The importance of the right levels of stomach acid

The right levels of stomach acid are paramount for healthy digestion. Pepsin is the digesting enzyme that breaks down proteins. If this is done improperly it can lead to sensitivity reactions to different foods and digestive discomfort further down the gastrointestinal tract. Low acid conditions also decreases the release of minerals from food and the production of a vitamin B12 carrier known as the intrinsic factor, leading to many nutritional deficiencies.

The symptoms of high and low stomach acid are very similar and in fact most people suffer from low, not high levels of stomach acid - so taking antacids compounds the problem as they slow down the production of stomach acid.

There are many signs of stomach acid imbalance. These include bad breath, a red tongue with a crack down the middle not reaching the tip, a sense of fullness after eating, belching during or immediately after meals and multiple food sensitivities. 

There is a test that can be undertaken to ascertain whether your balance is low or high, a nutritionist will be able to orgainise this test for you.

Lemons can prepare the digestive environment and increase enzyme function. Try half a squeezed lemon in warm water first thing in the morning 15 minutes prior to eating breakfast.