Normally when we ingest or swallow food, the sphincter or band of muscle the connects the esophagus to the stomach, relaxes and allows food or liquid to enter the stomach to be broken down by HCL and other gastric, duodenal and pancreatic enzymes. Food, liquid, as well as the release of HCL in the stomach stimulates the sphincter to close. If the sphincter or muscles surrounding the sphincter become weak or relax, gastric secretions including HCL can flow up into the esophagus causing "heartburn" or acid reflux. What many people do not understand is that both too much AND too little acid can cause malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter. When there is not enough acid to stimulate closing of the sphincter, it remains open, causing acid reflux.

HCL can both help to diagnose a state of hypochlorhydria (too little acid), as well as treat it. If you suspect you are deficient in stomach acid, ask your doctor about the HCL challenge. An HCL supplement is taken prior to a meal, if a burning or a warming feeling in the stomach occurs it is a good indication that you have adequate stomach acid (or too much if you are having reflux symptoms). If you notice no change with the HCL supplement it is a good indication that you are deficient in stomach acid and supplementation may be necessary until adequate levels are achieved. Continue to increase the HCL dosage by one capsule until the burning sensation occurs, then lower the dosage by one capsule and continue to take that amount with every meal until the warming sensation occurs again. Continue to systematically reduce the amount of HCL you are taking until you no longer have to take it.

The importance of HCL goes beyond just increasing stomach acid for better digestion. H. Pylori is bacteria that is normally present in parts of our digestive tract. Under optimal conditions stomach acid and our normal gut flora are among the mechanisms that serve to keep the levels of this bacteria under control. When kept to low amounts, we prevent it from disrupting the mucosal layer of of our digestive tracts leading to ulcer formation . Certain individuals and certain conditions including hypo or achlorhydria (no HCL), create a prefect environment for the damaging bacteria to flourish and there is a significantly higher risk of ulcer. Peptic ulcer, which is much more likely to be caused by H.pylori than gastric ulcer, can lead to complications such as gastric bleeding, narrowing of the duodenal lumen causing gastric outlet obstruction, and perforation leading to serious conditions such as peritonitis or pancreatitis. H. Pylori infection also significantly increases your risk of stomach cancer.

If you have an an active ulcer, discontinue use of HCL, as it may exacerbate the condition.