You know those days when your stomach feels like a rock, your energy is gone, your skin is flaring, and nothing is “moving”? I’ve had more of those days than I can count. For the longest time, I thought I had too much acid. But the truth was the opposite:

👉 I have low stomach acid.

And let me tell you—it can be miserable.

What started as mild bloating and food sensitivity turned into a full-blown crisis. I couldn’t eat more than a few bites without feeling sick. I lost weight rapidly—not from dieting, but from my body shutting down digestion completely. I went from 180 pounds to 107 in a matter of months. That’s not transformation. That’s survival mode.

🧠 What Is Low Stomach Acid?

Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) means your stomach doesn’t produce enough hydrochloric acid to digest food properly. It sounds like a minor issue, but the effects ripple through every system in your body.

Here’s what happens when your stomach acid is too low:

Food sits in your stomach too long, slowing digestion You feel full after just a few bites Protein doesn’t break down properly, causing bloating, gas, and pain You don’t absorb nutrients—especially iron, zinc, and B12 Motility slows down, so things get… stuck And ironically, you may still get heartburn, because undigested food ferments and backs up

This invisible issue had very loud symptoms—and it was ruining my life.

🌀 How Low Acid Impacts Motility (and Weight)

Let’s talk about the gut traffic jam nobody prepares you for.

Low acid doesn’t just make you uncomfortable—it stalls your entire GI system. Your stomach doesn’t send the “all clear” signal to your intestines, and without that, your body holds on to everything. You stop going to the bathroom regularly. You feel heavy and swollen, and food just lingers.

For me, this meant:

Constant bloating and gas Two to three days between bowel movements Severe nausea after meals And a body that was too overwhelmed to eat

That’s how I dropped from 180 to 107 pounds—not by choice, but because my system couldn’t function. It wasn’t sustainable, and it wasn’t okay.

🔄 My Plan to Fix It (Gently)

I’m not looking for a quick fix. I want real healing, and that takes consistency, compassion, and strategy. Here’s what I’m doing to support digestion and get my motility back on track:

💊 Supplements & Support

Protonix – prescribed to reduce inflammation while I reset Digestive Enzymes + Ox Bile – taken with protein-rich meals Zinc Carnosine + NAG (N-Acetylglucosamine) – to support gut lining repair Oxy-powder (magnesium-based) – occasionally used to support movement without harsh laxatives Electrolytes + Trace Minerals – paused for now due to nausea, but planned for long-term support

🍵 Healing Teas (3x/day)

Licorice root Slippery elm Marshmallow root

These help coat and soothe my gut lining, calm acid flare-ups, and gently stimulate movement.

🚶 Daily Movement

500 rebounder jumps 25 ab crunches 20 arm curls Aiming for 10,000 steps per day Gentle walking after meals Light belly massage or stretches in the evening

📓 Tracking & Adjusting

I monitor symptoms, energy, food, and bathroom habits daily I test new additions slowly and back off when things don’t feel right I’m honest with myself and patient with the process

💬 Final Thoughts

Low stomach acid is one of the most overlooked causes of digestive dysfunction. But it doesn’t stop at the gut. It affects your:

Skin Energy Hormones Immunity Mental clarity Confidence

This isn’t about vanity or weight loss. It’s about living in a body that works.

I’m still rebuilding. Still learning. Still healing. But this time, I’m not winging it. I’ve got a plan, a rhythm, and a belief that my body can come back into balance—with the right support.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, bloated, exhausted, or ignored: I see you. You’re not crazy. And you’re definitely not alone.