Is Low Stomach Acid the Hidden Cause of Your Digestive Issues? How the HCL Challenge Can Help You Find Out
Oct 23, 2024Prevalence and the Hidden Epidemic of Digestive Problems
Did you know that 60-70 million Americans suffer from digestive disorders, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)? Many individuals experiencing symptoms like heartburn, bloating, or indigestion assume they have excess stomach acid, but in fact, low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) may be the underlying issue. If left unchecked, hypochlorhydria can impair nutrient absorption, disrupt digestion, and lead to chronic health issues. Fortunately, the HCL Challenge test provides a simple, at-home method to assess whether low stomach acid could be the cause of your discomfort.
What is Low Stomach Acid (Hypochlorhydria)?
Stomach acid (hydrochloric acid or HCL) is essential for digestion. It helps break down proteins, aids in the absorption of key nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and magnesium, and defends the body against harmful bacteria. When stomach acid levels are low, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Bloating and gas after meals
- Indigestion or a feeling of fullness after eating
- Heartburn or acid reflux (which may paradoxically result from low, not high, acid)
- Nutrient deficiencies, particularly of B12, iron, and calcium
The Cleveland Clinic reports that hypochlorhydria becomes more common with age, affecting 20-30% of adults over 60. However, younger individuals may also suffer from this condition due to chronic stress, poor diet, or the use of acid-suppressing medications. Left untreated, low stomach acid can lead to long-term issues like bacterial overgrowth, malnutrition, and even osteoporosis due to impaired calcium absorption.
The Allopathic Approach to Digestive Symptoms
In traditional allopathic (conventional) medicine, patients presenting with symptoms like bloating, indigestion, or heartburn are often diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux. The standard treatment typically involves:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers to reduce stomach acid production
- Dietary modifications to avoid trigger foods (such as spicy or fatty foods)
- Antacids for symptomatic relief
While these treatments may alleviate symptoms in the short term, they do not address the underlying cause when low stomach acid is the issue. Research from the NIH suggests that long-term use of PPIs may contribute to nutrient deficiencies, particularly of B12 and magnesium, and may increase the risk of bone fractures.
The Functional Medicine Approach: The HCL Challenge test
In contrast to the allopathic approach, functional medicine looks at the root cause of digestive issues. For many patients, the problem is not excess acid but insufficient stomach acid. A simple and effective method for diagnosing low stomach acid is the HCL Challenge test.
How to Perform the HCL Challenge test
The HCL Challenge involves using a supplement containing Betaine HCL with pepsin during meals and observing your body’s response. Here's how to do it:
- Choose a High-Quality HCL Supplement
We recommend Xymogen GastrAcid, which contains both Betaine HCL and pepsin. Pepsin is essential for breaking down protein, and the Betaine HCL helps increase stomach acid levels. While there are other supplements available, learn more about why we use Xymogen here. - Eat a Protein-Rich Meal
Consume a meal that includes at least 6 ounces of protein (e.g., chicken, beef, or fish), as protein stimulates the need for stomach acid during digestion. - Take One Capsule Mid-Meal
Take 1 capsule of Xymogen GastrAcid halfway through your meal. - Observe Your Reaction
- If you feel nothing, this suggests you may have low stomach acid.
- If you feel warmth or burning, this indicates you may have adequate stomach acid, and you should stop the challenge/test, however, this may also be an indicator or other gut related issues as well and you should consult a healthcare professional.
- Titrate the Dose
If you experience no burning or warmth, increase the dose by one capsule with each meal until you feel slight discomfort. Once you find your threshold dose, reduce it by one capsule and use this as your maintenance dose for future meals.
The Science Behind the HCL Challenge
The HCL Challenge is based on the principle that many digestive issues stem from poor acid production. Functional medicine practitioners, including Dr. Mark Hyman, support the use of Betaine HCL supplementation to improve digestion, prevent bacterial overgrowth, and enhance nutrient absorption. Research from the Mayo Clinic shows that long-term PPI use can negatively impact nutrient absorption, particularly of magnesium and calcium, further supporting the need to address low stomach acid.
Comparing Allopathic and Functional Medicine Approaches
In allopathic medicine, digestive symptoms like heartburn and indigestion are often treated with acid suppression through PPIs, which may provide relief in the short term but fail to address the root cause. In functional medicine, we take a holistic view, considering the possibility that low stomach acid is contributing to these symptoms. By using a simple test like the HCL Challenge, patients can potentially gain valuable insights into their digestive health and avoid the potential side effects of long-term acid suppression.
Next Steps: Improving Your Digestive Health
If you’ve been struggling with digestive issues and suspect low stomach acid could be the cause, the HCL Challenge is a powerful tool to help you uncover the truth. If the test suggests low stomach acid, you can work with your healthcare provider to create a comprehensive plan that may include Betaine HCL supplementation, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications to restore optimal digestive function. Additionally, keep doing your homework, we are here to help, sign up for our newsletters and read our blog posts for other insights.
To learn more about how Xymogen supplements can support your digestive health, check out our Why We Use Xymogen article. For more information on stomach acid and digestive health, explore the sources.
Until Next Time - Stay Healthy and Live Well!!!
Sincerely,
Dr. Yadalla
Disclaimer for HCL Challenge:
Before starting the HCL Challenge, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a history of gastrointestinal issues such as gastric ulcers, GERD, or are taking medications like NSAIDs or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These conditions or medications can compromise the stomach lining, and taking Betaine HCL may exacerbate symptoms or cause harm. The HCL Challenge is not recommended for those with active ulcers or gastritis without medical supervision. If you experience any discomfort, burning, or severe symptoms while performing the test, discontinue use and seek medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic on Hypochlorhydria:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23392-hypochlorhydria - Mayo Clinic on GERD and Stomach Acidity:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940 - NIH on Proton Pump Inhibitors and Nutrient Absorption:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5868641/ - Heidelberg Test Information and Alternatives:
https://heidelbergtest.com/validity - Metabolic Healing
https://www.holistichelp.net/blog/hydrochloric-acid-and-the-betaine-hcl-challenge-test/ - The HCL Challenge: Why the Conventional Test is DEAD Wrong
https://metabolichealing.com/the-hcl-challenge-why-the-conventional-test-is-dead-wrong/
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