Hydrochloric Acid (HCL) in the stomach is a good thing. It is necessary to help us break down our foods so that the nutrients may be adequately absorbed for use in our trillions of cells.

Our bodies have a mucosal barrier in the stomach that protects us from this corrosive liquid so that it may efficiently breakdown our food. However, too often people do not have enough HCL, as well as too little mucosal barrier. This can create the impression of too much stomach acid among other symptoms.

Despite the popularity of acid neutralizing and reducing over the counter drugs, adequate amounts of stomach acid is very necessary part of not only adequate digestion, but optimal health (our cells need those nutrients to maintain homeostasis).

It is estimated that up to 98% of the American population is deficient in HCL because of increased stress levels as well as poor diet. Because most people actually don't have enough stomach acid, and often compound that with acid reducing drugs, they limit the bodies ability to adequately break down nutrients and end up creating an unhealthy internal environment, favorable to disease. Regardless of whether or not you use these medications, your body's ability to secrete adequate amounts of stomach acid decreases as you age and is compounded by excess levels of stress (which we all have!). Additionally, the more your diet resembles the SAD (Standard American Diet), the less stomach acid you will produce.

One of the best things you can do before you start taking expensive supplements, jumping into the latest diet, and killing yourself in the gym, is making sure you have enough stomach acid. Assuming you're eating quality food, this will ensure that you are getting all the nutrients you need for maintaining optimal health as well as losing weight, increasing muscle, feeling better, or whatever your health related goals may be.

HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT IS ENOUGH?

The "Acid Test" is an excellent way to determine your individualized HCl needs.

The Acid Test: Use DigestForce (200mg caps of HCL)

Take 1 capsule midway through meal. Finish meal, wait 10 minutes. If you feel a warm sensation (similar to when you drink a hot cup of tea), you can stop the test. You do not need any additional HCL.

If you do not feel the warm sensation, repeat the test taking 2 capsules midway through your next meal. Wait 10 minutes.

Repeat this process, increasing by 1 capsule at each meal until you feel the warm sensation. DO NOT EXCEED 7 CAPSULES.

Once you feel warmth, decrease the dose by 1 capsule at the next meal and take that dose until you experience the warmth again. Continue decreasing the dose by 1 capsule until you feel the warmth at only 1 DigestForce.

If you do not feel the warmth at 7 capsules, you are achloridic (too little stomach acid) and you will need another product called Ultra HCL 4.0. You will find DigestForce and Ultra HCL 4.0 by clicking here or you may also purchase digestive enzymes by contacting Body Systems directly.