How to optimize your stomach acid to improve digestion

Happy Monday Everyone!


Let’s talk about stomach acid, Shall we?!

Did you know that your stomach acid (Hydrochloric Acid) plays a huge role in your digestive system? 

  1. It’s the first line of defense against food borne pathogens (parasites, mold, toxins, bacteria) 

  2. It helps us digest our foods

  3. Breaks down protein

  4. Absorbs vitamins and nutrients (especially B12)


There’s a couple reasons why our stomach acid (Hydrochloric Acid) can get depleted over time;

  1. Chronic stress can cause indigestion therefore affect stomach acid production

  2. As we get older (50+) the ability to produce HCL (Hydrochloric Acid) starts declining

  3. Chronic Inflammation

  4. Overuse of heartburn medication, alcohol, spicy foods, fried foods, sugar, coffee


Fortunately there are many natural ways we can optimize your stomach acid such as 

The ginger pickle recipe 

  • 1 full ginger peeled and shredded

  • 1 full lemon (juiced)

  • 1 tsp of sea salt

Mix together in a mason jar and let pickle overnight and take ½ tsp before your biggest meal, everyday for 2-4 weeks 

Other strategies of supporting your stomach acid are;

  • 8 oz filtered water with 1 tsp ACV (apple cider vinegar)

  • Stress management such as meditation, yoga, nature walk

  • Chew your food 15-30 chew per bites

  • Increase your garlic intake (great source of antifungal and antibacterial)

  • Reduce consumption of coffee, alcohol, spicy foods, fried foods, sugar, smoking 

  • Eat in a rest/digest state


Optimizing your stomach acid is one of the 5 steps I take my clients through in my gut health training program. This is step 4 of the 5-step strategy to improving your gut health, impacting your overall health and wellbeing.

To learn more, check out my gut health webinar to discover the 5 step strategy that improves your Gut health 

https://youtu.be/C7vGwhbCi3s?si=YwUKGjBjTDTcX7hQ


I hope this blog post serves you well!

If you feel like anyone would benefit from this post, please spread the love my sharing it

Until next time

Take great care of yourself and your stomach acid


Love 

Your Health Coach

Nancy Pitre






Nancy Pitre