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nutrition

Digestion: the importance of hydrochloric acid

You are here: Home / Chiropractic / Digestion: the importance of hydrochloric acid
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Digestive problems are one of the most common conditions I see in my patients. And they are usually one of the easiest to “fix”. Now I want to discuss one possible reason that people can have faulty digestion, related to hydrochloric acid (HCl).

The chemical aspect of digestion begins in the mouth with salivary enzymes contacting food and beginning the breakdown process. It would certainly be feasible to argue that digestion actually begins in the brain when we first look at appetizing food and begin to salivate. Regardless, I will focus this article on the role and critical importance of HCl as it relates to the digestive process in the stomach.

The pH (i.e.: acidity, neutrality, or alkalinity) of  gastric (stomach) acid should normally be between 1.5-3.5, according the National Institutes of Health, some sources report an even lower pH. This is the most acidic area in our body and is a result of HCl. There are other components of gastric acid, mostly water, but let’s focus on HCl. I’ll now discuss the four roles HCl plays in the stomach. Two roles relate directly to digestion and the other two indirectly.

1) Hydrochloric acid denatures proteins. Essentially, it cleaves the bonds and basically “melts” the proteins. This is what it is generally thought to do, but there is more. [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]

2) Hydrochloric acid also activates a substance called pepsin, via its conversion from a substance called pepsinogen. It is pepsin that mainly digests the protein we eat. Protein is critical for just about everything in our body and every cell in our body; namely collagen, elastin, hormones, neurotransmitters, enzymes, antibodies, hair, skin, nails, and muscle; and other bodily functions.

3) Indirectly HCl assists digestion further down the gastrointestinal tract by acting as antiseptic in the stomach. This occurs through literally killing microorganisms that exist in the food we eat. These organisms can come from the handling of food, natural organisms that may be present on raw food, and the unfortunate result of spoiled, semi-spoiled or uncooked meat and fish. Hydrochloric acid will also assist in the prevention of food fermentation that may occur in the dark, moist environment of the stomach. This function of HCl is of critical importance in order to prevent food-poisoning, and clinical or sub-clinical occurrence(s) of yeast, bacterial, viral, parasitic, and protozoal infections – which all happen to be a very common cause of digestive distress.

4) Lastly, HCl allows for proper mineral absorption as it assists in ionizing minerals, like calcium and magnesium to name a few. Minerals are necessary for many functions in the body, especially as catalysts to enzymes that run the important biochemical reactions that take place every second in our body. Additionally, they contribute to structural formation, as in bone.

A need for hydrochloric acid supplementation is definitely one of the most common things I see in patients. Especially those patients who complain of digestive difficulties like bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, yeast overgrowth (even vaginal), and even heartburn. Additionally, patients who complain that they “lost the taste” for meat tend to need HCl as well. Lastly, it should be investigated in everyone with mineral deficiency symptoms, especially osteoporosis. Bone actually has more protein than calcium. To date, I’ve literally only had one patient say that he felt a slight uncomfortable sensation from HCl supplementation, but nothing serious at all according to him. He was willing continue but I chose to have him stop it and use supplements to increase his HCl production instead. This leads me to my next point on how we make HCl.

Here’s how it’s formed. By the way, it takes more energy to make HCl in the body than any other chemical. Additionally, the mineral zinc is absolutely necessary to make it. Hydrochloric acid production is formed by the interaction of carbon dioxide and water, which is mediated by an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase, which is zinc-dependent. As a result, I always supplement zinc when I find a patient needs HCl, and then eventually wean them off the HCl. By the way, a generally accepted reliable indicator of the need for more zinc is white spots on the finger nails. I can’t find conclusive scientific evidence for this, however, I’ve had personal experience with it and also with my patients. Also, chloride is necessary, so don’t be overly afraid to consume sodium chloride (salt) unless it is necessary as determined by your doctor. I find more people need extra salt that not (for reasons beyond the scope of this articles.

One last thing, if HCl supplementation causes irritation to the stomach, or burning in the stomach, you can simply drink down a glass of water and baking soda in order to neutralize the acid right away. Again, I’ve only had it happen to one patient and he felt he didn’t even need the water and baking soda to relieve the discomfort as it was so mild. Warning: if you have been prescribed an acid-blocking medication, you should NOT take supplemental HCl before consulting with the physician who prescribed it. If you take over-the-counter acid-blockers, you should also consult a physician about your problem, as it may be more serious than you think. And remember, those medications were probably prescription-only before they went over-the-counter.

In my experience, digestive symptoms of any sort are quite prevalent. This includes but is not limited to bloating, gas, indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea, and constipation to name the most common. Why those symptoms exist in the first place is key to “fixing” them. And they are also usually the easiest to “fix”. But 90% of the time, the patient must alter their diet. Very often, HCl supplementation is one of the main solutions. But HCl is NOT always necessary. By the way, many, many, many chronic (or acute) low back pain tends to be the result of a dysfunctional digestive system and vice versa. Typically the back pain tends to be dull, achy, diffuse and worse in the morning. Hope this helps!

Dr. Robert D’Aquila – NYC Chiropractor – Applied Kinesiology

Some of this information came from Chris Astill-Smith, DO, DIBAK – and biochemist.

Category: Chiropractic, Common Conditions, Food, Professional Applied Kinesiology, RemediesTag: digestive disorders, GERD, heartburn symptoms, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach, supplements

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michael

    October 6, 2010 at 2:51 pm

    Hi

    I have white marks on my finger nails (my GP said it was because of gelatine deficiency). How much zinc would you recommend as a supplement.

    I’ve found organic apple cider vinegar beneficial to digestion. What’s the difference between ACV and HCL supplementation?

    Reply
  2. Dr. Rob D'Aquila

    October 6, 2010 at 9:34 pm

    Hi – difficult to say how much zinc you (or anyone) would need – maybe you don’t need any zinc at all – I can’t make recommendations based on comments from my site, as I’m sure you understand. ACV is acidic, as is HCl. Can’t be sure if you’d get the same benefit from ACV as you would HCl supps, assuming you needed HCl. Also, if you did need more HCl and ACV did the “same”, would you want to have ACV with every meal? Or with all the meals that you’d need HCl? Anyhow, you’re not the only one who has found ACV helpful, and I’ve found with patients that it’s actually a good way to see if they can be helped with HCl supps.

    Reply
  3. jahir- ul- ahmed

    January 30, 2012 at 3:28 pm

    i am suffering 4m repeated pin worm infection 4m last 20 years.Doctors/gasteroentrologists have tried every anti worm medicine but within 2-3 moths the worms come back inspite of maintaining all hygine.What type of zinc component(eg.zinc sulphate,zinc carnosine ete.) increases the hcl enyme and what should be it’s quantity per day for an adult?Wheather proper balance of hcl enzyme is helpful to prevent such worm infection? I am cluless about my disease,Pls give me some advice.

    From-
    Jahir,India,age-40

    Reply
    • Dr. Rob D'Aquila

      January 30, 2012 at 6:48 pm

      Hi Jahir,

      I like using zinc picolinate. And I’ve put patients on anywhere from 30mg-90mg a day (I’ve personally taken up to 180mg/day), depending on there size and condition. HCl should help prevent parasitic infection if you’ve just ingested one and then it comes into contact with the acid. If a parasite is already in the system, it most likely won’t contribute much to resolving the infection. It’s very possible that the medication is working, but you are continually being exposed to the same parasite, and therefore it keeps returning. You should check your food and water supply first as the main culprits.

      I cannot recommend a specific amount of zinc, or any zinc, for you.

      Good luck,
      Dr. Rob D’Aquila

      Reply
  4. Frank

    April 1, 2013 at 11:28 pm

    Is there a way to raise hcl apart from zinc?

    Reply
    • Dr. Rob D'Aquila

      April 12, 2013 at 5:02 pm

      Hi Frank,

      Vitamin B6 and chloride (“salt”) are also necessary. Bitters may be helpful as well. Lastly, a low functioning thyroid will impede HCl production.

      Good luck,
      Dr. Rob D’Aquila

      Reply
  5. Olami

    February 23, 2014 at 10:10 pm

    This is so wonderful.thanks a bunch.

    Reply
  6. sam jones

    May 30, 2014 at 10:59 pm

    I think I need some HC Acid. Enzymes just seem to make me feel worse. A quick question… when is the best time to take a probiotic? I usually take them last thing at night before bed. Many thanks

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Digestive disorders and the 4 R’s « Dr. Rob D'Aquila says:
    September 29, 2009 at 11:32 pm

    […] 2) Replace – This refers to “replacing”, really adding the biochemicals (via dietary supplements) necessary to digest food. For example, one may need digestive enzymes (to break down fat, carbohydrates, and protein) and/or hydrochloric acid to help with digestion of protein in the stomach, among other important reasons. […]

    Reply
  2. Ileocecal valve – revisited « Dr. Rob D'Aquila says:
    November 23, 2009 at 11:33 pm

    […] would be magnesium, or lack of available/usable calcium, not necessarily a deficiency in calcium. Hypochlorhydria, or low stomach acid (and/or digestive enzymes) is also usually an issue. There may be other […]

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  3. How much protein do I need? « Dr. Rob D'Aquila says:
    December 20, 2009 at 3:35 pm

    […] you eat. You are what you digest and absorb. When it comes to protein, you need adequate amounts of hydrochloric (stomach) acid in order to properly digest protein. By the way, lack of sufficient amounts of hydrochloric acid is […]

    Reply
  4. Candida and yeast infections – a virtual epidemic « Dr. Rob D'Aquila says:
    December 20, 2009 at 9:20 pm

    […] And lastly, probiotics (or “good” bacteria) as well as digestive enzymes and/or hydrochloric acid may be […]

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  5. The dangers of acid-stopping medications « Dr. Rob D'Aquila says:
    December 20, 2009 at 9:44 pm

    […] read my articles titled “Stomach and heartburn symptoms – aka GERD” or “Digestion – the importance of hydrochloric acid“, I recommend you start there. You may be tired of hearing about this by now, however I […]

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  6. Collagen – the most abundant protein « Dr. Rob D'Aquila says:
    December 22, 2009 at 11:32 pm

    […] system. Oh right, and something as simple as anemia (iron or folic acid/B12 deficiency) and hypochlorhydia can (and most certainly will) affect your musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health. You see, it […]

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  7. Leaky gut syndrome « Dr. Rob D'Aquila says:
    January 4, 2010 at 9:59 pm

    […] are some more articles related to those conditions: adrenal stress syndrome, food sensitivities, hypochlorhydria, and healthy eating. There certainly are targeted nutrients that help with this condition, […]

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  8. You are (much more than) what you eat « Dr. Rob D'Aquila says:
    January 20, 2010 at 4:34 pm

    […] addition to the digestive processes that take place in the mouth; you’ll need sufficient hydrochloric acid in your stomach to break down proteins, and sufficient pancreatic enzymes to help with protein, […]

    Reply
  9. Sinus congestion « Dr. Rob D'Aquila says:
    February 10, 2010 at 7:18 pm

    […] the GI tract functioning optimally should also be considered. This typically includes enzymes and hydrochloric acid, anti-microbials, probiotics, and nutrients to help repair the lining of the GI tract. Keep in mind […]

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  10. How much protein per day do I need? « Dr. Rob D'Aquila says:
    October 10, 2010 at 12:48 pm

    […] Last and not at all least, the utilization of your protein intake won’t occur very well if you’re not digesting it; and one of the most important reasons people don’t digest protein well is because of a lack of hydrochloric (stomach) acid. […]

    Reply

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