Hydrochloric Acid and Its Importance in the Stomach

Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) is a vital component in digestive health. HCl is produced by the stomach to aid in the digestion of food. When the stomach produces too much HCl, the condition is known as Hyperchlorhydria. When the stomach does not produce enough HCl, the condition is known as Hypochlorhydria.

HCl is essential in the breakdown of vital nutrients. It allows for the digestion and absorption of the trace minerals zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, calcium, selenium, and vitamins B12 and B3. It also triggers the pancreas to produce the bile and digestive enzymes needed to digest and absorb proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. If these nutrients are not properly digested and absorbed, a person can develop a deficiency which leads to other serious health issues. In other words, you can eat all you like and still your body will starve for nutrients.

HCl also serves to sterilize the stomach. This helps to kill off pathogens found in food and prevents the overgrowth of yeast, fungus, and bacteria. Those who have low acid levels in their stomach may experience chronic bacterial or yeast infections.

As discussed in the next article entitled Low Stomach Acid-The Symptoms Sound tangly Familiar, the valve between the stomach and small intestine (called the pyloric valve) is triggered by HCl. If there is not enough HCl, the valve will not open and the contents of the stomach will remain in the stomach. The contents can then be churned up into the esophagus, and there is still enough acid in them to cause irritation. This will result in the feeling of fullness, bloating, and the burning associated with heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD.