This is Jocelyne Gross with a bit of data on digestion. 

If you have indigestion or heartburn, or a disease frequently associated with low stomach acid output and poor digestion, which would be preferable, treat the cause or take a drug to suppress the indigestion and heartburn, and then more drugs for each other symptoms? 

The answer appears obvious but too often it is much easier to just take an antacid or medication to relieve the burn. While it may be fine temporarily, you want to also make sure you take the necessary steps to resolve the underlying cause. The antacid and medication suppress the acidity in the stomach BUT acid is needed as it promotes digestion and absorption of many vital nutrients as well as prevent bacterial and fungal growth.  Many of these medications also warn against taking them for longer than 7 days due to increased risk for osteoporosis.  

A good first place to start is to see if Apple Cider Vinegar helps alleviate symptoms.  If this is unsuccessful it is a good idea to get help from a nutritionist and look at the diet and see if anything you are eating might be a factor in these symptoms. 

What happens when stomach acid levels get too low? 

1- Poor absorption of important nutrients, minerals and amino acids

2- Poor digestion of proteins 

3- Allergies 

4- Bronchial Asthma in childhood 

5- Depression 

6- Bacterial overgrowth in the stomach and small intestine, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, “gas”, constipation, diarrhea

7- Pernicious anemia 

8- Stomach cancer 

9- Skin diseases 

10- Gall bladder disease (gallstones) 

11- Rheumatoid arthritis 

12- Lupus 

13- Grave’s disease 

14- Ulcerative colitis 

15- Chronic hepatitis 

16- Osteoporosis

17- Type 1 diabetes

18- Accelerated aging 

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