Hydrochloric acid sources, health benefits and uses

The stomach produces hydrochloric acid the moment you start eating to facilitate the process of digestion. While this is happening, food particles are digested, making it possible for nutrients and other substances to be absorbed by the intestinal walls and eventually seep into your bloodstream.

Hydrochloric acid has a pH level of two, which means it can actually dissolve metal. It makes up the gastric juice – along with water and other stomach secretions – that circles your stomach when you eat. Your stomach is filled with a sort of mucus that protects the stomach lining; otherwise hydrochloric acid will digest your stomach along with its contents.

Foods that are rich in hydrochloric acid include apple cider vinegar, black olives, spinach, lemon juice, kale, barley grass, limes, papaya, pineapple, and celery, among others. You should remember that drinking undiluted apple cider vinegar can cause a burning sensation in your throat, so you should always dilute it with water. If you experience a burning in your throat while drinking apple cider vinegar, add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water and drink that, or enjoy a glass of milk.

However, if you experience heartburn after ingesting hydrochloric acid, it means that your body might be producing too much of it already. Adding more alkaline fruits and vegetables to your diet can take care of this problem instantly.

Diabetics and people with psoriasis, candida yeast overgrowth, dental problems, and eczema have lower levels of hydrochloric acid in their bodies, causing them to be more vulnerable to bacteria, parasites, and yeasts in the stomach. It is important that these people increase their hydrochloric acid levels by ingesting foods that are rich in hydrochloric acid.

People who also eat too little salt are also in danger of having low hydrochloric acid levels. They can remedy this by indulging in hydrochloric acid-producing meals like a large salad with some apple cider vinegar lemon dressing, some miso, and some high-mineral sea salt (preferably pink Himalayan or true salt).

Medicinal uses for hydrochloric acid

Hydrochloric acid contains antioxidants which help fight free radicals that cause otherwise healthy cells to genetically mutate into carcinogenic tumors. Antioxidants also protect the body from premature aging, disease-causing bacteria and infections, and increase the abilities of the immune system.

Hydrochloric acid breaks down proteins in your stomach by converting the inactive enzyme pepsinogen into the active enzyme pepsin, which performs the duty of breaking down proteins. Hydrochloric acid also neutralizes bacteria that enter your stomach. Afterward, hydrochloric acid is eliminated by secretions in the small intestine.

Body systems supported by hydrochloric acid

Hydrochloric acid is good for the digestive system. It can help you break down the food that you eat. When your body has enough hydrochloric stomach acid, it is very possible that you would have less pain, gas, and overall digestive issues.

Where to learn more

• Hydrochloric Acid and Health
• Add Digestive Enzymes and Hydrochloric Acid to Relieve Gas and Bloating
• 4 Proven Ways To Improve Digestion
• The best and worst forms of magnesium to take as a supplement
• Too Much or Too Little? 17 Tips To Balanced Stomach Acid pH Naturally

Summary

Hydrochloric acid is good for the digestive system.

The stomach produces hydrochloric acid the moment you start eating to facilitate the process of digestion.

Hydrochloric acid has a pH level of two, which means it can actually dissolve metal.

Sources include:

OneGreenPlanet.org

HealthyEating.SFGate.com

LiveStrong.com