The stomach is the only organ in the body which is meant to have an acidic environment with a pH of about 1 to 2. HCl or hydrochloric acid is one of the many chemicals released in our stomach when we eat a meal. The role of hydrochloric acid, along with the other gastric juices, is to break down food we eat, protect the body from illness by killing pathogens commonly found on foods. [By the way, undigested proteins tend to result in allergic reactions, as the body can’t recognize the substance (when undigested) and the immune system then “attacks” it causing the reaction leading to food sensitivities and autoimmune conditions]
A need for hydrochloric acid supplementation is definitely one of the most common things I see in clients. Especially those patients who complain of bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, yeast overgrowth (even vaginal), and even heartburn!
Most Common Symptoms of HCL Deficiency
Undigested food is stools
Belching and/or bloating after eating
Candida overgrowth
Chronic Fatigue
Autoimmune Diseases
Anemia
Hypoglycemia
What Causes HCL Deficiency?
Aging
Continous use of antacids
H-Pylori
Proton Pump Inhibitor medications (prevacid, nexium etc.)
Intestinal Dysbiosis
There are 2 tests you can try at home to help determine if you have low HCL
- Betaine HCL Challenge Test for Low Stomach Acid
Note: Consult your holistic practitioner or physician before trying this test or supplementing with HCL. DO NOT attempt this if you have an ulcer or on PPI’s
Instructions:
Begin by taking 1 capsule of betaine hydrochloride (BH) before your largest meal of the day. (5-10 minutes before)
You should feel a burning or warming sensation in your stomach or upper abdomen. You may also feel slightly “acidic,” or as though you have indigestion (Don’t worry, this will go away once you begin eating.) This reaction indicates you that your stomach acid is sufficient. The test is now complete and I recommend repeating it yearly since stomach acid levels tend to decrease with aging as well as stress.
If no reaction is felt after taking the BH, the next day increase by 1 pill daily (so you will take 2 before your largest meal). Increase the dose daily until you reach the burning/warming point. Once you have reached that point then consider that the max dose. The next day, decrease the dose by 1 pill and continue to take with your largest meal. (Eg. if it takes 3 pills before you feel a reaction, then you would supplement daily with 2 pills).
Don’t worry, you won’t need to stay on these pills forever. Book an appointment with your holistic practitioner who can help you choose the right enzyme and correct your digestive imbalance.
2. Baking Soda Test
This test involves you drinking a baking soda solution which reacts with the hydrochloric acid in your stomach to produce carbon dioxide gas that causes burping. If you have no hydrochloric acid, you will not burp or it will take you a long time to burp.
Instructions:
1. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in about half a cup of cold water first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything.
2. Drink the baking soda solution.
3. Time how long it takes you to belch. Time up to five minutes. If you have not belched within five minutes stop timing.
In theory, if your stomach is producing adequate amounts of stomach acid you’ll likely belch within two to three minutes. Early and repeated belching may be due to excessive stomach acid (but don’t confuse these burps with small little burps from swallowing air when drinking the solution). If you do not belch until after 3 minutes, then this indicates you likely have a low acid level.
Interpreting the results:
If you suspect low stomach acid, work with your holistic health practitioner to assist you to interpret the results. Treatment will vary based on your other physical symptoms and any other information that you and your practitioner have obtained.