Natural Remedies for Hypochlorhydria / Achlorhydria

Natural Remedies for Hypochlorhydria / Achlorhydria


By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide

Updated January 30, 2008



About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board



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Hypochlorhydria and achlorhydria are conditions in which the production of hydrochloric acid in the digestive juices of the stomach is low or absent, respectively.



Hydrochloric acid is needed for the breakdown of protein in the stomach, to help with the absorption of nutrients such as calcium and iron, and to control the growth of unwanted microorganisms in the digestive tract.



Some risk factors for hypochlorhydria include:





Chronic use of medications that affect gastric acid levels, including antacids, proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists



Chronic helicobacter pylori infection



People with antiparietal cell antibodies (pernicious anemia, chronic atrophic gastritis, certain autoimmune diseases)



Prior gastric bypass surgery



Hypochlorhydria and achlorhydria increase with age. In one report that examined 1590 people, the incidence of achlorhydria was 19% in the fifth decade of life and 69% in the eighth decade.



Having or achlorhydria has been associated with:





Carcinoid tumors in the digestive tract



Hip fracture, possibly due to reduced calcium absorption



Bacterial overgrowth in the digestive tract, which can lead to reduced absorption of vitamins and nutrients



Symptoms of hypochlorhydria include: diarrhea, steatorrhea, macrocytic anemia, weight loss, protein-losing enteropathy, abdominal discomfort or bloating and reflux. Deficiencies in certain nutrients may result in limb weakness, memory or mood changes, numbness and tingling in the lims or cause other symptoms.



Natural Remedies for Hypochlorhydria

Some alternative practitioners believe that this condition is relatively common, particularly in people with weak or brittle hair and nails, bloating, indigestion, and tiredness. It's important to keep in mind that there's insufficient evidence about the effectiveness of natural remedies for hypochlorhydria, however, here are some of the more common remedies:





Bitter herbs - Some alternative practitioners say that bitter herbs may stimulate the secretion of stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Examples of bitter herbs are gentian and dandelion. They're often recommended in liquid vs. capsule form, because it's the bitterness that's thought to trigger the release of digestive juices. Another option is to buy a herbal tea containing bitter herbs and drink one cup before eating.





Betaine hydrochloride - Look for a capsule (not tablet) that contains both betaine hydrochloride and pepsin, say some practitioners. It's often suggested that the capsule be taken at start of a meal. This supplement is controversial and should only be taken under the supervision of a health care practitioner because of possible side effects and drug interactions.





Chew thoroughly





Multivitamin - Because hypochlorhydria may lead to deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals, a multivitamin and mineral supplement may be recommended.





Vitamin B complex - Some practitioners suggest an additional vitamin B complex.





Herbs - Grapefruit seed extract, garlic, oregano oil and enteric-coated peppermint oil are some supplements thought to help if there is bacterial overgrowth.





Probiotics





Glutamine





Ginger Tea - Ginger is thought to aid digestion and reduce bloating. In Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, ginger is considered a digestive tonic.