(Hypochlorhydria)
I am certainly glad I did some research into possible links between vitiligo and other disorders because it made me wonder if the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue, arthritis, and Irritable Bowel that have troubled me most of my life might be connected in some way with my vitiligo. After being tested for hypochlorhydria, it turned out I do in fact – in common with many other vitiligo sufferers – have low stomach acid. Happily, this can be treated with Betaine HCI supplements, so I now take these before main meals.
Background Information
When our digestive system is working properly, we produce an adequate concentration of stomach acid – hydrochloric acid (HCl). This helps us to break down our food and absorb the nutrients in it. It also kills harmful bacteria and fungi. If the quantity of HCl is too low we can develop a chronic condition known as hypochlorhdyria. And if we don’t produce any HCl at all, the condition is known as achlorhydria.
Too little HCl results in incomplete digestion. It reduces absorption of nutrients from our food. And it allows bad organisms to thrive. It’s no surprise then that , if this situation continues long term, all sorts of chronic conditions will develop.
Symptoms
A combination of any of these symptoms my be an indication of low stomach acid:
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Bloating or trapped wind after eating
- Stomach pain
- Feeling overly full after meals
- Unexplained hunger
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Vomiting
- Fragments of undigested food in your stools
- Food sensitivities and allergies
- Nausea
- Bad breath
- Recurring fungal, parasitic or yeast infections
- Itching around the anus
- Headaches and fatigue
- Weakened hair/hair loss and weak nails
Other conditions often linked to low stomach acid
I have listed the following associated conditions in alphabetical order, not in order of risk or likelihood. It is probably not a complete list either. But it gives you an idea how much havoc hypochlorhydria can cause.
- Allergies
- Arthritis (Rheumatic)
- Asthma
- Autoimmune diseases
- Candida Albicans
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (M.E.)
- Diabetes (Type I and II)
- Eczema
- Gallbladder disease
- Hepatitis
- Hives
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Intestinal parasites and other infections
- Lupus
- Osteoporosis (brittle bones)
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Thyroid disorders
- Vitiligo
Test
A salivary test can indicate whether or not you have low stomach acid. As far as I know, this test is not offered on the NHS. But Dr Sarah Myhill has offered it in the past via her private practice. And that is how I had it done. Alternatively, there’s another, do-it-yourself test that simply involves taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before meals. Vinegar has a low pH, which means that like stomach acid, it is highly acidic. If you take a tablespoon of vinegar, and your digestion improves, it’s likely that you have low stomach acid. On the other hand, if the vinegar produces a significant burning sensation, you probably have normal, or even high, levels of stomach acid. This test is obviously not highly scientific but might at least give you a clue.
Diet
Diets that help improve stomach acid are also worth considering. Basically, you can’t go wrong by having lots of vegetables and fruits in your diet (rather than too much meat). Avoiding processed and sugary foods is also important. And if you can add some fermented foods like plain, live yoghurt and kefir to your meals, this can help to restore a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut.
Nuts and seeds are also a healthy and energy-boosting alternative to sweets and sugary or salty snacks. And they are great for increasing your fibre intake.
You may also like to take a look at this blog post on the subject: Hypochlorhydria and Vitiligo