Indigestion and Acid Reflux: Why Too Much and Too Little Stomach Acid Feel the Same

Indigestion and Acid Reflux: Why Too Much and Too Little Stomach Acid Feel the Same

Posted by Dr. Kyle Burton on

Are you struggling with indigestion, acid reflux, or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)? If so, you might assume your symptoms are due to too much stomach acid—but what if the real issue is too little acid?

Most people are prescribed antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid production, but this approach often misdiagnoses the root cause of acid reflux. In reality, low stomach acid can cause the same symptoms as high acid, and suppressing it with medication can make digestion worse over time.

In this article, we’ll explore:
How stomach acid works in digestion
The role of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
Why low stomach acid leads to GERD & acid reflux
The risks of acid-suppressing medications
Natural ways to increase stomach acid and improve digestion
Why acidic foods are NOT the same as stomach acid

Stomache

How Stomach Acid Works in Digestion

Your stomach produces hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the parietal cells of the stomach lining. This acid is essential for:

✔ Breaking down food into nutrients
✔ Killing harmful bacteria and pathogens
✔ Activating digestive enzymes for protein digestion

But stomach acid isn’t just about digestion—it also controls the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve between your esophagus and stomach.

The Key Role of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)

The LES acts like a gate, preventing stomach contents from flowing back up into the esophagus. When you eat, the stomach releases acid. Once the acidity reaches an optimal level (pH 1.5 to 3.0), it signals the LES to tighten and close—sealing off the stomach so food can be properly digested.

If there isn’t enough acid, the LES may stay open, allowing stomach contents to backwash into the esophagus, causing:

Heartburn
Bloating
Burping
Nausea
A feeling of fullness after eating just a small amount

Since acid is escaping into the esophagus, it feels like excess acid—but in reality, there isn’t enough to properly close the LES.

RELATED : Internal Temperatures of Foods

Why Doctors Often Misdiagnose Acid Reflux

Since GERD and reflux involve acid reaching the esophagus, conventional medicine assumes the problem is excess acid and prescribes antacids or PPIs to reduce it. However, if the real issue is low acid, these medications only make things worse over time by further lowering acid levels.

The Hidden Dangers of Antacids & PPIs

Long-term use of acid-suppressing medications can lead to serious health risks, including:

Nutrient Deficiencies – Stomach acid is necessary to absorb calcium, magnesium, iron, and B12. Suppressing acid increases the risk of osteoporosis, anemia, and muscle weakness.

Increased Risk of Infection – Stomach acid kills harmful bacteria. Without enough acid, you’re more susceptible to food poisoning, H. pylori infections, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Poor Digestion & Gut Issues – Low acid can cause bloating, gas, constipation, and undigested food in stool.

Rebound Acid Hypersecretion – When stopping PPIs, the stomach may overcompensate and produce excess acid, making symptoms worse.

Why Eating Acidic Foods Isn't the Same as Stomach Acid

Some people believe that eating acidic foods, like tomato sauce, citrus fruits, or coffee, increases stomach acid production. However, this is NOT how stomach acid works.

1️⃣ Acidic Foods Don't Stimulate HCl Production – Just because a food is acidic doesn’t mean it increases stomach acid. Your body produces HCl internally, and consuming acidic foods does not trigger more production.

2️⃣ Acidic Foods Can Irritate the Stomach Lining – If you have a sensitive stomach, gastritis, or ulcers, eating acidic foods—especially on an empty stomach—can cause irritation and discomfort.

3️⃣ Too Much Acidic Food Can Exacerbate Symptoms – If you already have reflux or low stomach acid, consuming acidic foods (like tomato-based dishes, citrus, or vinegar-heavy meals) may worsen symptoms rather than improve them.

When to Avoid Acidic Foods

🚫 If you suffer from GERD, ulcers, or chronic acid reflux, limit foods like:

  • Tomato sauce, ketchup, salsa
  • Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, grapefruits)
  • Spicy foods
  • Coffee and carbonated drinks

How to Eat Acidic Foods Safely

Eat acidic foods with a meal – Pairing acidic foods with proteins and healthy fats helps neutralize their effects.

Include stomach-coating foods – Adding foods like oatmeal, bananas, and ginger can help protect the stomach lining.

Avoid acidic foods on an empty stomach – Starting your day with acidic foods (like orange juice) can irritate the stomach lining.

Natural Ways to Increase Stomach Acid & Improve Digestion

Instead of suppressing stomach acid, try supporting healthy acid production to trigger proper digestion and prevent acid reflux naturally.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Drink 1 teaspoon of raw, unfiltered ACV in water before meals to help stimulate stomach acid.

2. Digestive Bitters

Herbal bitters trigger the stomach to produce more acid and digestive enzymes.

3. Betaine HCl with Pepsin

Taking Betaine HCl supplements can help boost acid levels if low acid is suspected. This is what I recommend: Zypan

4. Eat Slowly & Chew Thoroughly

Chewing well signals your body to prepare stomach acid for digestion.

5. Avoid Processed Foods & Sugar

Highly processed foods disrupt stomach acid production and overall digestive health.

Final Thoughts: Healing Digestion Naturally

Indigestion, acid reflux, and GERD are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. If you experience frequent heartburn, bloating, or reflux, the problem may not be too much stomach acid but rather too little.

Rather than suppressing symptoms, addressing the root cause—by ensuring proper stomach acid production—can lead to better digestion, nutrient absorption, and long-term relief.

If you suspect low stomach acid is the issue, consult a healthcare professional for testing and personalized treatment options. Healing digestion starts with understanding how your body truly works.

 

You can schedule an herbal consultation with Dr. Kyle Burton, DAOM

Here

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