HCL or hydrochloric acid is a very strong acid produced by your stomach.

The roles of HCL include:

• Killing any potential pathogens that make its way into your stomach
• Degrading proteins and converting them so they are easier to digest
• Kick-starting the digestion, secretion, and movement throughout the digestive system
• Activating enzymes that are released into the stomach as precursors, such as pepsin, which also activate other enzymes in the stomach
• Converting minerals, such as iron and zinc, into a form that can be absorbed and used by our the body

Acid reflux is caused by the gastroesophageal sphincter (the valve between your stomach and esophagus) coming loose, allowing the stomach content to rise up into the esophagus.

Symptoms may include:

• Heartburn or a burning sensation in your chest, especially when lying down
• Chest pain
• Burping or belching
• Recurring coughs or hiccups
• Hoarse voice
• Bad breath
• Pressure in the chest
• Sour or bitter taste in the back of the throat

There are many potential causes of acid reflux. You should consult your physician or naturopathic doctor to identify the root causes and treat them accordingly.

Conventional medicine uses means to reduce stomach acid to treat acid reflux. However, incidences of acid reflux increase with age, while stomach acid decreases with age, so most cases of acid reflux are caused by low hydrochloric acid. Older adults may have delayed stomach acid secretions compared to younger adults^[9].

Often, acid reflux is caused by an imbalance in the gut bacteria or small intestine bacterial overgrowth^[10].

Ways to temporarily manage acid reflux include:

• Avoiding trigger foods, such as mint, fatty foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, onions, garlic, coffee, tea, chocolate, carbonated beverages, and alcohol
• Staying upright after eating and avoiding eating too close to bedtime
• Sleeping in an incline
• Managing stress
• Avoiding exercising too soon after eating
• Quitting smoking if you’re a smoker
• Losing weight if overweight or obese
• Avoiding tight-fitting clothing or belts
• Managing medications that may cause acid reflux as a side effect
• Finding an eating routine that works for you - some people do better eating smaller meals, while others three square meals per day.
• Practicing good eating hygiene, such as eating mindfully and thoroughly chewing food
• Many people find that optimizing overall digestion and microbiome relieves their acid reflux. Several BiOptimizers products, including HCl Breakthrough, provide digestive and microbiome support. However, our products are not approved to treat or prevent any conditions. You should also consult your physician before introducing any supplements or diet changes.

GERD is when acid reflux keeps recurring, at least more than twice a week.

GERD can cause inflammation to the esophagus and may lead to esophageal cancer.

Your stomach naturally produces hydrochloric acid to kill pathogens and activate digestive enzymes in the stomach. The acidity also serves to trigger gut movement and secretions of digestive juices in the intestine.

There are many causes of low HCL, including:

• Stress
• Aging
• Eating too fast or mindlessly
• Antacids*
• Stomach acid-reducing drugs (proton pump inhibitors)*
• Vitamin B and zinc deficiencies
• Autoimmune conditions that destroy the stomach lining
• Helicobacter pylori and bacterial infections
• Drinking coffee on empty stomach can injure the acid-producing cells in the stomach lining

*Always speak to your physician before stopping or making changes to your medication regimens. If you have stomach ulcer, you may need these medications temporarily to allow the ulcers to heal. Do not take stomach acid supplements (including HCL Breakthrough) if you have stomach ulcers.

1. You may have HCL due to one of the causes above. As a result, the valve between the stomach and esophagus don’t get enough stimulation to close.
2. You are eating trigger foods that cause acid reflux without the right support for your gut, such as coffee, citrus, red meat, or very high fat meals.
3. Your post-meal posture allows for the acid to flow up the esophagus

• Slow down and eat your meals slowly and mindfully
• Correct your zinc and B vitamin deficiencies if you are deficient in these nutrients
• Use HCL Breakthrough
• Increasing the protein content of your meals
• Use digestive bitters
• Drink lemon water or apple cider vinegar 15 minutes before meals

Stomach acid is the naturally occuring hydrochloric acid produced by a type of cells that line your stomach. It serves to sterilize your food, facilitate digestion, and promote further steps of digestion.

High stomach acid is quite rare since stomach acid decreases with age. Symptoms of excess stomach acid may include stomach discomfort, especially on an empty stomach. You may also have nausea and vomiting.

However, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out injuries to the stomach lining, which may allow any level of stomach acid to irritate the stomach tissue. The following may increase the risk of stomach lining injuries:

• H. pylori infection
• Usage of drugs that reduce stomach lining protection, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Being under intense physical or emotional stress
• Alcohol drinking, especially without food
• Irregular or unhealthy eating patterns

Low stomach acid is more common and tends to have ripple effects throughout the body. Signs of low hydrochloric acid include:

• Nutrient deficiencies, such as iron or B12 deficiency anemia
• Indigestion, bloating, gas, belching, and heartburn
• Inability to gain weight
• Lack of appetite
• Catching gut infections or food-borne illnesses easily
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Food allergies, sensitivities, or leaky gut