13 Low Stomach Acid

I have low stomach acid.  In order to digest the food that I consume, I must take digestive enzymes and HCL with Pepsin.  HCL stands for hydrochloric acid.

I realized that I had this condition about 20 years into taking 1500 to 2000 mg of calcium carbonate each day in an effort to strengthen my bones.  I did not learn until it was too late that this particular calcium supplement could permanently destroy my stomach acid. Doctors prescribe forms of calcium carbonate to lower stomach acid in people who produce too much. Tums is one example.  But, I did not have that problem.

The amount of calcium that literature recommended I take for my bones was too much.  Over the years, I was developing more food sensitivities, stomach bloating, leaky-gut, and undigested food in my stool.  And worst of all, once I was able to connect the dots with more recent research, I realized that likely much of the nutritious foods, vitamins, and other minerals I was consuming were not being properly absorbed by my body.

I later began seeing a medical doctor, specializing in internal medicine, functional medicine, and nutrition.  She has been overseeing my hypochlorhydria (official name for low stomach acid),  diet, nutritional supplements, and meds ever since.

I am confident that my diet and supplements are fairly well-regulated now.  I will likely always have low stomach acid.  But, the digestive enzymes and HCL with Pepsin work well.  

I must add that I was a bit uncomfortable sharing this post.  Yet, I am doing so in the hopes that anyone who is indiscriminately popping TUMS will be careful.
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1
A must read article follows, explaining how 90 % of people who are taking medication or supplements for acid reflux are doing exactly the opposite of what they need.  These individuals actually have low stomach acid.  If you have symptoms such as bloating, burning, indigestion, or nausea, please read the following article:
https://rbitzer.com/low-stomach-acid/

2
Below is another article explaining how low stomach acid may be related to antacids such as calcium carbonate.  
https://www.healthline.com/health/hypochlorhydria

3
The following article shares 10 symptoms of low stomach acid.
www.lispine.com/blog/10-telling-signs-you-could-have-low-stomach-acid/