So you’ve been to the naturopath and they’ve given you a bunch of new supplements to jumpstart your healing. Over time your progress is moderate, not great; and you lose sight of what all the supplements are and what they all do. Gradually you stop taking a few.
WHOA, stop! Don’t let Betaine HCl* go by the wayside.
This is the single most important supplement you should be taking, and here’s why…
As you may know, most diseases result from an unhealthy gut: SIBO, autoimmune diseases, IBS, hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies; the list goes on.
The GAPS Diet, as well as a few other powerful healing diets, espouse as their premise that if we can heal the gut, it being the underlying issue, our diseases, too, will heal or go into remission.
Diet itself plays a huge role in the healing. Removing sugars, starches and grains helps the gut lining to rebuild itself.
But diet alone is not enough.
The proper ph of the stomach should be between 1 and 3. Most of us with ailing guts have a ph between 4 and 6. Betaine HCl* (hydrochloride) is a powerful acid that sets things right.
YOU MAY ASK WHY HCl AND NOT ACV
As you may know, apple cider vinegar is an excellent source of acid to improve stomach ph. I love ACV and look forward to sharing some ACV “Cocktail” recipes with you, to incorporate this serum into your diet more often.
However, HCl is superior to ACV for those who need serious healing.
If you are well, and want to keep your stomach ph happy, check out my Facebook page, Eat Beautiful, every day this week for a new ACV “Cocktail” recipe! They include powerful ingredients like fresh ginger, turmeric, saffron, and hibiscus.
(And yes, fresh lemon juice is also useful for creating proper stomach ph. Lemon water is a delicious way to start the day right.)
But for those of us with autoimmune diseases or other serious health issues, HCl is the big gun.
SIBO AND HCL
Regarding SIBO (Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth) treatment, even most naturopaths in America are putting their patients on antibiotics. But it’s my opinion, that if we heal our digestion, SIBO will heal itself.[1]
There is a little “gateway,” a flap, between the large and small intestine. It’s called the Illeocecal Valve (ICV). When stomach ph is too high ALL the other organs do not secrete their proper digestive juices and that flap stays open.
Consequently, the small intestine, which is supposed to be the one area of the gut with only a small number of flora, gets flooded. The good and bad gut bacteria from the large intestine swim up and voila, sadly, SIBO is born. By creating the proper gut ph, gradually the valve will shut and the flora population will level out.[1]
FINAL WORDS
Diet is a part of this healing regimen, because invasive pathogens love feeding on starches and sugars. Pathogen-killing herbs are also key. Regarding diet and additional supplements to help your gut heal, read my article here.
Regarding HCl, it will not only help your ICV stay closed, all your digestive organs will be triggered to begin working properly.
My naturopath recommends that I take 500-1000 mg. of HCl with every meal. Ask your naturopath for dosage and about taking HCl with pepsin for added effectiveness. Remember, I am not a doctor, nor do I pretend to be. I am just sharing my personal experiences and hoping they may help you on your healing journey.
[1] My views on healing SIBO naturally have been shaped by two doctors:
Dr. Jared Zeff teaches naturopathy in Portland, OR. He also has a naturopathic practice in Vancouver, WA. His unorthodox form of treating SIBO has inspired me to be a guinea pig. I’ll let you know how it goes. So far, my SIBO symptoms have improved by 75%. I still stay away from inflammatory foods that cause bloating and gas. I LOVE his foundational principles for healing, based in homeopathy and old-fashioned naturopathic techniques: the body knows how to heal itself if we get it back on track and give it healing information. We can’t heal with antibiotics the same problems that antibiotics have caused.
Please also see the revolutionary book by Dr. Norman Robillard, Fast Tract Digestion IBS: Science-based Diet to Treat and Prevent IBS and SIBO without Drugs or Antibiotics. He does an awesome job of charting foods and their fermentation potential.
*What is Betaine HCl? If you’re not familiar with Betaine HCl already, it is a laboratory-made, chemical substance that increases the level of hydrochloric acid in one’s stomach. Although I usually advocate for only whole foods, some lab. supplements can be helpful especially when food allergies are present. Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice are not appropriate for many with fruit or citrus allergies; and, as is discussed in this article, HCl, as it is more commonly referred to, is far more powerful for more serious digestive disorders. HCl is not recommended in conjunction with anti-inflammatory medications.
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Okay, I really tried to find it in your article but cannot.. what the heck is HCI?
Hydrochloric acid
Hi Sarada, thanks so much for your comment! I have now updated the text to include this definition and related pertinent details! 🙂
Don’t worry Sarada. I was confused too. A little explanation of HCL would be a great addition to this interesting article.
Thanks Carla, I added the answer to this question to the article! I appreciate the feedback. 🙂
You really should read this article to get a balanced view of what Betaine HCL can and cannot do for you:
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-312-betaine%20hydrochloride.aspx?activeingredientid=312&activeingredientname=betaine%20hydrochloride
I’ve been taking it for many year as recommended by Dr. Marshall from healthline.cc. It helped heal my esophogitis and gastritis. The fructose malabsorption diet has helped heal by gut. Dr. Marshall agrees with you that HCL is the single most important thing to take with every cooked meal to help our food digest so we get the needed nutrients.
I felt like this was aimed at people with a history of issues in the gut… but what about those of us who are just trying to stay healthy / be healthy in general? 🙂
Hi Courtney,
Please see my paragraph, “If you are well, and want to keep your stomach ph happy, check out my Facebook page, Eat Beautiful, every day this week for a new ACV “Cocktail” recipe! They include powerful ingredients like fresh ginger, turmeric, saffron, and hibiscus.” I”ve already posted three recipes for this lovely, helpful beverage at Eat Beautiful’s FB page; and there will be four more this week. ACV is the way to go to stay healthy in general, optimize digestion with the right stomach ph. Hope this helps!
Thanks, this was so needed!
HCI should not be taken by anyone without clinical confirmation os low acid.
Hi! What brand of hcl do you recommend?
I recommend the Standard Process brand. There are other good ones. Just make sure it contains pepsin as well.
Thank you so much for sharing all of your recipes and information! The Standard Process brand has lactose in the ingredients and I can’t have dairy. Will you please recommend another that doesn’t have dairy?
Hi Amber, sure. I have a daughter who is seriously allergic to dairy; and we use Nature’s Life brand. Cheers.
How can you get Standard Process?
It is available from Amazon.com.
You use all these acronyms! HCL, ICV etc. Translation please. I just stumbled on your site, as is often the case. I may have missed something.
Thanks for your question. The acronyms are spelled out within the body of the text. HCl stands for Hydrochloric acid; and ICV stands for Illeocecal Valve . Both are explained in further detail in the article– what they are and their functions.
My question has always been (since I live with a rotating carousel of food intolerances), when I’m allergic to Pork, am I out of luck? Because taking HCl without pepsin, I’ve read, is next to useless….
Scooter, can you be more specific. I’m not sure I understand your question. HCl with pepsin is useless for what? And what is the correlation you are making with pork, if any? Thanks!!
I believe that he’s referring to the fact that the Pepsin in supplements as HCL is taken out from Pigs. So as a pig derivate he’s concerned about using it.
Also HCL is not as useful alone as it is when it is taken with Pepsin.
I would love to buy your book when it comes out. Please let me know where I can buy it. I sometimes suffer from hives. I have just discovered that it is linked to the chemicals that is injected into the chicken. I am looking for good, healthy, satisfying recipes.
Hi Merlyn, the cookbook is due out June 29. I look forward to it being helpful for you!! Best!
Hi Merlyn, I just came across your comment again and request regarding my cookbook. If you haven’t purchased it already, here is the link to the Amazon softcover version: http://amzn.to/1N05WSs I hope it provides helpful recipes for you. Thanks and best!
Hi megan,
My quest is it ok to take hcl supplement and also taking ACV? Or heal the guts first and later on start taking ACV?
Thanks
Hi Sherly, Firstly, I refer you to your practitioner, because I do not know your individual health concerns or situation and I am not a practitioner myself. However, in our own family, yes, both can be taken or alternated. For instance, you could start your day with a glass of ACV water, to help set the stage for the day, with the right ph in your belly. Then you could take HCl with each meal. You do not need to take both at the same time. Thanks and cheers.
thanks for the health information….
Very good and helpful article!
Hi,
I have dry brittle hair,that falls in clumps, persistent cystic acne, Ulcerative Colitis, fatigue, depression, anxiety and persistent weight gain. Now I was doing the no sugar no dairy no grain diet when I had my first up flare up, and despite initially losing weight on this diet I keep gaining about ten to fifteen pounds. No one takes me seriously as I’m still “thin”. I’m on Humira but it’s not really working except to make me constipated. Hair has been thinning for years. I want to try the supplentvyoubsuggested but will that interact with my humira? Any advice would be great. My leaky gut is draining my life and I’m only 32
Hi Molly, I can’t safely speak to a medication’s interaction with a supplement. If you need a good doctor, I recommend you look into a Functional Medical Doctor, unless you can find a naturopathic physician that comes highly recommended. They have training and insights beyond traditional medical Western doctors. Also, are you familiar with the AIP and GAPS diets? These are both excellent for helping to put autoimmune conditions into remission and for healing leaky gut. Hang in there! A grain-free, refined-sugar-free diet is a good place to start.
Do I need to take HCL in different amounts with each meal according to the amount of food I eat? Thanks
Hi Anca, the amount of HCl taken usually begins at 500-650 mg. (one capsule) per meal. Many practitioners suggest increasing that dose until the patient feels a burning sensation in the belly, and then backing down one pill from that. This dosage is to be taken with every meal, especially those with protein. Certainly, it would make sense to take fewer pills with smaller meals or meals without protein. Thanks for the question.
From what I’ve read it is recommended only with meals that have protein on it. If you have a meal with no protein on it, then you shouldn’t take it.
I have had chronic hives for 3months do you think HCL would help or what else I am miserable. Ty
Hi Judy, I would consult a practitioner, asking about histamines and potential additional dietary causes. I’m so sorry for your discomfort.
My father took HCL, hydrochloric acid to break down his food. It’s powerful and will burn a hole in your carpet. You need HCL to break down food. All they had back in the 1960’s was HCL by mouth through a straw to preserve teeth. He had Microscopic Colitis and doctors did not understand back then and don’t understand it today. Gastroenterologists are some of dumbest and most ignorant doctors on the planet. They know nothing about this disease that I’ve inherited.
.
Take Epsom Salt baths because you are deficient in magnesium and D3. Go to the Microscopic Colitis Website and tell Tex I sent you. Dorothy Olson Williams
I think you meant to say “When stomach ph is too HIGH ALL the other organs do not secrete their proper digestive juices and that flap stays open.”
As opposed to too low – A lower pH means a more acidic environment which is good for the stomach.
Yes, thank you! Correction made!
Could you please explain to me how decreasing the pH of the stomach leads to these benefits, when the moment the acidic contents of the stomach enter the duodenum, they are neutralized by bicarbonate?
And honestly, did he or she even confirm that you have H. pylori or anything else with a stool sample before throwing antibiotics at you? The readiness at which one prescribes antibiotics is the hallmark of a bad doctor. Not a reason to discredit all of science because that’s all we have.
The valve opens to allow food to pass from the esophagus into the stomach, and it should remain closed, but when your stomach acidity is not enough, this valve remains open and the acid comes up into the esophagus.
The bicarbonate is secreted when the acidity is too high, but with most of the people the problem is a low acidity instead, as the quantity and quality of acid decreases with age, or taking anti acids, or because of stress.
The benefits come from the ability to digest the food and take out its nutrients (vitamins, minerals, aminoacids), and also from having a properly working valve.
Dear Megan,
For every article I read about why people SHOULD take HCl, I’ve read just as many about why we should NOT. Good grief!
Any thoughts on the following post from Melissa McEwen?
http://huntgatherlove.com/content/betaine-hcl-whats-deal-does-it-increase-stomach-acidity-does-it-help-gerd-improve-digestion
I’d appreciate any amount of your informed insight!
Sincerely,
Aaron
Please read my comment below, it may answer some questions.
Thank you, Johnny. That was informative and helpful. I appreciate your thoughtful reply.
Sincerely,
Aaron
Hydrochloric acid is the aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride (a gas). Once this HCl is dissolved into water, it dissociates completely into two ions H+ and Cl-. Now the Cl- is called the conjugate base in this scenario. The weaker the conjugate base of an acid is, the stronger the resulting acid. Cl- is a negligible base, which means HCl is a strong acid. A very strong acid. Something comparable to battery acid. The logic here is that if the base is weak, it won’t pull the H+ and attach it to itself again (HCl).
Betaine hydrochloride is a neutralized version of betaine. Betaine has a negative and positive group. If we neutralize this with hydrochloric acid, the H+ ion binds to the negative group, and the Cl- ion binds to the positive group. Giving us a salt.
That’s all this substance is. It’s a salt. It cannot possibly create hydrochloric acid again because it has already reacted.
To give you an analogy, we can react hydrochloric acid with lye (sodium hydroxide). Now what is the product of this acid base reaction? The Na+ binds with the Cl- of hydrochloric acid giving us NaCl and the H+ of the said acid binds with the OH- of sodium hydroxide giving us H2O.
The logic behind taking betaine hydrochloride and thinking it will result in the production of hydrochloric acid is the same as taking table salt (NaCl) with water and hoping it will do the same thing.
These are salts. Meaning they are the product of an acid base reaction that has already happened. We can’t get the strong acid back because it has been neutralized. It’s that simple.
And to repeat myself from the previous comment. Even if we somehow were able to increase HCl in the stomach by let’s say injecting us with the hormone GASTRIN which will actually stimulate the parietal cells of the stomach to synthesize more HCl, how will this affect anything relating to “flaps” between the small and large intestine because the acid in the stomach contents is neutralized the moment it enters the duodenum of the small intestine. The acid ceases to be. How will this acid ever go all the way down the small intestine to its very end, affect a flap at the beginning of the large intestine to prevent bacteria back up, when the acid itself stops existing the moment it leaves the stomach?
I’m afraid this is all a bit pseudoscientific. Yes, sometimes natural products do have healing properties. No doctor out there denies that St. John’s Wort for example has antidepressant properties, which is exactly why it’s contraindicated with antidepressants because of the synergic effect the two can have together. But this? I’m sorry there is no science to back any of these hypotheses about GERD and low acidity and the rest of the stuff mentioned in this article.
Betaine Hcl has saved me from 2 years of digestive hell! Whatever it is, has given me my life back when no doctor or a plethora of useless tests could!! I have been suffering and misdiagnosed and when the doctor gave me antibiotics for the 4 th time this year, I knew they are clueless in whole body healing. I finally healed myself after months of research. Don’t put your health in other people’s hands! A clean diet with tons of veggies and less dairy, grains and sugar, and lots of water, no food from a box, with betaine hcl cured me!
Do we really know what helped you? Was it the diet change? Was it the betaine?
And how much research did you really do if you believed that an amino acid salt turns into battery acid in the stomach? Like you said, even if this substance does have some sort of gastric healing properties, it’s not because of hydrochloric acid. On the contrary, it probably reduces the acid in the stomach. So maybe your symptoms eased because of less acid and healthier foods?
You made me think about it.
I don’t understand quite well your chemical explanation above, but I understood that there’s no way to turn the Betaine HCL into Hydrochloric acid, I will try to understand your explanation.
And yes, you’re right, it might be that changing the diet helps.
🙂 ❤️Amen you go Lydia!
Hi Lydia! Glad to hear that you are healed. I’ve also been suffering from digestive issues for 7years. Recently started taking betaine HCl and changed to a carnivore diet. I’m on the 5th dose and haven’t felt any burning sensation with the betaine HCL. Although, I take it directly with a glass of apple cider vinegar. Please how did you incorporate the HCL? I would appreciate a response. Thank you
Mol Pharm. 2013 Nov 4;10(11):4032-7. doi: 10.1021/mp4003738. Epub 2013 Sep 10.
Gastric reacidification with betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria.
Yago MR1, Frymoyer AR, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Budha NR, Dresser MJ, Ware JA, Benet LZ.
Author information
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that increased gastric pH from the use of acid-reducing agents, such as proton-pump inhibitors or H2-receptor antagonists, can significantly impact the absorption of weakly basic drugs that exhibit pH-dependent solubility. Clinically practical strategies to mitigate this interaction have not been developed. This pilot study evaluated the extent and time course of gastric reacidification after a solid oral dosage form of anhydrous betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with pharmacologically induced hypochlorhydria. Six healthy volunteers with baseline normochlorhydria (fasting gastric pH 4 was confirmed for 15 min, 1500 mg of betaine HCl was given orally with 90 mL of water and gastric pH was continuously monitored for 2 h. Betaine HCl significantly lowered gastric pH by 4.5 (± 0.5) units from 5.2 (± 0.5) to 0.6 (± 0.2) (P < 0.001) during the 30 min interval after administration. The onset of effect of betaine HCl was rapid, with a mean time to pH < 3 of 6.3 (± 4.3) min. The reacidification period was temporary with a gastric pH < 3 and < 4 lasting 73 (± 33) and 77 (± 30) min, respectively. Betaine HCl was well tolerated by all subjects. In healthy volunteers with pharmacologically induced hypochlorhydria, betaine HCl was effective at temporarily lowering gastric pH. The rapid onset and relatively short duration of gastric pH reduction gives betaine HCl the potential to aid the absorption of orally administered weakly basic drugs that exhibit pH-dependent solubility when administered under hypochlorhydric conditions.
Haha.. I had just read that study earlier t9 day and was going to look for it! So glad you posted it. That shut Johnny down didn’t it??
Hello
Can you take hlc with digestive enzymes ?
THank you
Dominique
I am struggling with digestive problems. . fatty food etc.. the multiGest digestive enzymes containing : amylase/protease/lipase/tilactase/cellulase/bromelains is helping but not enough.
Can I also use HCL ?
Thks
Yes, HCl is more effective than digestive enzymes. You can also use digestive bitters, which are excellent for stimulating the gall bladder to release bile, which, in turn, helps to digest fats. Herb Pharm makes my favorite bitters. (Enzymes and HCl/bitters can be used at the same time.)
Hello, thanks for the article. How many oz. of water does one take with 1 Betaine HCl pill? How much with say 5 pills? Thank you, Lukas
Hi Lukas, the amount of water isn’t significant. My kids can swallow the pills without any water at all. Whatever allows you to swallow the pills comfortably is appropriate.
Thanks for the article!
Quote – HCl is not recommended in conjunction with anti-inflammatory medications. Why is this? Am presently taking Genuine Health Fast Arthritis pain relief and also take occasional Advil.
Hi Megan, Can you please tell me how old your kids are & how much Hcl you give them? I believe my 12 yr old son has LOW stomach acid. Before I figured this out, a gastroenterologist gave him Zantac. (Gasp!) Now, my own research has led me to believe he actually has LOW stomach acid. I was trying to find out if it’s safe to give Hcl to children. He’s allergic to apples so I can’t try apple cider vinegar. Thank you!
Hi Colleen, yes, HCl is safe for most kids. My youngest is 8, and he takes it regularly. Another wonderful option is to use digestive bitters. I like the one by Herb Pharm, but there are others as well. This can be given in an ounce or so of water with each meal that contains protein or fat. To answer your original question, 12 is definitely old enough to take Betaine HCl with Pepsin. Around 500-600 mg. is fine for most bodies, but the child’s health and stomach health weigh in. If that dosage creates any burning or acid reflux, then he will need to reduce it or start with something like Gastrazyme, which is vitamin U and great for those who need something really gentle. But MOST kids can tolerate 600 mg. HCl without any reflux or burning. It needs to be taken with the meal, not before. Remember I am not a doctor, so I am basing this on my own experience and what I’ve learned from our practitioners. You can use your own best judgment. Cheers and best. 🙂
Hello – my 12 year old daughter has what the doctor calls acid reflux and prescribed Pepcid (which we have nit given to her). She is always in pain and has ibs and is so bloated and gassy all the time. She constantly belches and says it burns her throat. will HCL help her?
Hi Pina, because I’m not a doctor, and I also don’t know your daughter’s full health history, I can’t say about your daughter specifically. But in theory, yes! The valve between the stomach and the esophagus is closed by making the stomach MORE acidic. So even though it seems like the HCl would increase the burning in reality it helps to close that valve, thus not allowing the stomach acid to cause burning etc. If she also deals with IBS, bloating and gas her diet is something to address as well. You might consider looking at diets like GAPS at gapsdiet.com and at supplements like vitamin U: http://bit.ly/2vfS3uo Best of luck as you come alongside and help her to heal.
Thankyou soo much for this Healthy and eye openi g information that I was soo unaware of until now.. Much Appreciated..
Hello,
Could you please recommend a doctor in the Texas area? one that could measure my acid level and then dose HCL appropriately.
I’ve used it before, but I have never felt in good hands while doing it, and I consider HCL to be risky if you don’t do the right thing, specially if you have an ulcer or any other condition that renders your stomach unable to handle the HCL.
Thank you.
Hi, I am very confused after reading some comments. Mr doctor ( who I.don’t think it’s good, I’m looking for a new one, but still) gave me pepsin after I said I think I am histamine intolerant. I also have confirmed sibo. I thought for sibo we need to increase our stomach acid, that’s why we need betaine hcl? Doesn’t pepsin do get opposite? Doesn’t it lower stomach acid? My doctor didn’t listen to me at all, I don’t have any stomach issues, pain or gastritis. Should I be taking pepsin then or will it only make my sibo worse?
I find that a very tiny amount of betaine works best for me. I’ve had very good luck with the Thompson brand ( have no affiliation with the company). If I use too much, I have problems. I use way less than one-quarter of a tablet. It’s more like 1/100th of a tablet. I have no idea why this tiny dosage works best for me. I share this with best intentions — I needed long weeks of experimentation to figure this out, and maybe I can save someone the trouble.
Is there a HCL you recommend