With all the ads for acid-reducing drugs on television, it’s easy to believe that 99% of the population suffers from too much stomach acid.  Right? …. Wrong… The reality is the complete opposite, most have an under-production of stomach acid.  Confused?  I don’t blame you.  Let me explain.

To understand the role of Hydrochloric Acid (HCL) you have to understand the digestive process.  Your stomach is the most acidic organ in your body for a very good reason.  The moment you think of eating a meal the process of digestion begins.  As soon as the food enters your mouth, it is mixed with saliva which begins the preliminary breakdown of sugars, starches, and to a much lesser degree fats.  Once the food passes down into your stomach,  special cells produce hydrochloric acid (HCL), which in turn activates a protein-digesting enzyme called pepsin.  That means that the steak you had for dinner begins to break down in your stomach.  That’s not all, the cells responsible for making HCL also produce a biochemical essential for the absorption of Vitamin B12.  Without this important factor, it is impossible to transport B12 from the digestive tract into circulation.  In a 1994 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, a popular acid-reducing drug was shown to reduce the absorption of B12 significantly.  Why is that a problem?  Because without adequate stores of B12, you develop a severe type of anemia called pernicious anemia and in more extreme cases permanent neurological damage.  There’s more, when HCL is secreted into the stomach it causes a drop in pH, meaning that it makes your stomach more acidic, the proper absorption of Calcium depends on that acidity.  If the pH of the stomach is slightly higher than it should be you cannot absorb calcium adequately.  Calcium is essential for healthy teeth, bones, and muscle function.  Without adequate calcium stores, you get cramps in your legs and toes, especially at night and you could have weaker teeth and bones.

The complete breakdown of proteins into amino acids is extremely important for the production of many key factors.  Amino acids are essential for the production of key hormones including thyroid hormone and melatonin, the “sleep hormone”.  They’re important for the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.  Amino acids also make up your immune system as part of immunoglobulins.  And remember that B12 factor we spoke of earlier?  Well, that’s an amino acid-based secretion.  So you can see how important HCL is.  Next time you have indigestion consider this… Is it too much acid or not enough, so think twice before you pop an acid reducer.

Our office carries professional-grade supplements designed to feed and support your body’s natural digestion and mineral balance.  We carry several formulations with HCL and pancreatic enzymes designed to facilitate digestion and take the stress off your stomach and pancreas.  We have an easily absorbable sublingual active form of B12.  We have several calcium and mineral formulations.  Our products are of the highest quality and are not found in health food stores.  Remember… Health is your Birthright, let us help you reclaim it!