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HCl/Pepsin/Gentian

Description

The combination of HCl, pepsin and gentian provide a powerful digestive support for the stomach. This combination of nutrients can be very beneficial in improving digestive function and can play a key factor in resolving many chronic complaints. Low hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a major factor in many digestive disorders. As we age, HCl levels decline. Low HCl levels have been associated with many chronic digestive complaints, as well as iron-deficiency anemia, osteoporosis, food allergies, gallstones, skin conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, periodontal disease, asthma and chronic stress.

Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications

Iron-deficiency anemia - due to poor iron absorption; also poor absorption of vitamin B-12 (which needs the intrinsic factor, secreted along with HCl, to be absorbed) and folic acid deficiency.

Osteoporosis - due to decreased calcium absorption.

Multiple food allergies - low HCl causes improper protein digestion which results in poor food absorption and assimilation, which can lead to “leaky gut syndrome”. This, in turn, causes large proteins to enter the bloodstream and cause antigen/antibody reactions.

Gallstones - many people with gallstones exhibit decreased HCl secretion compared to gallstone-free patients.

Diabetes mellitus patients - have shown decreased HCl secretion.

Eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, vitiligo (skin condition characterized by the lack of melanin production) - possibly due to association of low HCl with food allergies.

Tooth and periodontal disease.

Increased intestinal infection including yeast, parasites and bacteria.

Low pancreatic enzyme secretion since HCl is a stimulus for pancreatic secretions.

Asthma - over 80% of children diagnosed with asthma have exhibited low HCl.

Rheumatoid arthritis - low HCl allows food particles to go undigested and activate auto-immune responses.

Chronic stress could cause HCl production to decrease over time.

Age causes gastric acid secretion to decrease.

Heavy metal toxicity - the heavy metal lead binds HCl in the gut and makes HCl unavailable for digestion.

Nutrient Applications

Hydrochloric acid (HCL) is a powerful digestive aid for the stomach. HCl is necessary for protein digestion. It plays a key role in activating inactive precursor proenzymes (chymotrypsinogen and trypsinogen) to their active form (chymotrypsin and trypsin). It also maintains the acid environment of the stomach, which is necessary to prevent bacterial growth (Toohey and Kreutle, Nutritional Physiology: Clinical Applications and Scientific Research, HealthQuest Publishing, Fort Collins, CO, 1995).

Pepsin is a protein-digesting enzyme that is most active in a 1-2 pH environment. Pepsin is most helpful in the stomach as a digestive aid.

Gentian root is a highly bitter plant that has been used for centuries as a digestive aid. Gentian improves digestive tone by increasing appetite and stimulating digestive juices and pancreatic activity. Gentian helps to relieve gas and bloating after the ingestion of excessive amounts of fatty meats or heavy foods. Gentian extracts are sold in many liquor stores under the name "bitters". The well-known "Swedish bitters" sold in healthfood stores often contain gentian. Gentian stimulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid and bile, and is known for relieving gallbladder problems and indigestion.

Contraindications/Toxicology

If you are pregnant or have chronic digestive complaints or high blood pressure, use gentian and HCl only at the advice of a licensed healthcare professional. Avoid HCl, pepsin or gentian if you have excess stomach acid, gastritis, or a peptic ulcer.

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

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