Summary Hypochlorhydria refers to a defiency in hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach, which can result in the body inadequately being able to assimilate foods and can lead to malnutrition. Symptoms of hypochlorhydria include: bloating, acne, parasites, iron deficiency, belching, indigestion, diarrhoea, multiple food allergies. Some medications such as antacids and anti ulcer medications are said to lead to hypochlorhydria as is a poor diet rich in processed, packaged, high sugar foods.

Hypochlorhydria refers to a deficiency of hydrochloric acid (HCL) produced by the stomach. HCL is required to break down protein, stimulate an enzyme called pepsin to break down protein further, assimilate vitamins and medications, acid base balance and stimulating pancreatic enzyme and bile release into the small intestine. Hypochlorohydria affects many bodily systems. The body cannot adequately digest food if the stomach is deficient in HCL. Protein can be decomposed in the intestines by pathogenic bacteria resulting in the release of toxic substances such as cadaverine and hydrogen sulfide gas.

A deficiency in stomach acid can also cause malnutrition. As mentioned previously HCL stimulates the release of pancreatic enzymes. The enzymes digest carbohydrates, fats and proteins and assist the absorption of Vitamin A and E and if there are not enough of them the person can become malnourished regardless of how good their diet is.

People who suffer from hypochlorohydria can often feel hungry all the time because their body is not absorbing enough nutrients from the foods they are eating.

Symptoms of Hypochlorhydria include:

Bloating, belching, burning,flatulence immediately after meals, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, itching around the anus, multiple food allergies, brittle finger nails, dilated blood vessels on cheeks and nose, acne, iron deficiency, parasites, candida albicans proliferation, nausea after taking nutritional supplements. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Conditions that have been linked with Hypochlorhydria include:Celiac disease, Addisons Disease, Asthma, Eczema, Diabetes Mellitus, Chronic Hives, Psoriasis, Rosacea, Osteoporosis [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Medications or diet that are said to cause hypochlorhydria

Antacids neutralise stomach acid. They can deplete the body of nutrients.

Anti Ulcer Medications Can lead to achlorhydria meaning that no stomach acid is produced. Food will sit in the stomach for hours decomposing and releasing toxins.

Too much sugar and refined carbohydrates can cause the stomach to become too alkaline. The resulting environment created is perfect for the proliferation of candida.

<< Back to Causes main page

[1] Braly, J, 1992, Dr Braly's Food Allergy and Nutritional Revolution Keats Publishing
[2] Gibbons, D, 1992 Colitis and Other IBS Conditions Keats Publishing
[3] Murray, M, Pizzorno, J, 1991 Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine' Prima Publishing
[4] The Merck Manual, 1992,16th edition, Rahway, Sharpe & Dohme Research Labs
[5] Lopez, DA, Williams, RM, Miehlke, K, 1994, Enzymes, The Fountain Of Youth, The Neville Press.
[6] Guyton, AC, 1985, Textbook of Medical Physiology, WB Saunders.