08/23/2026
🚨Educational post🚨🚨
High/ Imbalanced cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, inhibits the production of hydrochloric acid.
Your lifestyle, in every aspect, can and will impact your overall health. No single pill or supplement can fix how we manage stress, which will always be a part of life in some way. Emotions, thinking patterns, habits, perceptions, beliefs, environment, and past experiences all influence the “why” and “how.” This is why an individualized approach is vital.
Here’s how it works:
• Cortisol is a stress hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to physical or emotional stress.
• During acute stress, digestion is deprioritized, and blood flow is diverted away from the digestive organs.
• Chronic stress and persistently imbalanced cortisol levels can:
• Suppress the parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest-and-digest” mode, which is essential for stomach acid production.
• Inhibit the secretion of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates hydrochloric acid (HCl) production.
• Disrupt the balance of prostaglandins and other signaling pathways that influence the parietal cells responsible for producing HCl.
Consequences of low stomach acid due to chronic stress:
• Poor digestion of proteins
• Nutrient malabsorption (especially B12, iron, zinc, and calcium)
• Increased risk of infections such as H. pylori or SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), since stomach acid acts as a barrier against pathogens
• Bloating, reflux, and indigestion
Supportive strategies may include:
• Stress management techniques (deep breathing, prayer, meditation, nature walks)
• Digestive bitters or apple c***r vinegar before meals. Choose healthy foods, minimize caffeine, and drink enough water.
• Mindful eating (avoid screens, chew thoroughly)
• Supporting vagal tone (humming, gargling, cold exposure, time in nature, morning/evening sunlight, red light therapy)
•Set healthy boundaries with yourself, others, and in life.
https://www.helpinghandsnaturopathy.com/
