The Truth About Stomach Acid (and Why Low Acid Might Be Your Real Problem)

I still remember sitting in my college dorm, clutching my stomach during yet another acid reflux attack, wondering what the heck was going on.

At the time, I had daily digestive issues—bloating, gas, heartburn, even unpredictable lower GI problems that doctors eventually labeled as IBS (because, let’s face it, they didn’t have a better explanation). I was eventually referred to a gastroenterologist who confidently handed me a prescription for a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). I pushed back a little—after having read just enough to know they might be dangerous long-term. He reassured me: “It’s just for a short time.” But they didn’t work. In fact, I felt worse.

It was around 2004 or 2005 when I stumbled upon EarthClinic, an old-school natural health forum where people shared what actually helped them—empirical, crowd-sourced wisdom before “biohacking” was even a word. Someone suggested digestive enzymes and apple cider vinegar (ACV) in the morning. I was desperate, so I tried it.

And just like that—everything changed.

Within weeks, the acid reflux was practically gone. The bloating after meals disappeared. Over time, the “IBS” wasn’t really a thing anymore. My gut started working like it felt it was supposed to. At the time, I didn’t understand why it worked. I just knew it did. Now, years later—and with the perspective of functional nutrition and holistic health training—I finally understand what was happening.

What You Should Know About Stomach Acid

Here’s what most people don’t realize:

The majority of digestive issues people think are caused by too much stomach acid… are actually caused by too little.

Sounds crazy, right? But hear me out.

When you don’t produce enough stomach acid (called hypochlorhydria), your digestion slows down. Food sits in your stomach longer than it should, ferments, and creates gas. That gas pushes up into your esophagus—bringing acid with it. That’s acid reflux. Not because you have too much acid, but because the acid you do have is going where it shouldn’t.

Even worse, low stomach acid means:

• Poor breakdown of protein (which causes bloating, fatigue, and cravings)

• Poor absorption of key nutrients like B12, iron, zinc, and magnesium

• Increased risk of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine (SIBO)

• Disruption of your microbiome

• Weakened immune defenses (yes, stomach acid is a first line of defense)

And yet, PPIs and antacids—which suppress acid further—are handed out like candy.

Why So Many People Struggle With Low Stomach Acid

There are many reasons why someone might produce too little acid:

• Chronic stress (hello, U.S. college culture)

• Vegetarian and vegan diets (which tend to be lower in zinc and protein)

• Aging (stomach acid naturally declines as we get older)

• Micronutrient deficiencies (especially zinc and B vitamins)

• Gut infections or dysbiosis

• PPI or antacid overuse (creating a vicious cycle)

In my case, I believe it was a combination of things:

I’ve likely had a compromised microbiome since childhood, shaped by environmental toxins, poor diet, and growing up in the U.S. where processed foods and antibiotics are the norm. I also had my appendix removed, which we now know plays a key role in regulating gut bacterial communities and preserving beneficial microbes that repopulate the intestines after illness.

And yes, I even had doctors suggest wrapping a band (called a Nissen fundoplication) around the base of my esophagus to prevent reflux. They wanted to physically alter my anatomy—without ever asking why my gut was misfiring in the first place!

So, What Can You Do About Low Stomach Acid?

If any of this sounds familiar—chronic reflux, bloating, feeling full after a few bites, nutrient deficiencies—it might be time to look at stomach acid as the root issue.

Here’s where to start:

• Test, don’t guess: There are simple at-home ways to screen for low stomach acid (like the baking soda test), but working with a trained practitioner is best.

• Support digestion: Bitters, digestive enzymes, and yes, even a little apple cider vinegar or lemon in water before meals can help (if appropriate for you).

• Reduce stress: Parasympathetic “rest and digest” mode is key to producing stomach acid.

• Don’t overhydrate at meals: Too much water can dilute stomach acid.

• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly: Digestion starts in the mouth.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I’m grateful I found that natural health forum and started trusting what my body was telling me. Healing my gut drastically improved my livelihood—and now I know so much more to help others do the same.

If you’ve been told your reflux is from “too much acid,” or that PPIs are your only option, I want you to know there’s another way. Symptoms are signals, not problems to be fixed superficially without looking deeper. Let’s figure out what your body is really trying to say.

Want help uncovering the root cause of your digestive issues?

Reach out to learn more about how functional nutrition can support your gut, naturally and sustainably—without suppressing your body’s wisdom.