Hydrochloric Acid

Hydrochloric Acid 
Is a necessity for our body to function correctly and it is important for our immune and digestive health.  Too much or too little HCL will have consequences. 

HCL is secreted by the parietal cells in the stomach wall. 

Actions

• Denatures protein and enhances nutrient absorption.
• Activates pepsin from pepsinogen - which renders some minerals e.g. calcium and iron more absorbable.
• Inhibits the overgrowth of candida spp.
• Stimulates secretion of pancreatic juices.
• Supports barrier defence against ingested microbes , H. pylori, fungi etc.

Clinical Clues Of Low Stomach Acid.

• Bloating, belching, burning and flatulence immediately after meals.
• A sense of fullness after eating just a few bites of food.
• Feeling as through food is sitting in the stomach undigested for hours. 
• Indigestion, diarrhea or constipation.
• Multiple food allergies.
• Nausea after taking supplements.
• Dilated blood vessels in the cheeks and nose (in nonalcoholics).
• Acne.
• Iron deficiency.
• Chronic intestinal parasites or abnormal flora. 
• Undigested food in stool.
• Chronic candida infections.
• Upper digestive tract gassiness.
• Itching around the rectum

Jonathan Wright , in Why Stomach Acid is good for you, found that many people with diseases such as type 1 diabetes, osteoporosis, childhood asthma, chronic fatigue and depression have atypically low levels of HCL in their stomachs. 

As we get older our stomach acid levels decline 50% of those over 60 years old have insufficient production. 
Chronic stress can play a part in lowered stomach acid level along with imbalanced GALT and chronic inflammation - parietal antibodies or autoimmune involvement. 

How to increase HCL naturally

• Apple cider vinegar . Begin with 1 teaspoon in 8 teaspoons of water. Gradually increase the amount of vinegar until you get the desired effect before meals.
• Take HCL( betaine hydrochloride) with meals that contain protein. Zinc and B6 are important co-factors.
• Digestive bitters can also be used to stimulate HCL production.  10-20 drops are often taken in water before a meal for the bitter principle effect via the stimulation of the vagus nerve.  These may include Swedish bitters or herbal extract formulas containing gentian, dandelion root or artichoke.

Reference:
Elizabeth Lipski. (2011). Digestive Wellness : Strengthen the Immune System and Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion. Fourth Edition. McGray-Hill.
Jones D.S. Quinn S. (2006)Textbook of Functional Medicine. Gig Harbour: Institute of Functional Medicine
Liska et al (2004) Clinical Nutrition. A Functional Approach . Gig Harbour: The Institute of Functional Medicine

Low Carbohydrate Muesli

Chewy and satisfying, this muesli is lower in carbohydrates than the classic type, as it features more nuts and seeds than grains and no dried fruit (which is very high in sugar). It is also wheat- and sugar-free, unlike most of the bought varieties, but you can use a little xylitol (a natural sugar derived from plants)* to sweeten it if you like. (Serves 2).

(GLs per serving = 4)

Allergy suitability: wheat-, dairy-, yeast-free


Ingredients

100 g (4 oz) whole oat flakes
50 g (2 oz) ground almonds
2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds
2 Tbsp walnuts, roughly chopped
2 Tbsp sunflower seeds
2 tsp xylitol (optional)
1) Stir all the ingredients together until well mixed.

2) Serve with a tablespoon of berries per person, and a small pot of live natural yogurt or soy yogurt, or skim milk, soy milk, or nut milk (total GLs = 10).

3) Variations: Vary the nuts and seeds (pecans or hazelnuts would work well instead of the walnuts)

Beneficial Dietary Habits

Benefical Dietary Habits

Eat Breakfast 

Eat protein and fat with every meal 

Eat something every 3-4hrs

Finish last meal at least 2-3hrs before bedtime

Improve pH balance through intake of alkaline Plant based foods
Lower Dietary Sodium : Potassium ratio

Take a multivitamin and other nutrients as required. 

Eat more anti-inflammatory foods

Eat more detoxiifying foods

Eat More omega 3 fats