Beyond Antacids: Addressing the Real Cause of Acid Reflux

The $10 billion dollar antacid market (Carter, 2019) may be addressing the wrong issue. Many people take antacids to address heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion, which are commonly assumed to be caused by the production of too much stomach acid. However, in many cases, these common pills simply mask symptoms while contributing to the deeper issue of low stomach acid.

Symptoms that are common for both low stomach acid and high stomach acid are acid reflux, heartburn, pain, belching, and nausea (Cullen, n.d.). There are some details that can help you differentiate between high and low stomach acid. Low stomach acid usually triggers symptoms after large meals or protein rich meals and may lead to feeling full for a long time. High stomach acid symptoms occur more commonly after eating acidic or spicy foods and can occur on an empty stomach and immediately after eating certain foods. Deficiencies in magnesium, vitamin B12, and iron, as well as dry skin, brittle nails, and hair thinning may be indicators of low stomach acid due to poor digestion. High stomach acid can lead to stomach ulcers over time as the excess acid slowly degrades the stomach lining (Garuda Ayurveda, n.d.).

Improper treatment of low or high stomach acid can lead to severe health conditions in the future. Low stomach acid is the more common cause of these digestive symptoms, since stomach acid slowly declines with age. Moreover, “true overproduction of acid is often linked to specific medical conditions rather than being a general state for most people experiencing acid reflux” (Bangalore Gastro Centre Hospitals, 2025(a)). When low stomach acid is not properly addressed, it can result in nutrient deficiencies, bacterial overgrowth, and weak immune system function, setting the stage for far more severe health conditions (Bangalore Gastro Centre Hospitals, 2025(a)). 

The root causes of low stomach acid are chronic stress, H. Pylori infection, long term antacid use, zinc deficiency, B vitamin deficiencies, and autoimmune conditions (Bangalore Gastro Centre Hospitals, 2025(a)). Overcoming low stomach acid naturally requires a holistic approach that addresses lifestyle and nutrition. Lifestyle adjustments include chewing thoroughly, avoiding emotional eating, engaging in stress management activities, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding laying down for 2-3 hours after eating (Bangalore Gastro Centre Hospitals, 2025(a); Garuda Ayurveda, n.d.). Nutritional support for low stomach acid levels addresses key nutrient deficiencies and promotes acid production. Eating bitter foods, fermented products, apple cider vinegar, ginger, foods rich in zinc and B vitamins, and manuka honey can help restore balance to your stomach (Bangalore Gastro Centre Hospitals, 2025(b); Garuda Ayurveda, n.d.)

The most effective natural remedies for digestive concerns are based on personalized recommendations that are tailored to your individual needs, health conditions, and life circumstances. Consider scheduling a consultation with Renewed Hope Nutrition to receive personalized nutrition advice, supplement recommendations, natural health suggestions, and functional lab interpretations. Explore our podcast to learn more about natural health.

References

Bangalore Gastro Centre Hospitals. (August 15, 2025(a)). Stomach Acid Test at Home: Low vs High Acid Symptoms + Solutions. Bangalore Gastro Centre Hospitals. Retrieved from https://www.bangaloregastrocentre.com/blog/stomach-acid-test-at-home-low-vs-high-acid-symptoms-solutions

Bangalore Gastro Center Hospitals. (July 31, 2025(b)). Low Stomach Acid Symptoms: At-Home Test + Natural Remedies. Bangalore Gastro Centre Hospitals. Retrieved from https://www.bangaloregastrocentre.com/blog/low-stomach-acid-symptoms-at-home-test-natural-remedies

Carter, K. (August 4, 2019). Hard to swallow: the problem with taking too many antacids. The Guardian. Health & wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/aug/04/hard-to-swallow-the-problem-with-taking-too-many-antacids-indigestion

Cullen, A. (n.d.). A. Vogel Talks Low Stomach Acid. A. Vogel. Retrieved from https://www.avogel.co.uk/health/digestive-system/low-stomach-acid/

Garuda Ayurveda. (n.d.). Low or High Stomach Acid: How to Differentiate Between Them? Garuda Ayurveda. Human medicine. Retrieved from https://www.garuda.hu/en/Low-or-High-Stomach-Acid-How-to-Differentiate-Between-Them