If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best HCL supplement for low stomach acid for a basement gym is, then I’d recommend the as the best one.
Low stomach acid levels are just as dangerous as excess acid levels. However, thanks to science, both are now manageable.
Hypochlorhydria is a deficiency of hydrochloric acid in the stomach that inhibits the digestion process.
Hydrochloric acid eliminates viruses and bacteria in the stomach, protecting your body from various infections.
In this guide, we’ll reveal what we think is the best HCL supplement for low stomach acids, as well as a few other alternatives.
Here are the top HCL supplements we’ll be reviewing:
- NOW Supplements Betaine HCl
- HCL from Amy Myers MD
- Doctor’s Best Betaine HCI Pepsin & Gentian Bitters
- Premier Research Labs Premier HCL
- BiOptimizers HCL Breakthrough
Who Should Buy Betaine HCL?
Betaine HCL increases the level of stomach acidity, enhancing digestion for people suffering from low stomach acid.
The supplement is safe for intake for most people and is effective in helping people prevent gastrointestinal infections.
The supplement is also considered helpful in preventing heart disease, as it lowers levels of homocysteine.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before taking the supplement, as research on the safety in these populations is still limited.
People suffering from peptic ulcers should avoid these supplements since it might interfere with the healing of the stomach ulcers.
HCL supplements are recommendable to anyone who:
- Is dealing or concerned about a leaky gut
- Wants to support and enhance optimal microbial balance in the digestive system
- Needs additional digestive support
- Needs additional support absorbing dietary minerals
- Is dealing with gas, bloating, and weak digestion
What Causes Low Stomach Acid?
There are a number of reasons you could be suffering from low stomach acid levels.
Here are some of the most common ones;
- Certain Medication
- Hypothyroidism
- Autoimmune diseases
- Infections
- Surgeries
- Deficiency of certain minerals
Medication
Some medicines, like proton pump inhibitors (Nexium) and antacids (Tums), are used to reduce stomach acid.
These types of medication are usually very helpful, especially when stomach acidity is high.
However, if your stomach’s acid level is too low, taking the best HCL supplement will only aggravate the situation.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition that can lower the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and reduce the level of stomach acid production.
Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases cause the body to create antibodies that go on to attack the cells that secrete acid in the stomach.
Infections
Infections like H.pylori are known to cause stomach ulcers as well as lower acid output.
Surgeries
Stomach surgeries such as gastric bypass procedures are known to cause hypochlorhydria.
Mineral deficiency
Some minerals are very vital in the acid secretion process, and if your body does not have the right amounts of these minerals, your stomach’s acid levels decrease.
Benefits of HCL Supplements
Betaine Hydrochloride is a vitamin-like substance usually found in grains and other foods.
Betaine HCL is recommended by some doctors as a supplementary source of Hydrochloric acid for people with hypochlorhydria.
- Helps in increasing the stomach’s acid levels.
- HCL in the stomach helps improve the digestion of proteins.
- Under the right medical supervision, betaine HCL can help restore your stomach’s acid levels and improve asthma symptoms.
- Promotes a healthy stomach PH balance
- Improves the absorption of protein and vitamins
- Eases the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Eases the symptoms of gallstones
- Eases the symptoms of food allergies
- Eases the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
- Fights yeast infection
Supplementing your meals with Betaine HCL can improve digestion for people diagnosed with low stomach acid.
Signs Or Symptoms of Low Stomach Acid levels
Low stomach acid levels often lead to bloating, diarrhea, gas, and discomfort in the stomach or throat.
This is usually because the right amount of HCL is required for optimum food absorption.
Reduced HCL can also facilitate the perfect environment for the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and reduces the chances of many vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Here are some other symptoms associated with low stomach acid levels:
- Nausea after taking supplements
- Bloating after meals
- Heartburns
- Flatulence
- Feelings of fullness
- Nutrient deficiencies due to malabsorption of foods
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Burning sensation after eating
- Food allergies or intolerances
Dosage and Preparation
HCL supplements are usually available in both tablet and capsule form. They can also be bought in bulk as powder.
As of today, there is no stipulated dosage of the supplement, so it is always recommendable to consult a medical professional to come up with an effective dosage that will be tailor-made for your specific need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is HCL Safe For Children?
It is recommendable to consult your child’s healthcare provider before using any HCL supplement.
They can help you decide if it is appropriate for your child’s specific health goals, as well as help you with dosing information.
Should The Best HCL Supplement be Taken With or Away From Meals?
Experts recommend that you should take your HCL supplement before meals.
This will provide the supplement ample time to modulate your stomach’s PH, creating the perfect environment for digesting the meal.
It also allows the HCL to activate digestive enzymes that support mineral and vitamin absorption.
Is HCL Safe to Take For Pregnant Women and Nursing Mothers?
In the case of pregnancy and nursing, HCL is generally safe when used as directed.
Unless you have been advised by your doctor, do not use HCL or any medications that may be contraindicated with HCL.
I encourage you to work with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any concerns about supplementation before using my HCL formula.
How Long Does it Take Betaine HCL Supplements to Work?
Medical experts say that Betaine HCL works within only a few minutes (3 to 6 minutes) after intake.
Should I Take Betaine HCL With Every Meal?
It is always advisable to consult a medical professional before taking any HCL supplement.
They will be in a better position of coming up with an appropriate dosage and timing instruction, tailor-made for your needs.
Reviews of the Top HCL Supplements
NOW Supplements Betaine HCl
Betaine HCL by NOW supplements are formulated with 648 mg of betaine HCL to enhance and support appropriate digestive conditions in the stomach.
The Vegetarian formula uses a vegetarian acid-stable protease with similar activity to that of animal-derived pepsin. It is arguably the best HCL supplement in the market today
The supplement uses protease to assist in breaking down proteins. However, it accomplishes this through a different mechanism than pepsin.
The supplement is soy-free, non-GMO, nut-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and keto-friendly. It is also Halal certified and vegan-friendly.
The manufacturer recommends an intake of 1 capsule at the beginning of every meal. You should also avoid taking the supplement on an empty stomach as it might cause ulcers.
NOW Supplements Betaine HCl Highlights
- Helps to increase stomach acid levels
- Supports and enhances digestions
- Allows for a higher mineral and nutrient absorption
- Increases stomach enzymes
- Gluten-free
- Vegetarian acid-stable protease
HCL from Amy Myers MD
HCL from Dr. Amy Myers helps in fortifying your gastric juices with the required levels of acid it needs to reach and maintain proper PH.
This level of acid allows it to protect from ingested molds, viruses, bacteria, and even parasites, maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal microbe balance and immunity.
Dr. Amy Myers HCL contains Betaine HCL, which optimizes gastric acidity and is probably the best HCL supplement in the market today.
Betaine is combined with hydrochloride to create the perfect PH to enhance digestion, mineral absorption, microbe balance, and enzyme activation.
The supplement has also been shown to provide the optimal PH balance in the stomach to support proper digestion of inflammatory proteins, helping alleviate food sensitivities.
HCL is also very helpful for people who need additional support in absorbing minerals, dealing with gas, weak digestion, and bloating.
One capsule every once or twice a day, at the beginning of each meal is the recommended dosage.
However, it is always advisable to consult your physician for a unique dosage specific to your needs.
The package contains 100 capsules, which are enough for a month or two (depends on your dosage.
HCL from Dr. Amy Myers does not contain wheat, dairy, soy, sugar, starch, corn, gluten, yeast, soy, or any other additional preservatives or hydrogenated oils.
HCL from Amy Myers MD Highlights
- Compact packaging
- Very effective
- Helps to increase stomach acid levels
- Supports and enhances digestions
- Allows for greater mineral and nutrient absorption
- Increases stomach enzymes
Doctor’s Best Betaine HCI Pepsin & Gentian Bitters
Doctor’s Best Betaine HCI contains Betaine HCL, pepsin, and Gentian bitters, which are essential nutritional factors that support and enhance the efficiency of the digestive process.
Betaine HCL optimizes the stomach’s digestive capacity, while pepsin works hand in hand with stomach acid to support protein digestion.
Gentian is a bitter herb that has, for a long time, been used to tonify the digestive tract and optimize the digestive capacity.
Its bitter nature is said to help with the body’s production of digestive enzymes. Betaine HCL and Pepsin help in breaking down the food ingested while preventing gas and bloating.
Pros
- Helps to increase stomach acid levels
- Supports and enhances digestions
- Allows for a higher mineral and nutrient absorption
- Increases stomach enzymes
Premier Research Labs Premier HCL
Premier Research Labs believes that when well-grown nutrients are combined, they provide more potent effects than the sum of their individual benefits.
Their Premier Research Labs Premier HCL contains no tagalongs (artificial colors, flavorings, or preservatives) Premier HCL contains Betaine Hydrochloride to provide additional support in digestion and detoxification.
Betaine HCL helps increase your stomach’s acid levels, promoting the proper absorption of minerals and nutrients.
Premier Research Labs Premier HCL Highlights
- Helps to increase stomach acid levels
- Supports and enhances digestions
- Allows for a higher mineral and nutrient absorption
- Increases stomach enzymes
BiOptimizers HCL Breakthrough
BiOptimizers HCL Breakthrough is made entirely with 100% natural ingredients.
The plant-based acid reflux supplement contains no pepsin whatsoever, which enhances its non-irritability.
The HCL supplement helps alleviate poor digestion, bacterial overgrowth, heartburns, bloating, and gas. Helps HCL Breakthrough is dairy-free, gluten-free, and suitable for vegetarians.
BiOptimizers HCL Breakthrough
- Helps to increase stomach acid levels
- Supports digestion and detoxification
- Alleviates acid reflux symptoms like heartburn, bloating, and gas
- Allows for a greater mineral and nutrient absorption
- Increases the availability of enzymes
- Helps to eliminate fungus-like Candida
Final Thoughts
If you have been dealing with low stomach acid, you know how uncomfortable it can get. But you don’t have to go through the pain all over again.
The HCL supplements mentioned on this list happen to be some of the most effective and widely used products in the country.
HCL supplements can be very helpful in maintaining your body in its best functioning capacity.
BiOptimizers HCL Breakthrough is undoubtedly one of the most versatile and effective HCL supplements available today.
The formula uses vegetarian acid-stable protease, making it suitable and recommendable for vegetarians.
BiOptimizers HCL Breakthrough increases your stomach’s acid levels, helping maintain the right environment and conditions for optimum digestion.
The product is soy-free, 100% natural, nut-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and keto-friendly, making it suitable for a lot of people.
There is a wide range of HCL supplements available in the market today, and the options can be overwhelming.
Some of the products you will find will be knockoff that will be of no use and might even pose a greater health risk.
However, with proper consultation with your doctor, you will have better chances of picking a genuine product that will actually work for you.
