 Signs, symptoms & indicators of Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency:
Conditions that suggest Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency:
Risk factors for Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency:
Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency can lead to:
Recommendations and treatments for Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency: | |  | | | Botanical |  Cayenne Pepper | Capsaicin, the active ingredient in cayenne, is believed to assist digestion by stimulating the flow of both salvia and stomach secretions. One or two capsules of cayenne pepper taken before meals stimulates hunger also. |
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Diet |
 Vinegar| | Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice taken with meals mildly stimulates hydrochloric acid production. |
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Digestion |
 Hydrochloric Acid (Trial)| | Some people with low stomach acid have no symptoms that are obviously related, and are led to believe they are digesting properly, when they are not. An HCl trial is a safe, worthwhile, and relatively accurate way to discover if an insufficiency exists. Since the long-term administration of supplemental HCl may result in reduced stomach output of acid, administration is advised for diagnostic purposes and short-term use only. Short-term use may result in a return of normal acid production. |
Digestive Enzyme (Trial) |
Vitamins |
Folic Acid
Vitamin B-Complex
Inositol Hexaniacinate| | Inositol hexaniacinate might play a role in both the reduction of achlorhydria-related symptoms and in augmenting gastric acid secretion. It may enhance the production of hydrochloric acid in a manner that cannot be explained by it simply being an acid. Its benefits may be due, in part, to its stress-moderating properties upon the central nervous system. |
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KEY | | Weak or unproven link |  | | Strong or generally accepted link | | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Achlorhydria
The complete absence or failure of stomach acid secretion.
Antacid (Antacids)
Neutralizes acid in the stomach, esophagus, or first part of the duodenum.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
A collective term for the brain, spinal cord, their nerves, and the sensory end organs. More broadly, this can even include the
neurotransmitting hormones instigated by the CNS that control the chemical nervous system, the endocrine glands.
Cobalamin (B12, B-12, Cobalamine, Vitamin B12)
Essential for normal growth and functioning of all body cells, especially those of bone marrow (red blood cell formation), gastrointestinal tract and nervous system, it prevents pernicious anemia and plays a crucial part in the reproduction of every cell of the body i.e. synthesis of genetic material (DNA).
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
Gastric
Of, relating to, or associated with the stomach.
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
An inorganic acidic compound, excreted by the stomach, that aids in digestion.
Hypochlorhydria (Hypochlorhydric)
The condition of having low hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach, often the cause of digestive disorders.
Inositol
Usually considered part of the vitamin B complex. It is thought that along with choline, inositol is necessary for the formation of lecithin within the body. Involved in calcium mobilization.
Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A long-term, destructive connective tissue disease that results from the body rejecting its own tissue cells (autoimmune reaction).
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach's mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Vitamin B6 (B6, B-6)
Influences many body functions including regulating blood glucose levels, manufacturing hemoglobin and aiding the utilization of protein, carbohydrates and fats. It also aids in the function of the nervous system.
Last updated: Jan 03, 2010
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