Low stomach acid is surprisingly common and can significantly impact digestion, nutrient absorption and microbial balance.

Contrary to popular belief, many symptoms of reflux and bloating come from too little stomach acid, not too much.

Why Low Stomach Acid Happens

Contributors include:

  • stress

  • ageing

  • long-term PPI use

  • H. pylori

  • nutrient deficiencies

  • chronic illness

  • overeating or rushing meals

  • SIBO

  • low digestive enzyme output

Stomach acid is the body’s first line of digestive defence.

Common Symptoms

Digestive symptoms:

  • reflux or heartburn

  • bloating after meals

  • heaviness or slow digestion

  • burping

  • nausea

  • undigested food in stool

Systemic symptoms:

  • fatigue

  • low B12

  • low iron or ferritin

  • protein cravings

  • post-meal fatigue

Low stomach acid often affects digestion from top to bottom.

Connections With Other Gut Patterns

Low stomach acid often contributes to:

  • SIBO

  • dysbiosis

  • yeast overgrowth

  • reflux

  • constipation

  • food sensitivities

  • histamine intolerance

Supporting acid levels can create significant shifts.

Stress & Stomach Acid

Stress directly reduces acid production by shifting blood flow away from digestion.

This is why symptoms often worsen during periods of overwhelm.

Testing Options

Possible assessments include:

  • comprehensive stool test (enzyme markers)

  • nutrient markers (B12, iron)

  • symptom-based evaluation

  • functional assessments (not medical tests)

Supporting Low Stomach Acid Long-Term

Support may include:

  • eating practices that stimulate acid

  • targeted supplementation (where appropriate)

  • improving enzyme production

  • supporting motility

  • reducing chronic stress patterns

  • balancing the microbiome

When stomach acid improves, many downstream symptoms settle.

This Page in One Sentence

Low stomach acid is a top-to-bottom digestion issue — and supporting it can create foundational changes across the whole gut.