Numerous studies have shown that hydrochloric acid secretion declines with age.

• One study performed by US researchers found that over 30% of men and women over the age of 60 suffer from atrophic gastritis, a condition marked by little or no acid secretion.1

• Another study of an elderly population found the overall prevalence of atrophic gastritis in those older than 60 years to also be approximately 30%.2

• A decrease in acid secretion as a consequence of chronic atrophic gastritis leads to two problems that are particularly prominent in the elderly population: small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and malabsorption. A study examined the prevalence of SIBO using hydrogen breath test and found the prevalence in elderly was 15.6% compared to 5.9% found in younger age groups.3

Younger population also experiences poor digestion and GI discomfort.

A total of 25% of the general population is said to experience heartburn at least once per month.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are amongst the top 10 most commonly prescribed drugs in the world for the treatment and management of gastroesophageal reflux and peptic ulcers. They are widely prescribed and available over the counter for a range of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions from heartburn to gastritis, often with little or no medical testing.

They were first thought to have few side effects. New evidence reveals that extended use of PPIs resulted in a decrease in absorption of some key vitamins and minerals, gut dysbiosis, rebound stomach acid hypersecretion, increased reflux-like symptoms, and hypergastrinemia.4

Natural Digestive Support

There are several natural and widely used options to help digestive function. Bitters are a classification of herbs that have a strong bitter taste that stimulate digestive function. A standard digestive bitter is Gentiana lutea or just plain Gentian.

A few drops of the herbal tincture can be used to stimulate liver and pancreatic function and the release of stomach acid. Increased digestive juices may also lead to a healthier appetite. There are many other bitter herbs to support digestive function, but also have other supportive qualities to the gastrointestinal system as well as other systems of the body.

Here are just a few:

• Oregon Grape has a long history as a digestive tonic and appetite stimulant. Over the last few decades, evidence has grown that supports its use in treating chronic skin disorders. The flower heads of globe artichokes make a tasty vegetable dish, and, like the leaves, have a tonic action on the liver and digestion, stimulating appetite and detoxification. However, the leaves alone are used in medicine, with substantial evidence to prove that they lower cholesterol levels.

• A well-tolerated and moderately powerful laxative, Rhubarb exerts a positive influence on the liver, gallbladder, and intestines. At a low dose, its astringent actions predominate to control diarrhea, while at normal dose, it acts as an irritant laxative.

• A cooling, bitter remedy that was once used to treat fever, Feverfew is now a standard remedy for tension headache and migraine. Research, which has by and large confirmed the herb’s effectiveness, began after a Welsh doctor’s wife found feverfew cured her 50-year-long history of migraine.

• One of nature’s most versatile remedies, Dandelion is both a nutritious salad vegetable and a detoxifying remedy for the liver and kidneys. Loved by herbalists for its gentle cleansing effect, dandelion root finds use in toxic states of all kinds, including chronic skin disorders and recurrent infection.

These are just a few of the powerful herbal medicines available to help digestive function naturally. One might also take exogenous hydrochloric acid (HCl) available at most health food stores. This can be extremely helpful for some people to regain a health digestive tract and I use this quite frequently in practice.

However, I recommend being under the supervision of a doctor trained in natural healthcare as there can be some serious consequences of taking this if there is an ulcer in the stomach or increased inflammation in the digestive tract. If you try this and experience heartburn or pain stop taking the HCl and consult your physician.

References

1. Krasinski SD, Russell RM, Samloff IM, Jacob RA, Dallal GE, McGandy RB, Hartz SC. Fundic atrophic gastritis in an elderly population. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1986 Nov;34(11):800-6.

2. SRussell RM. Gastric Hypochlorhydria and Achlorhydria in Older Adults. JAMA. 1997;278(20):1659. doi:10.1001/jama.1997.03550200035022 .

3. Igor Dumic, Terri Nordin, Mladen Jecmenica, Milica Stojkovic Lalosevic, Tomica Milosavljevic, and Tamara Milovanovic, “Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders in Older Age,” Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, vol. 2019, Article ID 6757524, 19 pages, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/6757524.

4. Kines, Kasia, and Tina Krupczak. “Nutritional Interventions for Gastroesophageal Reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Hypochlorhydria: A Case Report.” Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.) vol. 15,4 (2016): 49-53.

5. Dipali singh, Aditi Ray, Pankhoori sinha. Herbal Remedies. First American edition, 2007
   

If you think you’re suffering from declining stomach acid, inquire about a Nutritional Medicine consultation here.