HCL questions

[veganman]

Does anyone have problems with HCL? I just finished Greens for Life and read that many people have problems with HCL (hydrochloric acid). She stated that one sign is eating beets and having red urine or stools. I thought that was normal.

I am considering trying the HCL test of taking some HCL tablets.

Any thoughts?

[rawpriestess]

I don't know, what are some symptoms?

[Spectatrix]

I have (and have read) Greens for Life too and wondered a bit about that... I haven't eaten beets in a looooooong time, though, so I'm not sure whether I'm hypohydrochloric or not.

[Spectatrix]

I don't know, what are some symptoms?
From http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/digestiveproblems/a/LowHCL.htm (since I don't feel like typing up stuff from the book...)

Signs and Symptoms of Low Acidity

* Bloating, belching, and flatulence immediately after meals
* Indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation
* Soreness, burning or dryness of the mouth
* Heartburn
* Multiple food allergies
* Feeling nauseous after taking supplements
* Rectal itching
* Weak, peeling and cracked fingernails
* Redness or dilated blood vessels in the cheeks and nose
* Adult acne
* Hair loss in women
* Iron deficiency
* Undigested food in the stools
* Chronic yeast infections
* Low tolerance for dentures

[starchild]

I have a most if not all of these symptoms, but I hesitate to take any HCL capsules. I have a history of duodenal ulcers (once had one that perforated, requiring intensive care, blood transfusions, the works) so I'm kinda scared to knowingly send more acid to my tummy. I had bought some new digestive enzymes a few weeks ago and after taking them a few days had pain like when I have an active ulcer, and what do ya know, the enzymes had HCL in them.

I would really be interested in hearing about anyone who has been able to up their natural HCL levels and relieve symptoms of low HCL with green smoothies like in Victoria's book. How long did it take, what quantity of smoothie per day, etc.

Starchild

[honeybee joy]

I have almost all of those probs. So what does Victoria reccomened about green smoothies helping that?

[Rawkinlocs]

From http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/digestiveproblems/a/LowHCL.htm (since I don't feel like typing up stuff from the book...)

Signs and Symptoms of Low Acidity

* Bloating, belching, and flatulence immediately after meals
* Indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation
* Soreness, burning or dryness of the mouth
* Heartburn
* Multiple food allergies
* Feeling nauseous after taking supplements
* Rectal itching
* Weak, peeling and cracked fingernails
* Redness or dilated blood vessels in the cheeks and nose
* Adult acne
* Hair loss in women
* Iron deficiency
* Undigested food in the stools
* Chronic yeast infections
* Low tolerance for dentures

While having those symptoms "could" mean having problems with HCL...I've seen many of those same symptoms also associated with other things like candida or...parasites! I kinda chuckled to myself as I read the list because years ago when my husband and I used to sell these colon and parasite herbal capsules through this MLM company...a lot of those symptoms were listed on the literature for signs you might have parasites!

I'm just saying that symptoms are so funny in that you can have 3-4 out of a list of symptoms and think you have "abc" or "xyz" and then the next thing you know, you end up becoming a hypochondriac thinking you have EVERYTHING!

[tvillemom]

I second that RK! I suffer from candida...then read the list and thought ????!!!! WHAT?? What is HCL? I've never heard of it before! Thanks.
Wendi

[Spectatrix]

While having those symptoms "could" mean having problems with HCL...I've seen many of those same symptoms also associated with other things like candida or...parasites!
I figured that people would probably go to the site I linked to, but I supposed I should've posted what they said right after that list:

"Although these signs and symptoms are helpful in the assessment of low acidity, they can also be caused by other health conditions. Thorough investigation by an appropriately trained health practitioner is essential."

Big duh, right? Most symptoms can be indicative of many different health conditions... But actually, regarding candida and parasites, it looks as though those can be a result of having low stomach acid... I'd still talk to a doctor, though, rather than trying to self-diagnose hypochlorhydria.

[veganman]

After Brianna replied to my food combining thread, available HERE (http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15359), it brought up more questions for me. So, instead of getting off topic there, I thought I would add them here.


When is hydrochloric acid important - always or just when digesting proteins? How about nuts?
I have read and heard that Apple Cider Vinegar is helpful for increasing HCL. Does anyone know of any studies or additional info around this? How does it help to increase HCL?
What problems occur if eating Apple Cider Vinegar with food? Is it only certain foods?
Are there any good books or websites that people could recommend to me about this topic and food combining in general?

[lane]

aside from the "beet test," i think another good indication that you may have low levels of HCl is when your bowel movements are green following high consumption of green smoothies. When i first began drinking them (4-5 cups a day) my bowel movements were green-- after about two weeks they changed (overnight) to brown, which is really interesting and (i might recall from victoria's book) indicative of an increase in acid.
cc