Hypochlorhydria
Hypochlorhydria is a condition where there is a lack of adequate stomach acid, being secreted into the stomach.
Many people, in the process of aging, develop various stages of Hypochlorhydria; however, it is not confined to this aging group, as many young people also develop this problem.
The importance of HCL
The presence of HCl in the stomach generally inhibits (slows down or stops) the reflex of “rapid-dumping” of foods out of the stomach.
HCL performs a natural sterilization of the foods that we swallow, which is an important process, because nothing that we eat is sterile.
In the pre-digestion phase of the stomach, HCL, Pepsin, certain Enzymes, plus the Intrinsic Factor, which is essential for the absorption of Vitamin B-12, play key rolls in the conversion processes of Proteins to Amino Acids and Starches to Sugars that can be utilized by our bodies (in conjunction with the Duodenal, 2nd Phase of Digestion).
Hypochlorhydria (the lack of HCL) renders the critical First Stage of Digestion partially or totally incomplete
Many Allergies can be traced to Patients with Hypochlorhydria. The lack of these intricate pre-digestion processes, cause many of these undigested Proteins to become Allergens. These Allergens often develop into bizarre effects (Allergic Reactions) upon millions of people throughout the world.
Generally speaking, Hypochlorhydria Patients seem to be more prone to Allergies, other ailments, and “premature dumping” of the stomachs contents into the Duodenum (which helps “set the stage” for undigested Proteins and SIBO).
Gas, Belching, Bloating, common to Hyperchlorhydria and “G.I. Spasm” are very often equally present in Hypochlorhydria giving confusing signals.
“Hidden” Hypochlorhydria
“Hidden Hypo” is another form of Hypochlorhydria. In such cases, when the pH Capsule enters a fasting stomach the pH level may be on the Acid Side with a level of 1.2 pH or more, but when challenged with Sodium Bicarbonate, the stomach will neutralize close to pH7.0 but may not come back down into the Acid range for several hours, sometimes longer.