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Low Stomach Acid Production

low-stomach-acid1What Is Low Stomach Acid Production?

[dropcap]L[/dropcap]ow stomach acid production is a common disorder in celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis that is characterized by lack of sufficient hydrochloric acid needed 1) to properly digest food, which results in malnutrition and subsequent nutritional deficiencies, and 2) to destroy swallowed bacteria and other microbes, which may allow infections to develop.

It is also common in the general population, as well, affecting 50% of people age 60 years and about 80% by age 85 years.  Nevertheless, low stomach acid is not generally looked for as a cause of acute and chronic disorders that rob health with far-reaching effects.

[box type=”shadow” ]Understanding Stomach Acid Production and Function

The stomach digests incoming food into a liquid state, thereby releasing nutrients so they can be absorbed by the small intestine. Powerful stomach muscles churn food and mix it with gastric juice, dissolving and breaking it down.

Gastric juice is produced by gastric glands located in the stomach lining. These numerous, microscopic glands produce about 3 liters of juice a day. Gastric juice is composed of a high concentration of

Anxiety, Chronic

AnxietyWhat Is Anxiety?

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]nxiety or worry is a distressing emotional state of mind or mood that is characterized by a vague uneasiness, unpleasant feelings of apprehension or anticipation of danger and by interference with normal functioning, ranging from mild qualms and easy startling to occasional panic.

Q: What causes anxiety?

A: Anxiety can be a normal response to stress such as making an important decision, illness, divorce, problems at work or preparing for an exam.

In a dangerous situation, profound physiological changes rapidly prepare us for a “fight or flight” response by release of adrenalin hormone. Adrenalin speeds up metabolism to make available quick energy, tightens muscles in readiness, and speeds up the heartbeat and breathing so that more oxygen is made available to the brain and muscles.

Anxiety becomes a maladaptive disorder when it is excessive, unrealistic, or not provoked and impairs the ability to lead a normal life.

Anxiety that is part of a person’s personality is called “trait anxiety.” Anxiety that comes and goes is “state anxiety,” as in state of mind, and is usually due to unresolved stress or an underlying health problem.

What Is Chronic Anxiety in Celiac Disease?