Harnessing the Power of HCL
What in the heck is HCL & Why is it Important?
HCL is Hydrochloric acid and is one of the most important fluids in the human body.
HCL is found in your stomach and is necessary for many processes in digestive health.
HCL is a strong acid that has a low pH level, it keeps the stomach very acidic- which is what is needed for our digestive system to thrive.
HCL helps to kill microbes and pathogenic bacteria that may be a threat to us which keeps our immune system strong and supports our overall health.
Low stomach acid aka hypochlorhydria is linked to many health conditions including:
- gas
- bloating
- heartburn, acid reflux, GERD
- candida overgrowth
- bacterial overgrowth
- trouble digesting foods especially proteins
- H Pylori
What effects HCL levels?
Factors that lead to decreased HCL levels are:
- antacids- neutralize the acid in your stomach leading to lower levels.
- long term chronic stress- leads to low stomach acid output by shutting down stomach acid production.
- lack of exercise
- antibiotic use- disrupts the natural balance of gut bacteria
- poor dietary habits- not enough nutrient variety, diets high in processed foods also lead to decreased HCL output
- smoking and drinking alcohol- decrease nutrients in the body necessary for producing stomach acid
- nutrient deficiencies- low zinc, iron and B-vitamins contribute to low HCL as they are co-factors necessary for HCL production.
Signs of Hypochlorhydria aka low HCL
- feeling too full after eating regular meals
- indigestion
- gas
- bloating
- constipation
- diarrhea
- soreness or burning in your mouth
- stomach upset/ cramps
- undigested food in stool
- nausea
- heartburn, acid reflux, GERD
- parasites
- fungal overgrowth
- H Pylori
Natural Ways to Support HCL output
- walk before or after meals to aid in digestion- move your body daily
- apple cider vinegar has been shown to mimic the effects of gastric juices (1-2tsps before a full meal, start with 1/2tsp and build up to your specific need)
- practice stress management practices to combat chronic stress
- eat a nutrient dense diet rich in variety
- avoid processed foods
- consume high quality protein and fiber
- consume electrolytes through real sea salt, fruits, veggies and drinking enough water
- dont eat close to bedtime
- chew your food at least 20x to help break the food down and digest it more efficiently
- eat smaller more frequent meals throughout the day instead of 3 large meals
- address the root cause of why you have low stomach acid
- for example- zinc deficiency, toxin overload, low vitamin co-factors needed for HCL output
- supplement with HCL when needed
Are you low in HCL?
Want to know if your body is producing adequate HCL?
You can perform a simple at home test with baking soda. Just send hello@harmonizinghealth.com an email requesting the at home HCL test.
