Many of us are becoming aware that many of our symptoms of dis-ease begin with poor digestion. Here at 20 something allergies, we are working to reverse that process with our series on healing digestion.
The Need to Supplement
After building up the stomach’s protective mucous layer and introducing digestive tonics, many of us still have a need to temporarily supplement stomach acid.
HCl, or hydrochloric acid, is produced by our bodies to break down food and kill ingested pathogens.
A diet heavy in processed foods and low in live enzyme-rich foods has caused many of us to lose the ability to properly digest our food and develop hypochlorhydria, low stomach acid production.
Think you produce too much stomach acid?
It’s very unlikely though pharmaceutical companies would have you think differently.
Click here to learn why most heartburn and reflux are too often misdiagnosed.
Here is a simple test that you can do at home to find your individual dose of HCl.
HCl Loading Dose Test
1. Begin with a high-quality HCl product.
In my home and nutritional therapy practice, I often use Hydrozyme or Betaine HCl Plus from Biotics Research.
These can only be purchased through a qualified health practitioner, so be sure that the ingredient list is short and pure if you are purchasing your own.
2. Prepare a hearty lunch that includes a good amount of protein and fats. A general rule of thumb is 30% protein, 30% fats, and 40% carbs.
I prefer to eat a meal that usually makes me feel satisfied, does not include foods I’m sensitive to (inhibits digestion), and includes a good size amount of meat, fats, and a smaller amount of carbs instead of driving myself crazy trying to measure.
roasted chicken breast, sliced cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes sprinkled with organic black pepper, unrefined salt, a sprinkle of herbs, and cold-pressed olive oil
3. In a relaxed environment, take a few deep breaths and begin eating your meal.
4. After a few bites, take your first dose of HCl, usually one pill or capsule.
5. Take 2-3 more bites – eating slowly and chewing thoroughly – and take a second pill or capsule.
6. Continue the same pattern – 2-3 bites then pill – until you feel a slight warming sensation in your stomach. I liken it to the feeling after quickly drinking a hot cup of coffee or a shot of liquor.
Don’t forget to count how many pills you take!
Once you have found your threshold, your typical dose will be one pill less than the maximum. So, if you took 6 to get the warming sensation, you will take 5 with meals.
7. Finish your meal without taking any more HCl.
If you continue to have an uncomfortable burning sensation, then a small amount or extra liquid or 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 2 oz of water should be sufficient to dilute it. This feeling will usually go away as you add more food.
Dosage Adjustments
This amount will need to be adjusted based on meal type and size and stress levels, but it is a good rule of thumb for every day use.
If you have a handful of chips, you will not need a stomach acid supplement designed to help digest a full meal.
On the other hand, if you are travelling and under extra stress, you will likely need to increase your dose due to the unfamiliar food, eating in sympathetic mode (not digestive-friendly), and the extra possibility of unfamiliar pathogens.
The stomach is the first line of defense in keeping many pathogens at bay and can prevent you from getting many illnesses.
Why Didn’t It Work For Me?!
If you have piled on the pills and never feel a warming sensation (if you reach 9-10 with no warming feeling), this doesn’t mean that you don’t need HCl. It just means that your body can’t tell you when you’ve had enough.
There are some people who have damaged pathways that don’t allow the body to communicate properly. Learn more about that connection here.
Start at the beginning to heal your digestive system from step 1 before beginning HCL supplementation.
Working with a qualified holistic health professional can help facilitate this process. Don’t have one? I often work with distance clients in my practice. If you’d like to contact me, I’d be happy to talk about working together!
DETOXIFICATION
IMMUNE SUPPORT
IMMUNE SUPPORT
THYROID SUPPORT
ADRENAL SUPPORT
HEALING RESPONSES
7 Responses
I am at a loss. I have done the HCL test and have gotten up to 10 without any burn. I do the bone broths, ACV and bitters as well. I am on a Paleo diet and have taken out grains, dairy, sugar. I have done the zinc test and barely taste anything.
I supplement with gelatin powder, zinc and copper. Any ideas?
Sandra, did you ever figure out a solution to your problem?
What happens if you accidentally took too many . I took the Hcl beta one plus and then grabbed two other Hcl plus meaning to grab the beta .
I usually recommend eating or drinking some extra water if you notice a tingling or burning sensation. If it causes discomfort, a teaspoon of baking soda in water can quickly neutralize the feeling. Reach out to a healthcare professional for anything over mild discomfort or lasting discomfort! We are able to take a deeper look into what’s happening and recommend remedies that will quickly soothe and restore any damage.
so, the burning sensation you talk about – is that HEARTBURN or burning in stomach ?