Natural Remedies for Hypochlorhydria / Achlorhydria

Hypochlorhydria and achlorhydria are conditions recognized in alternative medicine 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 limbs or cause other symptoms.

Some alternative practitioners believe that this condition is relatively common, particularly in older people with weak or brittle hair and nails, bloating, indigestion, and tiredness. It's important to keep in mind that there is a lack of supporting research on the remedies that are typically recommended by alternative medicine practitioners for hypochlorhydria.

• 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 an herbal tea containing bitter herbs and drink one cup before eating.
• Betaine hydrochloride - According to some alternative medicine practitioners, look for a capsule (not tablet) that contains both betaine hydrochloride and pepsin. It's often suggested that the capsule be taken at the 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.