Low Stomach Acid?

I noticed anytime I was starting to feel sick that the first symptom was this feeling of food sitting in my stomach. I remember that all these problems STARTED here, years before the stomach flu of 2014. I would especially notice it anytime that I drank alcohol. I could never figure out what was going on until now. Here is my theory.

Hypochlorhydria- Low Stomach Acid.

As we age, our body makes less stomach acid and digestive enzymes. It even decreases when one is infected with H.Pylori. The bacteria suppresses the body's ability to make stomach acid because guess what people, stomach acid kills the bugger. 

Even though my test for H.Pylori was negative, I wonder: 

1. Is a blood test a good measurement?

2. Could it have been present in the early stages at the time of test?

3. Did I test positive for the bacteria but not enough to be considered positive?

All questions to ask my doctor. Yes, I know and I will. 

Back to Hypochlorhydria:

My entire life, I have had issues digested food high in protein and fat usually processed beef like hot dogs. At age three, I was informed that I should stop eating hot dogs as my body could not process the fat. My the time I was in high school, I could not digest beef at all and sometimes pork. At this time, my doctor told me that maybe I do not make the enzyme to digest it. Around the time I left college and started my career, I started noticing a lactose intolerance. I started using lactaid tablets which contain enzymes to digest lactose. It solved my problem.

Then just two weeks ago, I accidentally ate a tiny bit of beef. I knew that I was doing it too but thought, I should be okay with just a little. Oh, but I was not. All the symptoms that I had as a child came back: burping, indigestion, stomach cramps, and waves of nausea (I did not puke though, came close, and I so wanted to it was that bad). 

Then, it dawned on me. In a great laugh, I realized that I am an idiot. It's all the same problem. ONE PROBLEM I'VE HAD MY WHOLE LIFE. I am not digesting my food properly! I either lack enzymes or acid, or BOTH. 

In my first step while I researched and before starting taking supplements, I did one thing. I decided to go back to a full primal diet (no dairy). Can you believe that all my problems disappeared instantly? I had one or two cases of not feeling "right" after a large protein meal and taking a papaya enzyme worked. Whew. For the first time in a year, I am eating without getting sick afterwards or without fear getting sick. It's amazing.

Some other things I am working on: sitting down to eat my meals and slowly chewing my food. Sound ridiculous? I have three kids 5 and under. Momma doesn't get to sit and eat often. :) So, we have a new rule, when mommy sits down with her meal, she does not get up until she's done, all requests must be held.

Please continue to follow my journey! More information on supplements coming! 

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