Hydrochloric Acid

Definition of Hydrochloric Acid:

Hydrochloric acid is secreted by the gastric glands in the stomach and breaks down food in preparation for digestion.

Also: Gastric Acid Gastric Acid, HCl, Stomach Acid

Topics Related to Hydrochloric Acid

Achlorhydria

...related topic
“The complete absence or failure of stomach acid secretion.”

Allergy to Foods (Hidden)

...the condition
“...Since many food sensitivities can be due to poor digestion, hydrochloric acid and pancreatic trials are appropriate.”
Diagnose your symptoms now!
  • understand what's happening to your body
  • let The Analyst™ find what's wrong
  • see your health summarized and in detail

More topics Related to Hydrochloric Acid

Anxiety

...the condition
“...Nutrients such as calcium and magnesium, B-vitamins, niacinamide, B12 injections (especially if stomach acid production is insufficient), tryptophan with inositol and chromium, valerian root, and GABA can have a calming effect...”

Atrophic Gastritis

...the condition
“This is a common condition in the elderly which comes from the inability to secrete sufficient stomach acid to kill bacteria...”

Autoimmune Tendency

...recommendation Hydrochloric Acid (Trial)
“Clinicians report that 50% of patients with autoimmune disease are also hypochlorhydric (have low stomach acid).”

Baking Soda

...as a treatment
“...Here are some of the many medical uses of baking soda ... Antacid (neutralizes stomach acid and relieves heartburn, indigestion, ulcer pain...”

Betaine

...as a treatment
“...Betaine HCl is the hydrochloride salt of betaine...”

Carbohydrate Intolerance

...the condition
“...Pancreatin helps supplement the salivary amylase necessary to digest these foods, and betaine increases stomach acid naturally, which improves overall digestion...”

Chronic Thyroiditis

...recommendation Hydrochloric Acid (Trial)
“Some doctors report that 50% of patients with autoimmune disease are also hypochlorhydric (have low stomach acid).”

Clostridium Difficile Infection

...the condition
“...disease, a weak immune system, chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer, old age, kidney disease, and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs such as Nexium, Prevacid, or Prilosec) which reduce the amount of stomach acid present.  Bad bacteria release toxins, which lead to a variety of symptoms, including...”

Coffee

...as a treatment
“...Constipation: The increased stomach acid resulting from a daily cup of coffee has a laxative effect on the bowels and can help maintain regular bowel movements...”

Coleus

...as a treatment
“...Coleus should be avoided in people with ulcers, because it may increase stomach acid levels.  Direct application to the eyes may cause transitory tearing, burning, and itching...”

Colic

...the condition
“...Some researchers now suggest that some babies suffer from reflux, a condition in which stomach acid is regurgitated causing heartburn.”

Digestive Enzyme (Trial)

...as a treatment
“...Plant enzyme use may help restore your body's natural ability to produce stomach acid and the enzymes needed for digestion...”

Digestive Enzyme Need

...the condition
“...Furthermore, when stomach acid is low, the output of digestive enzymes may be reduced once the food reaches the small intestine...”

DIM / I3C

...as a treatment
“...I3C is converted into DIM through a process involving gastric hydrochloric acid (HCL)...”

Dyspepsia / Poor Digestion

...the condition
“...Hypochlorhydria and achlorhydria: Insufficient stomach acid to sterilize the stomach and start protein digestion...”
...recommendation Hydrochloric Acid (Trial)
“Upper digestive symptoms are often due to hydrochloric acid (HCl) or pancreatic insufficiency and it can be difficult to distinguish between the two...”

Eczema

...recommendation Hydrochloric Acid (Trial)
“If improvement isn't clear when using zinc or essential fatty acids, consider HCl and pancreatic enzymes...”
...recommendation Digestive Enzyme (Trial)
“See the link between Eczema and Hydrochloric Acid.”

Erectile Dysfunction (ED, Impotence)

...the condition
“...The two most frequently prescribed drugs for the treatment of ulcers are the stomach acid suppressors cimetidine and ranitidine...”

Esophageal Cancer

...the condition
“...Tissues at the bottom of the esophagus can become irritated if stomach acid frequently "backs up" into the esophagus – a problem called gastric reflux (GERD)...”

Gastric/Peptic/Duodenal Ulcers

...the condition
“...Accordingly, treatment emphasis was on neutralizing and inhibiting the secretion of stomach acid.  While acid is still considered significant in ulcer formation, the leading cause of ulcer disease is currently believed to be infection of the stomach by a bacteria called Helicobacter...”
...our question about How much coffee you drink
“The caffeine, oils and acids in coffee irritate the stomach lining, which can cause excessive production of stomach acid and lead to a variety of digestive disorders...”

Gastritis

...the condition
“...This is often associated with low levels of stomach acid.  When stomach acid levels are very low, or chronically neutralized by antacids, H. pylori is less likely to be the cause and the overgrowth of others becomes more likely...”
...recommendation Hydrochloric Acid (Trial)
“Once the stomach lining has been healed by the use of other agents, a hydrochloric acid (HCl) trial is often useful since it may have been an HCl deficiency that contributed to bacterial overgrowth and subsequent inflammation in the first place...”

Gastrointestinal Bleeding

...our question about Black, tarry stools
“...result from bleeding that occurs high up in the digestive tract – for example, in the stomach or first segment of the small intestine (duodenum); blood in the stomach turns black when exposed to stomach acid and enzymes...”

H2 Blockers

...related topic
“Medications in this family sharply decrease stomach acid production...”

Heartburn / GERD / Acid Reflux

...the condition
“...Unlike the lining of the stomach, which has a thin layer of protective mucus, the lining of the esophagus offers only a weak defense against stomach acid and other harmful substances...”
...our question about Hoarseness of voice
“Irritation caused by stomach acid refluxed into the throat can lead to hoarseness.”
...relationship to Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency
“Based on the clinical experience of doctors such as Dr. Jonathon Wright, MD, supplementing with hydrochloric acid sometimes relieves the symptoms of heartburn and improves digestion in individuals who have hypochlorhydria...”
...recommendation Dairy Products Avoidance
“Whilst drinking milk can be a 'quick fix' by neutralizing some of the acid, it also has a rebound action that eventually will encourage the secretion of more stomach acid, which causes the acid reflux.”
...recommendation Low/Decreased Fat Diet
“Fats are the most difficult component of the diet to digest, remaining in the stomach longer and thus causing the need for more stomach acid in order to digest them...”
...recommendation Incline Board
“...It has long been known that stomach acid tends to reflux more when one is lying flat...”
...recommendation against Eating Nearer to Bedtime
“Anyone who eats a heavy meal (which causes excess stomach acid production), particularly if one subsequently lies on the back or bends over from the waist, is at risk of an attack of heartburn...”
...recommendation High/Increased Carbohydrate Diet
“...These foods, such as rice, breads and pasta, are able to tie up excess stomach acid and are often easy on the stomach.”

Helicobacter Pylori Infection

...the condition
“...Gastric juice is composed of digestive enzymes and concentrated hydrochloric acid, which can readily digest food or kill microorganisms...”

Hiatal Hernia

...related topic
“...A hernia may allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus ("food pipe"), where it can cause problems...”

Hives (Urticaria)

...recommendation Hydrochloric Acid (Trial)
“Lack of hydrochloric acid (HCl) secretion by the stomach has been linked to chronic hives probably as a result of increasing the likelihood of developing food allergies...”

Hydrochloric Acid (Trial)

...as a treatment
“In order to confirm whether hydrochloric acid (HCl) is needed, the HCL trial is used to assess stomach digestive function by evaluating the integrity of the stomach lining and its mucous barrier...”

Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency

...the condition
“Alternative names: HCI Acid Insufficiency Hydrochloric acid (HCl) insufficiency can be complete (achlorhydria) or partial (hypochlorhydria) and intermittent...”
...relationship to Vitamin B6 Requirement
“Vitamin B6 is necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid.”
...recommendation Digestive Enzyme (Trial)
“A trial using plant-based enzymes to enhance digestion demonstrated their additional benefit of improving hydrochloric acid production in those individuals who were hypochlorhydric.”
...recommendation 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...”
...recommendation Vinegar
“Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice taken with meals mildly stimulates hydrochloric acid production.”
...recommendation Vitamin B-Complex
“Several B-vitamins are needed to support hydrochloric acid production.”
...recommendation Inositol Hexaniacinate
“...It may enhance the production of hydrochloric acid in a manner that cannot be explained by it simply being an acid...”
...recommendation Folic Acid
“In cases of low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) or no stomach acid (achlorhydria), supplemental use of hydrochloric acid normalizes folate absorption.”
Concerned or curious about your health?  Try The Analyst™
Symptom Entry
Symptom Entry
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Suggestions
Suggestions
LifeMeter
LifeMeter®
Full Explanations
Explanations
Optional Doctor Review
Review (optional)

More topics Related to Hydrochloric Acid

Hypothyroidism

...the condition
“...Hypothyroidism can cause ... Digestive problems: hydrochloric acid production is reduced, resulting in malabsorption of nutrients, undigested proteins, and digestive complaints...”

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

...recommendation Hydrochloric Acid (Trial)
“Make sure your hydrochloric acid production is sufficient.”

Immune System Imbalance (TH2 Dominance)

...the condition
“...thermophilis (sometimes found in yoghurt), candidiasis, circulating immune complexes (CICs – caused by a combination of leaky gut syndrome and poor digestion of proteins due to a lack or HCl and digestive enzymes), sedentary lifestyle, negative attitudes, low body temperature, acid saliva pH, chronic insomnia, inability to dream, weight lifting, and steroids (for muscle gain).”

Insomnia

...the condition
“...Vitamin B12 can help with fatigue, insomnia, depression, and the anxiety of getting older, especially if low stomach acid is suspected...”

Iron Requirement

...our question about H2-blocker antacid use
“By reducing stomach acid levels, H2 blockers might interfere with the absorption of iron, zinc, and perhaps other minerals.”

Leukemia

...the condition
“...Other, rarer subtypes of leukemia include Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL), T-cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia (T-PLL), Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia, Adult T-cell Leukemia (caused by an HIV-like virus, HTLV), Acute Eosinophilic Leukemia (AEL), Chronic Eosinophilic...”

Licorice Root

...as a treatment
“...They apparently work by promoting the overall health of the gastrointestinal system rather than reducing the secretion of stomach acid that triggers ulcers...”

Lipase

...as a treatment
“...Betaine HCl or hydrochloric acid should not be taken with this in supplement form, as it might destroy this and other enzymes...”

Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

...recommendation Hydrochloric Acid (Trial)
Stomach acid levels are generally lower in patients with autoimmune diseases...”

Magnesium

...as a treatment
“...Usually, about 40-50% of the magnesium we consume is absorbed, though this may vary from 25-75% depending on stomach acid levels, body needs, type of magnesium, and dietary habits...”

Mastocytosis

...the condition
“...Specific types of antihistamine work against ulcers; Proton Pump Inhibitors relieve ulcer-like symptoms by reducing production of stomach acid, which is often increased in patients with mastocytosis; Epinephrine treats shock (anaphylaxis) by constricting blood vessels and opening airways to maintain adequate circulation and...”

Megaloblastic Anemia / Pernicious Anemia

...the condition
“...Intrinsic factor and hydrochloric acid are produced by the parietal cells in the stomach; both are needed in order to release B12 from foods...”

Myasthenia Gravis

...recommendation Hydrochloric Acid (Trial)
Stomach acid levels are generally lower in patients with autoimmune diseases...”

NADH

...as a treatment
“...The most common brand name is "Enada", which is stabilized and enteric-coated, thus preventing stomach acid from destroying the NADH before it enters the bloodstream...”

Orange Peel (Extract)

...as a treatment
“...D-limonene apparently aids in making food pass through the stomach more quickly, thus lessening the production of stomach acid.  This ingredient also seems to prevent, at least to some degree, the backup of stomach acid into the esophagus, the principal cause of heartburn pain...”

Pepsin

...as a treatment
“...Pepsin is used most often as a digestive aid, often in combination with hydrochloric acid (HCl), to improve its activity...”

Peptic Ulcer

...related topic
“A general term for gastric ulcers (stomach) and duodenal ulcers (duodenum), open sores in the stomach or duodenum caused by digestive juices and stomach acid.  Most ulcers are no larger than a pencil eraser, but they can cause tremendous discomfort and pain...”

Pitta Balancing

...as a treatment
“...It also helps balance stomach acid.  Daily elimination is very important to prevent ama from accumulating in the body...”

Probiotics

...as a treatment
“...Most digestive bacteria cannot survive the strong hydrochloric acid in the stomach...”

Reduced Water Consumption

...as a treatment
“...When you drink lots of fluid at a meal, you are substantially diluting the stomach acid and diminishing its ability to effectively digest your food...”

Rosacea

...recommendation Hydrochloric Acid (Trial)
“...HCL supplementation results in marked improvement in rosacea patients who have achlorhydria or hypochlorhydria.”

Soil Based Organisms

...as a treatment
“...Acidophilus is not acid-resistant and so has great difficulty surviving stomach acid.  In contrast SBOs, being soil-based, contain no antibiotic or hormone residues, plus there is no potential for lactose-intolerance side-effects...”

Test for B12 Levels

...as a treatment
“...A lack of gastric hydrochloric acid tends to confirm a suspected lack of intrinsic factor (IF), as both can be due to a shrinking of gastric cells...”

Ulcerative Colitis

...recommendation Hydrochloric Acid (Trial)
“It has been suggested that as many as 80% of sufferers have low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria).”

Vitamin B1 Requirement

...the condition
“...Thiamine enhances circulation and assists in blood formation, carbohydrate metabolism, and the production of hydrochloric acid which is important for proper digestion...”

Vitamin B12 Requirement

...the condition
“...B12 from foods is released from its protein complex by the action of hydrochloric acid and enzymes...”
...our question about H2-blocker antacid use
“...Stomach acid separates them and allows the B12 to be absorbed.”

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

...as a treatment
“...It may also stimulate extra hydrochloric acid production...”

Vitamin B3 Requirement

...the condition
“...There will be a lack of stomach acid production (achlorhydria) and a decrease in fat digestion and, thus, lower availability from food absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D and E...”

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

...as a treatment
“...Pyridoxine HCl is the molecule most often correlated with vitamin B6...”

Vitamin B-Complex Requirement

...the condition
“...Thiamine enhances circulation and assists in blood formation, carbohydrate metabolism, and the production of hydrochloric acid which is important for proper digestion...”

Vitiligo

...recommendation Pepsin
“See the link between Vitiligo and Hydrochloric Acid.”
...recommendation Hydrochloric Acid (Trial)
“In the 1940s it was discovered that the large majority of people with vitiligo also have stomach malfunction, with partial or complete lack of hydrochloric acid and pepsin production...”

Zinc Requirement

...our question about H2-blocker antacid use
“By reducing stomach acid levels, H2 blockers might interfere with the absorption of iron, zinc and perhaps other minerals...”
Report by The Analyst™
Click to see sample report
Health problems rarely occur in isolation or for obvious reasons

Your body is a highly complex, interconnected system.  Instead of guessing at what might be wrong, let us help you discover what is really going on inside your body based on the many clues it is giving.

Our multiple symptom checker provides in-depth health analysis by The Analyst™ with full explanations, recommendations and (optionally) doctors available for case review and answering your specific questions.

We use cookies for traffic analysis, advertising, and to provide the best user experience