It is necessary to segregate a sufficient amount of hydrochloric acid to digest proteins and to control the proliferation of bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori. An excess of this bacteria is related to a higher risk of developing stomach ulcers and cancer, among other problems.
Adequate acidity is also necessary to absorb minerals and vitamins such as B12 in the intestine. Although it may seem paradoxical, the feeling of heartburn can be a consequence of lack of acidity. Other possible symptoms are flatulence, bloating, diarrhea or constipation.
Home test to detect hypochlorhydria
For determine if you have the right acidity level in your stomach you just have to follow the following guideline:
- Dilute a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water and drink it on an empty stomach.
- If you burp within three minutes, your acidity is correct.
- If you do it after four minutes, suspect hypochlorhydria.
Foods that help you
To avoid the problem of lack of stomach acidity It is advisable to avoid sugars and base your diet on natural products. Some of the foods that can help you are:
- The lemon.Drinking lemon juice diluted in water before each meal helps regulate stomach acidity and provides vitamin C.
- The artichoke. Bitter foods such as artichoke or dandelion stimulate the secretion of acids and digestive enzymes.
- The onion. Relieves heavy digestion and flatulence. It also prevents intestinal fermentation.
He vinegarthe pineapple and the papaya They are also foods that help your stomach.