Stomach Acid

Many people experience heartburn or acid reflux. It’s commonly believed that these complaints are due to too much stomach acid. As a result, acid-suppressing medications like Rennie or Omeprazole are often prescribed. However, did you know that these symptoms are often caused by too little stomach acid?

How Does Stomach Acid Work?

The production of stomach acid is a natural process that begins as soon as we think about, smell, or taste food. Through signals from the brain (via the vagus nerve), the hormone gastrin is released, which stimulates acid production. As food enters the stomach, the stretching of the stomach wall provides further stimulation.

Stomach acid is essential for breaking down proteins, neutralizing bacteria, and preparing food for the next stages of digestion in the small intestine. A healthy acid level is therefore crucial for overall digestion and health.

Stomach Acid at the Wrong Time

In many cases, symptoms don't arise immediately after a meal, but one to three hours later, when the stomach is already empty. The stomach then produces acid at the wrong time, which can cause heartburn. This often happens when there was too little acid during the meal, leading to incomplete digestion and fermentation or putrefaction of food. This results in compounds like lactic acid and sulfur compounds that irritate the stomach lining.

Symptoms of Low Stomach Acid

Bloating and gas after meals
Loss of appetite for heavy foods like meat or legumes
Bad breath or body odor
Constipation or slow digestion
Heartburn (yes, even with too little acid!)
Fatigue, depression, difficulty waking up
Intestinal parasites and food sensitivities

Symptoms of Excess Stomach Acid

Frequent belching or acid reflux
Excessive sweating and hot flashes
Diarrhea
Irritability, restlessness, quick to anger
Burning sensations elsewhere in the body
Increased tendency toward inflammation

Possible Causes of Stomach Acid Issues

Overeating or eating too quickly
Poor chewing, distracted eating
Malfunctioning valve between stomach and esophagus (cardia)
Hiatal hernia
Zinc or vitamin B1 deficiency
Use of acid-suppressing drugs, NSAIDs, antihistamines
Poor dietary habits (excess sugar, caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods, cold/raw with hot foods)

Stomach Acid and the Rest of Your Body

Proper acidity in the stomach helps activate the pancreas and gallbladder. If the stomach contents aren’t acidic enough, not enough neutralizing bicarbonate is released. This can lead to overly acidic chyme in the intestines, causing damage to the intestinal wall, potentially resulting in leaky gut, allergies, infections, and inflammation like colitis.

Mesology and Stomach Acid

When treating stomach acid issues, a mesologist investigates not only whether acid levels are too high or too low, but also the underlying cause. Is the vagus nerve functioning properly? Is there stress or overload of organs like the liver or pancreas? Are there deficiencies in nutrients like zinc or B1?

Through electro-physiological testing, tongue and pulse diagnostics, and an in-depth intake, the mesologist identifies imbalances. Based on this, a personalized treatment plan is created, including nutrition, herbal medicine, supplements, and lifestyle coaching to restore the stomach’s natural function.

Tips for Healthy Digestion

Chew thoroughly and eat mindfully
Limit raw foods during hot meals—eat separately if needed
Avoid excessive sugar, alcohol, and fat
Eat smaller portions and remain upright after meals
Ensure adequate zinc and B vitamins
Drink water, but not excessively during meals
Use herbs like ginger to stimulate digestion
Avoid chronic stress—it slows digestion

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

What does a mesologist do for acid reflux or heartburn?
They investigate whether the issue is due to too much or too little stomach acid and look for the root cause using holistic diagnostics.
Can mesology determine the difference between too much and too little acid?
Yes, based on timing, digestion patterns, nervous system activity, and nutrition.
Are acid suppressants prescribed by mesologists?
No, mesology uses natural approaches like herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle changes.
How does stress affect stomach acid?
Mesologists examine how stress impacts the nervous system and digestive function. Stress-related disruptions are often measurable.
What’s the benefit of mesology for stomach issues?
It targets the root cause, not just the symptom—offering long-term relief.
Can a mesologist help with reflux or weak stomach valves?
Yes, mesology addresses structural, energetic, and functional imbalances, including reflux-related concerns.
Can mesology help with bloating and belching?
Definitely. These often accompany stomach acid issues and are part of the treatment focus.
Is mesology safe for children or pregnant women with heartburn?
Yes, it's a safe and natural approach tailored to individual needs, including during pregnancy.