Acid Reflux Causes

Low hydrochloric acid (HCl) levels in the digestive system can spell problems for many people, especially those with chronic digestive conditions and the elderly.

HCl levels in the stomach must be high enough to kill off the bad bacteria found in much of our food. Without this naturally occurring control in your system, infections can occur and cause upset stomach and other digestive problems.

In addition, pepsin—a naturally occurring enzyme that helps break down protein—doesn't activate properly when hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach are too low. With lowered levels of HCl and pepsin, digesting protein and other foods and absorbing the minerals you need becomes difficult for the body.