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| Things change in middle age. This is when colon cancer and diverticulitis tend to manifest, along with other illnesses that result from a lifetime of incorrect eating. As the body ages, it produces less hydrochloric acid, leading to indigestion and an inability to absorb nutrients. Hydrochloric acid is a powerful chemical that breaks down food fibers and destroys harmful bacteria. It's an important factor in preventing disease. But when the body produces less hydrochloric acid, most people misinterpret the results, believing that their indigestion and discomfort are due to too much stomach acid. When they take antacids, they further suppress the stomach's ability to generate hydrochloric acid, which makes the problem worse. An insufficient supply of hydrochloric acid interferes with digestion and leaves one more vulnerable to bacterial, viral or microbial infections. |
| Instead of taking antacids, you may improve by taking hydrochloric acid. HCl supplements are sold in health food stores and pharmacies. In his Prescription for Nutritional Healing, James Balch, M.D. suggested the following method for determining whether you need additional HCl. ''Take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. If this makes your heartburn go away, then you need more stomach acid. If it makes your symptoms worse, then you have too much HCl and shouldn't take any enzyme products that contain HCl.'' If you don't have chronic heartburn but have occasional bouts of indigestion, try taking one HCl supplement with or slightly before a large meal. If it helps, continue adding it; if it gives you heartburn, stop. |
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