How to dose HCL to obtain ideal stomach acidity

 

Lowering stomach acid to ideal levels makes sure the digestion in the stomach is optimum, properly preparing the food for the remaining digestion in the small intestine and it also gives a signal to the body to release bile and pancreatic enzymes so the food is digested in the small intestine. If the food is not digested, then the good bacteria and the cells in the small intestine cannot utilize the nutrients and instead the undigested food is utilized by the pathogenic bacteria creating added toxicity to the body. Natural ways of stimulating adequate amounts of HCL is having a bone/gelatine broth before the main meal and having some apple cider vinegar and/or sauerkraut juice before a meal. However for many this is not enough and before they heal and seal their gut using the GAPS diet, they need to supplement with HCL.

 

• Eat a meal that contains at least 15-20grams of protein (about 4-6ounces of meat).

• Start by taking 1 pill (650mg or less) of Betaine HCL during the beginning of the meal.

• Finish the meal as normal and observe your body for any changes in feeling associated with the stomach and belly button area.  Things to look for: heaviness, hotness, burning, or other GI distress.

• Stay at this dosage of 1 pill for another day of meals with protein and if you don’t notice anything on the 3rd day, try 2 pills.

• Stay there for another day and then try 3 pills.

• Keep increasing the number of pills taken with each meal until you notice some GI discomfort described in step #3.

• When this happens, you will know your ideal Betaine HCL dosage is 1 pill less. For example, if you felt the discomfort going from 5 pills to 6 pills, then 5 pills is your proper dosage for a normal meal.