprazole has been proven to be incredibly effective treatment, alleviating all symptoms!

Take control of your treatment by speaking with one of our online doctors today. They can help you discuss your best course of action, including prescription medication Omeprazole.

The best part? Omeprazole works the same as brand name acid reflux medications—at a fraction of the cost! It works by reducing stomach acid, effectively preventing recurring episodes of acid reflux. Plus, most adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, can safely take Omeprazole.

Schedule a virtual doctor’s appointment, today.

Get help for your acid reflux, today!

Acid reflux is incredibly bothersome & inconvenient. While diet & lifestyle changes may help, your best option to treat acid reflux is to speak with a doctor.

Schedule a virtual visit with one of EMD's reputable doctors & get a personalized treatment plan that works.

Stop living with acid reflux. Get help, today!