Symptom 10: Gas and Belching
Gas and belching, while common occurrences after meals, can sometimes signal deeper digestive issues. Occasional belching is natural, but when it becomes frequent and is accompanied by discomfort or bloating, it’s time to take note. It’s more than just an embarrassing problem; it’s a sign that your digestion might be off-kilter.
Our stomach is like a well-oiled machine when it comes to breaking down food. It employs various enzymes and, importantly, stomach acid to break down complex molecules. This process is seamless when all components, especially stomach acid, are in the right balance. However, disturbances in this balance can lead to inefficient digestion.
With hypochlorhydria, the stomach acid levels are lower than optimal. This deficiency means that food, especially carbohydrates, isn’t broken down efficiently. As these undigested carbs move to the intestines, they undergo fermentation by gut bacteria, producing gas. This excess gas finds its way up as frequent belching.
When the belching is persistent and isn’t linked to obvious factors like carbonated drinks or swallowing air, one should consider hypochlorhydria. This condition doesn’t just disrupt the peace of your digestive system; it’s a red flag, highlighting the inefficiencies in the food breakdown and nutrient absorption process.(10)
