| A great many factors contribute to proper digestion, absorption, and utilization of the foods so needed to nourish our cells, tissues, and organs. The stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and large intestine are primarily involved in the digestive process. More subtly, the emotions, stress level, and balance within the endocrine and nervous systems also affect digestive functioning. A wide range of supplements support the digestive system. A healthy system does not need additional support. However, research shows that the natural level of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and digestive enzymes decrease as we age or if we abuse our gastrointestinal tracts and whole bodies through food excesses, chemical use, and stress. I have found that the elderly population and many younger people with digestive complaints do better with digestion-supporting nutrients. (Note that many of the special programs in Part Four suggest digestive enzymes, HCl, and other digestive aids.) I would think that most people older than 50 would have improved breakdown of foods and utilization of nutrients along with fewer gastrointestinal symptoms when supportive HCl supplements are taken with meals and additional digestive enzymes (usually pancreas extracts) are taken after eating. Occasionally, people have increased HCl secretion with acute stress; however, usually over time, chronic stress causes HCl production to decrease. The level of HCl can be measured easily, although most often an individual’s symptoms will reveal if he or she is hyperacid. In that case, inappropriate supplements of HCl would create additional discomfort.
Hydrochloric Acid
[Note: People should use discretion in taking HCl, as its intake when there is already normal or excessive stomach acid production or gastritis may increase the risk of gastric irritation or ulcer development.]
The parietal cells of the stomach produce HCl and secrete it primarily in response to ingested protein or fat. Stress also may stimulate acid output. When we eat more frequently than required by the body or overconsume fats and proteins, acid production begins to decrease. Decreased HCl production may lead to poor digestion, with symptoms such as gas, bloating, and discomfort after rich meals. An HCl supplement may improve digestion of meals containing protein and/or fat, though not for foods such as rice and vegetables, which are largely carbohydrate and thus need less HCl for digestion.
Hydrochloric acid is available primarily as betaine hydrochloride. When a 5–10 grain (1 grain = 64 mg.) tablet is taken before, during, or after meals, it should help proteins break down into peptides and amino acids and fats into triglycerides. Glutamic acid hydrochloride is used sometimes in formulas, but this amino acid is only mildly acidic and does not work as well as betaine hydrochloride. Betaine may be used alone, in supplements, or along with pepsin or other digestive agents.
The use of HCl support is part of the antiaging process in this book, provided, of course, that HCl production is low. A Heidelberg capsule, gastric pH test (which directly measures stomach pH) can be done to verify a low or high acidity; then, a supplement can be administered to see what effect it has on stomach pH. One reason that stress can cause more rapid aging is that it diminishes HCl production and weakens digestion. It is the low-grade, long-term, emotionally oriented life stress that is more the culprit here. Stress in intense worriers or high-achieving businesspersons is associated more with HCl hypersecretion and peptic ulcer disease (at least initially).
| 
Tell A Friend
Printer friendly version 
on 
