Hypochlorhydria

Low stomach acid.  This is a condition more common than most think.  Studies have shown that of those that think they have high stomach acid - 90% actually have low stomach acid.

Your digestive system needs healthy, strong acid in your stomach in order to digest your food properly.

Symptoms:

Bloating - food just sits in the stomach.

Acid reflux - often, when the food sits in your stomach for a long time, it will leak up into your esophagus, causing heartburn.

Poor digestion - belching, flatulence, gurgling, food in the stools, etc.

Treatment:

Hydrochloric acid supplementation.  You have to self-dose.  Here's how you do it:

Take one capsule with a meal.  You want to be sure you don't take these capsules on an empty stomach.  Take note if there is any burning or discomfort in your stomach later.  If there is, you may have taken too much.  If not, you may need more.  Increase the dose gradually (increase by one capsule every 3 or 4 days).  When you get the burning it means you have gone too far.  Now you know your dose.  Use less for smaller meals.  Over time, as your digestion improves, you will need less and you will get a burn - reduce the dose.

Cautions:

Some people that have had stomach problems for years may not be able to stand proper levels of stomach acid in their stomachs.  They need to work on rejuvenating their stomach linings before supplementing with acid.

If you have been on acid blockers and want to get off of them, you need to come off gradually - work with your doctor.  There is quite a rebound effect.