BLOAT LESS GOD BLESS! Low Stomach Acid
Bloating is very common, but it is normal to bloat after every meal. So, let’s talk about it. Why do so many people feel puffy after meals even if they are avoiding dairy and gluten? Here is the “secret”: low stomach acid.
It’s not really a secret, but it feels that way sometimes because low stomach acid is often overlooked when treating chronic bloating, constipation and even reflux.
Yep, it’s not just about what you’re eating but how well your body is breaking it down. And if your stomach acid is low, bloating can quickly become an everyday battle. Let’s dive into why this happens, how it’s connected to your thyroid (my favorite thing to chat about!), and the role minerals play in the mix.
What Does Stomach Acid Do Anyway?
Stomach acid (a.k.a. hydrochloric acid or HCl) is like your digestive system’s MVP. It breaks down proteins, activates digestive enzymes, and helps your body absorb essential nutrients like B12, iron, and zinc. It also acts as your gut’s first line of defense, killing off harmful bacteria before they cause trouble.
When your stomach acid is too low, digestion slows waaaay down. Proteins don’t break down properly, food sits in your stomach longer than it should, and gas builds up—cue the bloating and discomfort.
How Low Stomach Acid Impacts Your Thyroid
Here’s where things get extra interesting (and frustrating). Low stomach acid and thyroid health are tightly connected. If you have a sluggish thyroid (hello, hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s), it can slow down everything, including your stomach’s ability to produce enough acid.
On the flip side, low stomach acid makes it harder to absorb the nutrients your thyroid desperately needs to function, like zinc, selenium, and iodine. It’s like a vicious cycle: low thyroid function ➡️ low stomach acid ➡️ poor nutrient absorption ➡️ even lower thyroid function. And that bloating? Just an unpleasant side effect of this rollercoaster.
The Role of Minerals in the Stomach Acid Equation
Minerals are the unsung heroes of your digestive system, and they’re essential for proper stomach acid production.
Zinc: Helps your body produce HCl and supports thyroid hormone production. Without enough zinc, digestion slows, and bloating becomes the norm.
Sodium: Your body uses sodium to make stomach acid, so if you’re skimping on salt (or only using low-sodium everything), it could be contributing to low HCl.
Magnesium: This mineral keeps digestion moving smoothly, reducing that “stuck” feeling after meals.
If your stomach acid is low, your ability to absorb these minerals also tanks. See how everything is connected?
Signs You Might Have Low Stomach Acid
Not sure if this applies to you? Here are some common signs:
Frequent bloating, especially after meals
Feeling overly full or like food is just sitting in your stomach
Heartburn (ironically, it’s often caused by low stomach acid, not high!)
Weak nails or hair thinning (nutrient deficiencies anyone?)
Fatigue, even after sleeping well
How to Support Healthy Stomach Acid (and Reduce Bloating)
If you’re nodding along, wondering if low stomach acid is behind your bloating, here’s how to start addressing it:
Chew Your Food Slowly: It sounds simple, but digestion starts in your mouth. Slow down and give your stomach a break!
Try Apple Cider Vinegar: A teaspoon diluted in water before meals can give your stomach a little acid boost (just check with your provider first).
Support Your Thyroid: Make sure you’re getting enough selenium, zinc, and iodine in your diet or through a quality supplement.
Add Digestive Enzymes: These can help break down food while your stomach acid levels improve.
Don’t Fear Salt: If you’ve been avoiding salt, switch to a good-quality sea salt or Himalayan salt to give your body the sodium it needs for HCl production.
Consider Testing: A functional medicine practitioner (hi, it’s me!) can assess your mineral levels, thyroid function, and digestion to create a plan tailored to you.
Low stomach acid isn’t just about bloating—it’s about how your entire body functions, from absorbing nutrients to supporting your thyroid. If you’ve been feeling bloated, tired, or stuck in a cycle of poor digestion, it’s worth taking a deeper look.
You don’t have to settle for “just dealing” with bloating or digestive issues. With the right steps and a little detective work, you can support your body, restore balance, and feel so much better. Let’s get that stomach acid working for you again!
For more support, download my holiday guide: 5 steps to decrease bloat! Link is below!
