"Everyone Has a Stomach Acid Problem" Until Proven Otherwise

By: Dr. Alexa Guelig

In today's world, more and more people are experiencing digestive issues like bloating, indigestion, and acid reflux. One of the most common assumptions? That these symptoms are caused by too much stomach acid. But what if the real issue is the exact opposite?

The Myth of "Too Much Acid"

Antacids and acid-blocking medications like PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) are among the most commonly prescribed drugs. They're used to reduce stomach acid and relieve symptoms of heartburn and reflux. But here’s the catch: in the vast majority of cases, acid reflux isn't due to an overproduction of stomach acid — it's caused by too little.

When your stomach acid (hydrochloric acid or HCl) is low, your body struggles to properly digest food. This can cause food to sit in the stomach longer than it should, fermenting and producing gas. That gas creates pressure, pushing the contents of your stomach — including small amounts of acid — up into the esophagus. The result? That burning sensation we call reflux.

Why Low Stomach Acid Is So Common

Chronic stress is one of the most significant factors behind low stomach acid production. When your body is in a constant state of fight-or-flight, it diverts resources away from "rest and digest" functions. Your body isn't concerned with breaking down your lunch when it's in survival mode.

Other contributors include:

• Poor diet (processed foods, low nutrient intake)

• Aging (stomach acid naturally declines with age)

• Medications (especially antacids and antibiotics)

• Gut infections or imbalances

The Hidden Consequences of Low Stomach Acid

Low stomach acid doesn't just cause reflux. It can also lead to:

• Poor nutrient absorption (especially B12, iron, calcium, and magnesium)

• Bloating, belching, and gas

• Increased risk of gut infections (H. pylori, SIBO)

• Food sensitivities

So What Can You Do?

Supporting stomach acid production can be a game-changer for your digestion and overall health. Some helpful strategies include:

• Managing stress through mindfulness, therapy, or breathing exercises.

• Eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly.

• Avoiding drinking large amounts of water with meals (it can dilute stomach acid).

• Considering digestive support (like HCl supplements or apple cider vinegar under guidance of a practitioner).

• Get Tested using a Stool Test or GI map which will tell you how you are producing and using stomach acid and how you can best support your unique physiology.

• Get Adjusted!

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Support Stomach Acid Production

You might be wondering: what does your spine have to do with your stomach? Quite a lot, actually. Chiropractic care can support healthy stomach acid production both directly and indirectly, by restoring nervous system function and reducing stress.

1. Nervous System Regulation

The production of stomach acid is regulated by the autonomic nervous system, particularly the parasympathetic branch — often called the “rest and digest” system. When vertebral subluxations (spinal misalignments) interfere with nerve signaling, especially in the thoracic spine (T5–T9) where nerves connect to the stomach, it can impair your digestive function — including acid production.

Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper alignment and improve communication between your brain and gut, allowing your body to naturally regulate acid levels.

2. Reducing the Stress Response

Chronic stress is one of the biggest suppressors of stomach acid production. Chiropractic care has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and calm the fight-or-flight response. By helping the body shift out of chronic sympathetic dominance, adjustments can indirectly promote better digestion and stronger stomach acid output.

3. Improving Vagal Tone

The vagus nerve is a key player in digestive health. It tells your stomach to start secreting acid when you eat. Chiropractic adjustments — especially those targeting the upper cervical spine — may help stimulate vagal tone, enhancing your body’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients properly.

The Bottom Line

Most people don't have too much stomach acid — they have too little. And it’s often a symptom of a deeper imbalance, like chronic stress or poor diet. By addressing the root causes and supporting your body's natural digestive processes, you can find real, lasting relief from reflux and improve your overall health.

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