HCL and Digestion

Why your Digestive System needs HCL

The Role of Hydrochloric Acid

Hydrochloric Acid which is also called HCL is a corrosive liquid. When we eat our meal, HCL is one of the chemicals we release. The role of HCL in our stomach is to break down foods which cause the release of enzymes which further support digestion. HCL also protects our body from illnesses through killing all the pathogens which are found in foods that we eat.

Beneficial to Digestion and Stomach

Hydrochloric acid activates pepsin, a substance that normally digests all the proteins that we eat. Protein is needed by the body especially every cell of our bodies like hormones, enzymes, elastin, collagen, our skin, nails, and muscles.

Hydrochloric acid also acts as an antiseptic in the stomach making better digestion. This also assists in the fermentation of the food which occurs in the moist environment of the stomach. One of its very vital roles of HCL is that it helps prevent food-poisoning and infections like bacterial, parasitic, viral and protozoal.

Hydrochloric acid allows the body to better absorb minerals like magnesium and calcium. Minerals are important to the body since these help in running the various biochemical reactions that take place inside the body. They also contribute to the structural formation of our bones. The need for hydrochloric acid is very important especially for those who are suffering from constipation, diarrhea and even heartburn. If you lose your taste for some foods like meat, you might need hydrochloric acid.

Symptoms of Low HCL

• Bloating
• Heartburn or reflux
• Undigested food in stool
• Odorous gas
• IBS
• Bacterial or parasitic infections
• Yeast overgrowth
• SIBO
• Poor hair, teeth and nails
• High triglycerides and cholesterol

Increase Stomach Acid Naturally

NOTE: None of the following are suitable if you suffer from gastritis or ulcers:

Bitter herbs.
Bitters such as gentian, globe artichoke, hops and dandelion root are some of the safest bitter hearbs and most effective herbs to stimulate HCL. Ginger is also a great digestive stimulant.

They work most effectively in tincture form so they’re best obtained from an herbalist. My favorites are made by Urban Moonshine.

Supplement with betaine hydrochloride and pepsin.
This supplement is available in health food shops. Take one tablet with the first mouthful of food and increase the dose by one extra tablet at each subsequent meal until you feel a burning sensation in your stomach.

At the next meal, drop back to the previous dose once you’ve discovered the proper amount for you. If you start experiencing a burning sensation again, reduce the number of tablets once more. This supplement will actually increase your own production of hydrochloric acid over time.

Do not use HCL if you have gastritis, ulcers or H.Pylori.

Avoid drinking large amounts of water with meals.
This will dilute your gastric juices.

Eat in a peaceful environment and chew your food thoroughly.
The smell and anticipation of food triggers gastric acid release and chewing preps your stomach for digestion.

Avoid over the counter antacids and proton-pump inhibitors.
While these might relieve your symptoms of heartburn or GERD they are actually depleting low stomach acid even more.