Where I suspect low stomach acid production I give the following challenge:
1) Begin by taking one capsule of Betaine HCl with a protein-containing meal. A normal response in a healthy person would be discomfort – basically heartburn.
2) If you do not feel a burning sensation, begin taking two capsules with each protein-containing meal.
3) If there are no reactions after 2 days, increase the number of capsules with each meal to three.
Continue increasing the number of capsules every 2 days, using up to a maximum of five capsules with each main meal if necessary.
These dosages may seem large, but a normally functioning stomach manufactures considerably more.
You’ll know you’ve taken too much if you experience tingling, heartburn, diarrhoea, tight sternum “knot”, or any type of discomfort including a feeling of unease, digestive discomfort, neck ache, backache, headache, or any new odd symptom.
If you experience tingling, burning, or any symptom that is uncomfortable, you can neutralize the acid with 1tsp of baking soda mixed in water.
4) When you reach a state of tingling, burning, or any other type of discomfort, discontinue the HCl and report the results back to me.
Our aim will then be to support your own production of HCL and find the underlying reason that you are not producing enough.
If you have any questions or uncertainty, please ask me directly.
