Stomach Acid (HCL) - Do you have enough?

Terri Edwards
6 minutes ago
2 min read

What is stomach acid?

Stomach acid, or hydrochloric acid, is made up of covalently bonded hydrogen and chlorine atoms, produced by the parietal cells within the glands of the stomach lining (1). The secretion of this acid requires the presence of potassium and chloride ion pathways that support the gastric acid (proton) pump (3). Stomach acid (HCL) combines with substances like lipase, pepsinogen, and intrinsic factor to form the acidic gastric juice in the stomach (2).

Why stomach acid is necessary

Stomach acid breaks down our food into smaller parts, allowing nutrients to be absorbed and used for growth, development, and maintenance of the body (4). For example, HCL helps break down proteins into smaller parts (amino acids) that can be used to build body structure, like muscle, skin, bone, and organs (5).

Stomach acid protects against pathogens that enter through food and water consumption, as it kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microbes that can cause illness (6).

Stomach acid aids the conversion of enzymes like pepsinogen, an inactive enzyme, into the active form, pepsin, which breaks down large proteins and prepares them for digestion, absorption, and utilization (7).

Stomach acid indirectly triggers the release of bile as acidified food enters the small intestine, where the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) causes the gallbladder to release stored bile into the bile duct to neutralize the acidic food particles (chyme) and emulsify fats (8).

Stomach acid leaving the stomach encourages the release of hormones, such as motilin, that can promote increased pressure and contraction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), causing it to close and inhibit acidic contents of the stomach from backflowing into the esophagus (9).

Signs of low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) (10)

Gas/Burping/Flatulence
Bloating
Feeling full quickly
Heartburn
Reflux
Diarrhea/Constipation
Hair loss
Nutrient deficiencies (like protein and vitamin B12)
Chronic infections and associated conditions

Steps to improving stomach acid

First, if you experience signs of low stomach acid, consult your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause, as this will direct the treatment. For example, if an H. pylori infection is causing hypochlorhydria, treating the infection first will be necessary to correct low stomach acid.

Consume protein first at each meal, this encourages stomach acid production (11)
Avoid highly processed, refined carbohydrates and fatty and fried foods that are hard to digest (12)
Chew each bite thoroughly, as smaller food particles are more easily digested
Avoid fluids with meals, as too much can dilute stomach acid
Consume foods rich in nutrients like chlorine, zinc, thiamine (B1), iron, sodium, and potassium, which support stomach acid production (13)
Correct nutritional deficiencies, as low stomach acid can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients like vitamin B12, magnesium, and calcium
Manage stressors, as chronic stress can suppress stomach acid production
To improve digestion temporarily, supplementation with Betain HCL, enzymes, and bile movers can be helpful for some people, but consult your healthcare provider before supplementing