Why a Good Level of Hydrochloric Acid is Important for Our Health

Stomach acid also known as hydrochloric acid (HCL) is secreted by the parietal cells in the stomach.  This activity is stimulated by the nervous system reacting to the sight, smell or even thought of food.  HCL acid plays numerous roles in digestion in the stomach such as breaking down of protein, absorption of nutrients, activation of certain enzymes like pepsin, protection against orally indigested bacteria and stimulation of digestion.

Yet, so many people are still on so-called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) which suppress the production of hydrochoric acid with significant consequences.

Stomach Acid Assists in Protein Digestion

Protein digestion begins in the stomach with the activity of HCL breaking down the protein. Pepsin also secreted in the stomach breaks down the bonds between certain amino acids in the proteins. This can impact on our body’s growth and repair mechanism and also on the production of hormones, neurotransmitters. Poor digestion or artificial suppression of HCl affects many areas of health including neurotransmitters.

Low hydrochloric acid in the stomach causes a heartburn.

This has been mirrored in my clinic where I see patients who are on PPI’s that are constipated, bloated, have heartburn, are riddled with parasites, and often have Helicobacter Pylori, are depressed, malnourished, some have chronic skin conditions, fatigue and are anaemic. In this blog I will discuss only some of the issues associated with a low hydrochloric acid.

Animal proteins require a high level of stomach acid for break down and absorption.

Stomach Acid Aids in the Absorption of Nutrients

A number of nutrients depend on hydrochloric acid for their absorption and utilisation in the body. These include Vitamin B12, Zinc, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamin C and Calcium. Insufficient HCL will impair the absorption of these nutrients and contribute to a number of health conditions associated with nutrient deficiencies like Osteoporosis, Diabetes, Cancer, Dementia or cardiovascular conditions

Skin Conditions Will Improve if HCL is Adequate

It has been known since 1945 that there is a connection between Hydrochloric Acid and skin diseases. Improvement in both general health and skin conditions is always observed following treatment with HCL and other relevant supplements and dietary changes for the condition.

Helicobacter Pylori is one of the causes of stomach and duodenal ulcers.

A Helicobacter Pylori Infection and HCL

Apart from the slow decline of hydrochloric acid in the stomach as we age, Proton Pump Inhibitiors (PPI’s) prescribed for reflux as well as Helicobacter Pylori (HP) have been identified as a major cause of low stomach acidity.

Low hydrochloric acid also contributes to the infection of Helicobacter Pylori (HP) and  HP contibutes to low hydrochloric acid. I have noticed that as much as 27% of all patients tested, who were asymptomatic had Helicobacter Pylori in their stomach. The consequences of untreated HP could range from stomach inflammation to stomach ulcer and stomach cancer.

If you would like to restore your health and vitality, call us now on (02) 4854 0205

Danuta Hulajko is a holistic practitioner, international speaker and the founder & practitioner at the DH Natural Medicine Clinic and www.healingremedies.com.au in the Southern Highlands, NSW.

Danuta specialises in Allergies, Anti-Aging, Auto-Immune Conditions, Cardiovascular Conditions, Female Reproductive, Menopause, Mould Toxicity, Skin Conditions, Stress and Insomnia and Thyroid Dysfunction.

For more information please go to our website. You can also follow Danuta Hulajko’s work, events, seminars, expos, latest health research, her health tips and advice on FacebookLinkedIn and Instagram.

 

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