Mainstream medicine wants us to believe that all our digestive problems are a result of too much acid in our stomcah, but it’s actually the opposite.  Most people are not making enough hydrochloric acid (HCL), which is what is truly causing a lot of the heartburn, indigestion, reflux, GERD, etc.  Over the counter digestive aids are one of the top five selling products in pharmacy and drug stores.  Think about how many commercials you see or hear on television and radio to give you an idea to how many people are struggling with these issues.

HCL is critical for four simple reasons.

1. HCL is needed to break down protein. Insufficient HCL means poor or NO breakdown and utilization of the protein in your diet.  It is the undigested protein that begins to rot and putrefy in your stomach that causes all the irritation. This is especially important for people who are increasing their protein intake.
2. It cleans and sanitizes what goes into your body.  HCL kills off most of the nasty microbes (bacteria, viruses, parasite, fungus) that may be present in your food.  Did someone sneeze on your food? Or was it properly sanitized during its preparation process?  If you don’t produce HCL these infectious critters get into your body and cause havoc on your immune system.
3. Activate your minerals (calcium and magnesium) and B-vitamins (B-12) to make them absorbable.  Insufficient HCL will not convert these minerals and vitamins into an absorbable form that your body can use.
4. It will activate the release of your other alkaline enzymes.  If your stomach doesn’t get acidic enough it will not trigger the release of the other enzymes that are needed to continue the digestive process.

Using antacids or acid reducing medications turns off this very critical process and slowly begins to deplete and weaken your body.  Yes, they may reduce the irritation, but it doesn’t address the cause of the problem.

When you are in the “fight or flight” from always being on the go and stress in your life…you can NOT be in your “resting/digesting” mode.  This is when your body makes HCL, so the thought that you are making too much HCL is usually incorrect, because so many of us are always eating on the run or in a hurry.  This turns off your ability to produce the necessary HCL and why supplementing with HCL and digestive enzymes are so helpful.

How to supplement with HCL

The goal is to determine how much additional HCL you may need to effectively digest your meals.

First begin with a combination enzyme and HCL formula like Digestin.  If this doesn’t completely reduce your digestive issues, you may want to add some additional HCL.  I have some patients taking an additional 6-8 HCL capsules (Para Cid) because they make so little HCL.

First Do Not use Para Cid or additional HCL if you have been diagnosed with an ulcer.

If you have been using ‘acid-blockers’ this protocol is not recommended for you, without the guidance of a qualified health care provider.

Supplementing with HCL is a gradual process that you need to monitor.  It may take a few days to determine the best dosage for you.

After your first meal, that includes protein, take one capsule of Digestin.

If that reduces or eliminates your issues, Great.  If not on your next meal with the approximate same amount of protein take one Digestin and one Para Cid after the meal.

You are looking for this warm sensation or feeling in your tummy about 5-10 minutes after adding the supplements.

If you Do Not Get that Warm Feeling….on you next meal with the approximate same amount of protein take one Digestin and Two Para Cid after the meal. 

If you do not get that warm feeling in your tummy…on your next comparable meal…add a third Para Cid. 

You will continue to keep doing this gradually process until you find this tipping point or warm sensation.  When you find it, it may feel a bit uncomfortable…and you may want to dilute the sensation if it is strong with additional water.  Don’t be afraid to drink a couple of glasses depending on how uncomfortable it gets.  If done properly the sensation is not too pronounced.

When you reach the tipping point or when that warm sensation hits (after the 2, 3, 4 or 6 capsule of HCL) you want to back-off one capsule of the Para Cid.

For example, if it took 4 Para Cid before you reached that warm sensation.  You can stop monitoring and take only 3 capsules with your meals.  Eventually as you strengthen and improve your digestive system, you will be able to further reduce this number.  But until you do, this will improve your digestive function and allow your body to better utilize the protein and other nutrients in your diet.

Remember the additional use of HCL is a gradual process to help determine how much you may need to improve your digestive issues.