Eating healthy isn’t always enough. We can eat a variety of organic vegetables, fruits, and meats and still be missing out on the macronutrients that these foods deliver. Poor soil health from overcropping leads to less nutrient-dense foods, and our internal gut health may be missing the “good stuff” that helps us absorb and digest these “healthy” food sources. 

Your digestive juices include hydrochloric acid (HCL), several enzymes, and a mucus coating that protects the lining of your stomach. Hydrochloric acid helps your body to break down, digest, and absorb nutrients such as protein. It also eliminates bacteria and viruses in the stomach, protecting your body from infection. 

Hypochlorhydria is the state of having low stomach acid. This condition can be caused by consuming poor quality, highly processed foods, alcohol or smoking. Normal aging can also be a contributor to decreased hydrochloric acid. For those with hypochlorhydria, supplementing may be the answer to finding the balance for your metabolic system. Taking medications that suppress the symptoms of acid reflux (a symptom of hypochlorhydria) have been shown to contribute to leaky gut. Chronic gastrointestinal complaints are often addressed with medications that often make the bark worse than the bite.  

How do you know if you are digesting and absorbing those organic foods that you so carefully cultivate or purchase?

Symptoms of hypochlorhydria could include:

• bloating
• burping
• upset stomach
• nausea when taking vitamins and supplements
• heartburn
• diarrhea
• desire to eat when not hungry
• indigestion/gas
• hair loss
• undigested food in stool
• weak, brittle fingernails
• fatigue
• GI infections
• iron deficiency anemia
• deficiencies of other minerals, such as vitamin B-12, calcium, and magnesium
• protein deficiency
• neurological issues, such as numbness, tingling, and vision changes

Long term low levels of hydrochloric acid can contribute to chronic health conditions including:

• lupus
• allergies
• asthma
• thyroid issues
• acne
• psoriasis
• eczema
• gastritis
• chronic autoimmune disorders
• osteoporosis
• pernicious anemia

The HCL Challenge

If you have many of the symptoms above, and suspect you may not be utilizing your nutrients effectively, try taking the HCL Challenge described in this link. The basic concept is to take one HCL pill with each meal on day one, 2 with each meal on day 2, 3 with each meal on day 3 and so on. When you reach heartburn within 5 minutes after taking the dose, that will be the point where you want to back off by one pill each meal until you can dismiss the heartburn. Remember that we are all bio-individual and may react differently, so please consult your practitioner if you have any questions or concerns. 

HCL-XYM to the Rescue

HCL-XYM is a blend of betaine hydrochloride (HCL) and the three most effective plant-based digestive enzymes: protease, amylase and lipase, in a base of trace minerals. All Dr. Autoimmune clients take HCL-XYM prior to every meal in order to:

• help support the body’s natural ability to produce HCL
• offer relief from occasional gas, bloating and indigestion
• support digestion and absorption
• create the proper pH in which protein digestion enzymes work
• help to extract vitamin B12 from food
• maintain healthy intestinal flora levels

If you suffer from many of these symptoms, HCL-XYM could help support your digestion. Call Dr. Autoimmune to discuss options on how we can get to the root cause of your symptoms at 303-882-8447.

For the month of July, we will be offering HCL-XYM at 15% off retail in office purchases only. Or, you can order online here, enter one-time access code USE777, and use code IAN10 at checkout for 10% off.

See what Dr. Autoimmune suggests eating to support your gut and immune health here.