I'm where you are, I've been doing GAPS and I have seen much improvement. I think I also have had a lack of stomach acid issue for a long time. I tried NOW enzymes but they caused my already accelerated digestive system to accelerate even more, so I had to stop, was making the issue worse. I also do not like taking supplements of any kind, just me!

I have found that by drinking 1 cup of water immediately upon rising (and waiting 30 minutes to eat) has done wonders for my stomach. I no longer wake running for the bathroom, after a couple weeks it was reduce to running after eating breakfast, now 6 wks later no running at all. (now I get no exercise at all!!)

This piece was only a part of what I was doing, but I really notice that it did something good for my stomach to get things going in a good way.

don't know if this is any help but doesn't hurt to offer it up!

Taking betaine HCL apparently increases your stomach's natural acid production, although it seems to be a little cloudy on how exogenous HCL causes increased production from your body.

Increasing your thyroid function will accomplish this.

Stomach acid (HCl) can be lower if you drink a lot of alcohol or take things like Pepcid, etc. Obviously changing these behaviors should help. Otherwise, I don't know of anything to actually increase HCl production. Betaine HCl doesn't increase endogenous acid production; it just supplements it.

As many others said here, Betaine HCL will help supplement the missing acid. However, to produce more, you might need to eat more raw, and acidic foods. So go for more salads with vinegar, and fruits, and some sauerkraut too. And when you're eating meat, instead of mustard, pour lemon on it.

Yes it is possible and herbs can help achieve this goal.Digestive bitters and tonics can do wonders when used properly.http://www.livestrong.com/article/297288-health-benefits-of-swedish-bitters/

Herb-ally speaking it is always best to use local herbs.I prefer these http://www.iherb.com/Planetary-Herbals-Digestive-Grape-Bitters-8-fl-oz-236-56-ml/19147

Having MTHFR gene mutation can also lower HCL production, causing IBS and host of other digestive issues & auto immune disorders from malabsorption of nutrients in the intestine

As probably mentioned before, I believe SIBO can cause a low gastric acid situation. By going on a VLC diet for brief period (1-2 weeks) one can put a dent in the bacteria count and have gastric acid level restored. Of course afterward you need to keep a lid on your carb intake or a SIBO situation will return. If you Google around you will find a clinical study that backs up.

I suffer from low gastric acid too. I need to take an HCL capsule at every meal, especially if meat is consumed, or I get awful acid reflux. This situation comes and goes. I might be on HCL for a couple of months, gastric acid level recovers for a couple of months, then back on HCL. I need to try going VLC to see if I can get off HCL for good. ... oh, I am also subclinical hypothyroid (TSH 5.x). This might be a contributor to low gastric acid.

_Lazza

No medical advice intended, but have you thought about looking more closely at betaine HCL / trimethylglycine ? http://questioning-answers.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/hypochlorhydria-and-autism.html (mention it to your doctor also)

i had the same problem. the food i ate did not get digested properly. i used a home remedy and after 2-3 weeks i'm absolutely fine and my stomach is stronger and has good digestion. i used to drink this, you can make it at home

Cumin powder — 2 tsp (most important ingredient 1)

Rock salt / normal salt — 1 tsp

Juice — 1lemon

Ginger — a pinch (optional)

Chopped coriander(optional)

glass full of water (normal temperature) (most important ingredient 2)

Rock salt: helps in cooling the body, a good digestive and anti-acidic.

• Cumin: Also known as jeera helps in digestion, good for respiratory disorders and anemia.

• Lemon: Packed with vitamin C, boosts immunity. Helps give you a clear complexion and an excellent appetiser. It is a very commonly used ingredient in detox juices.

• Ginger: It has soothing properties which keeps your body warm when you have a temperature. It relieves colds and body aches.

• Coriander: Boost immunity and is a rich source of fiber. Go ahead and chill out.

I used to have this drink after every meal for the first week. (My stomach was very week). From the second week i started drinking only after heavy meals (meat) and continued the same. since then my digestion has improved and i have become more healthy. avoid cold fluids for at least a week.

Yes - What is causing the problem can likely be brought back into balance. Make sure your nutrition is right. You need sufficient Iodine, B1 and Zinc to produce it. If you have any IBS/leaky gut/SIBO issues then resolving those can result prove stomach acid. Also building beneficial bacteria in the guy can encourage production. Low Carb and Specific Carb (GAPS) diets can help in these pursuits.

I think Chris Kresser's series on Heartburn is the best place to read about stomach acid.

I would love to hear from paleo-minded people who have actually seen improvements though, especially anyone with actual before and after measurements.

Apple cider vinegar is the answer. It cured my moms acid reflux in 3 days

I've been drinking homemade lemon juice (just a squeeze a lemon and put hot/cold water in). I've have seen an improvement in my digestion. I also tried drinking broth, which should also help because of the glycine.

I think this is very much a n=1 experiment. Try out different things and see what works.

Is there any truth in "something I read once" that if you don't have enough salt in your diet then you can't produce adequate amounts of stomach acid?

Ive heard that Sugar beets naturally contain whatever is in betaine. I'm gonna try it out and see if it works.