02/17/2021
Repost from .foods
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Hydrochloric acid (HCL) is a necessary part of digestion and secreted from the parietal cells in the stomach.
Stomach acid helps to:
✔️Breaks down protein into amino acids for absorption
✔️Aids in nutrient absorption via acid activated enzymes
✔️Activates vitamin B12 for absorption
✔️Kills ingested bacteria & parasites
✔️Stimulates the release of bile to emulsify fats secondary to the activation of cholecystokinin (CCK)
Stomach acid is secreted when:
✅The vagus nerve is activated
✅During cephalic digestion (smelling/chewing)
✅When blood sugar is low
✅Caffeine is ingested
✅Protein is ingested
On the other hand, factors that decrease acid production include:
❗️Chronic stress
❗️Impaired vagal tone
❗️H pylori infection
❗️Salt restrictive diets
❗️Autoimmune dz
❗️Proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec)
Low stomach acid can contribute to symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, gas, bloating, burping, and easy satiety.
Proton pump inhibitors, such as Omeprazole, are among the top most prescribed drugs in the world for GERD & reflux.
PPIs work by shutting down the production of stomach acid and are not approved for use >14 days unless under the guidance of a medical provider.
Long term use of PPIs increase the risk for:
✔️GI infections
✔️Osteopenia/osteoporosis
✔️Several nutrient deficiencies (calcium, zinc, B12, folate, magnesium, iron)
✔️Kidney damage
✔️Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
✔️Increased prevalence of food allergies and hypersensitivities
✔️Decreased gut microbial diversity
PPIs should not be abruptly discontinued as they can cause rebound hypersecretion of acid. This post is for informational purposes ONLY and you should consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medications.