Take the
Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency Test

The Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency Test is useful for those with Heartburn or symptoms of bloating, gas or poor digestion.

Doctors often tell people that their heartburn is due to having too much stomach acid- but the vast majority of the time, it is due to not having ENOUGH acid in the stomach. Surprisingly, the symptoms are almost identical!

 In order to be able to do this test, you'll need a bottle of Hydrochloric Acid Tablets. I recommend that you use Betaine Hydrochloride- also called Betaine HCL

Purpose of the Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency Test

The test is useful for assessing the integrity of the stomach lining and the amount of Hydrochloric Acid that you make. There is a strong correlation between the results of this test and the amount of stomach acid that you naturally produce. The HCL Challenge Test is designed to determine your need for supplemental Hydrochloric Acid and if your symptoms of 'Too Much Stomach Acid' are really from 'Too Much' or 'Too Little' stomach acid.

 

 How to Take the Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency Test

You should NOT take this test if:

    • You currently have ulcers

    • You have a past history of ulcers

    • You have any type of stomach or esophageal erosion

    • You are currently taking antacids or acid blocking medications (stop for at least a week)

 

INSTRUCTIONS

Have a glass of water and an antacid tablet such as Tums or Baking soda NEAR you when you begin the test. Always STOP the Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency Test as soon as you feel any heartburn, stomach irritation or a sensation of warmth or pressure in your stomach. If uncomfortable heartburn DOES occur, you may drink the glass of water with 1/2 tsp of baking soda and/or take the antacid tablet in order to help relieve the heartburn.

Meal One

Take One Capsule of HCL Supplements at the very beginning of a full meal. Stop at this step if you have any of the above symptoms of irritation or heartburn.

Meal Two

Take TWO capsules of HCL Supplements at the beginning of the next full meal. Stop at this step if you have the symptoms noted above.

Meal Three

Take 3 capsules of HCL Supplements at the beginning of the next full meal. Stop at this step if you have any of the symptoms noted above.

Meal Four

Take 4 capsules of HCL Supplements at the beginning of the next full meal. Stop at this step if you have any of the symptoms noted above. If you have reached this step, then stop here.

 

STOP the test at any point you feel uncomfortable and/or have a warmth or pressure sensation in your stomach. If you need to, drink a full glass of water and/or antacid tablet to relieve your uncomfortable symptoms.

 

Results of the
Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency Test

  • ONE TABLET: If you noticed burning or any uncomfortable symptoms with the first tablet, it's likely that you have a healthy hydrochloric acid production and that you DON'T need extra HCL.
  • Two Tablets: If you were able to get to two tablets, you may decide to continue taking the HCL if you feel that it benefits you, but you are definitely producing some acid. If you digest poorly and/or have regular bloating or gas, you may still benefit from extra hydrochloric acid regularly.
  • Three Tablets: You will almost certainly benefit from continued supplementation. See instructions below.
  • Four Tablets: It's likely that you have EXTREMELY poor hydrochloric acid production and will almost certainly benefit from continued supplementation. See instructions below.

 

Continuing HCL Supplements

If you feel that you will benefit from continuing HCL Supplements after taking the Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency Test, here's how you do that.

Take ONE Less Tablet: Whatever level of HCL Supplements you ended on with the test, simply follow the exact same instructions above, but for one tablet LESS and take that with every meal. For instance, if you had any symptoms when you took 3 tablets, then begin taking 2 tablets before every meal. If you felt nothing with 4 tablets, then you can either continue taking 4 tablets or decrease it to 3 tablets at every meal.

Over Time: Over time, you'll likely to begin to need less and less and may begin to get heartburn with fewer tablets- especially if you are following the other instructions on

How to Increase Stomach Acid page. Simply decrease the amount of pills that you are taking each day.

If you follow these and the other instructions on the How to Increase Stomach Acid page- eventually you may be able to solve the problem of how to increase stomach acid forever- by not ever needing to!

 

 While their health educational products are designed for health care practitioners and are quite detailed and technical, if you are frustrated with having 'Normal' tests despite feeling terrible, then the Blood Chemistry Analysis Book will teach you more than your doctor knows about your so-called 'Normal' blood tests!

Keep reading to find out more about Understanding Blood Test Results....

Next --->
Understanding Blood Test Results

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