Origins Of Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
Historically, hydrochloric acid (HCl) was prescribed for many
symptoms and clinical conditions and was listed as a therapeutic
intervention in various pharmacopoeia. However, beginning in the late
1920s and early 1930s, its common use by the medical establishment
began to decline. While the therapeutic efficacy of oral administration
of HCl is still equivocal, largely due to a scarcity of outcome-focused
clinical intervention studies, a substantial body of evidence indicates
the necessity of proper gastric pH for optimal health. HCl secretion is
required for protein digestion by activating pepsinogen to pepsin. It
also renders the stomach sterile against orally-ingested pathogens,
prevents bacterial or fungal overgrowth of the small intestine,
encourages the flow of bile and pancreatic enzymes, and facilitates the
absorption of a variety of nutrients.
Good health and the presence of absolute immunity depend on the
existence of a normal production of hydrochloric acid and its presence
in the bloodstream and other fluids of the body. When the HCL
production falls short, and a progressive diminution takes place, we
find a loss of absolute immunity, a decreasing degree of tissue
susceptibility, an imbalance of blood chemistry, and poor digestion and
assimilation. This is the starting point of general ill-health and
malnutrition. It is a logical assumption that a lack of sufficient
minerals in the daily diet must of necessity give rise to a deficiency
in the hydrochloric acid production. It is known that certain salts,
such as potassium, are needed by the glands responsible for its
production.
It is also known that when the hydrochloric acid production falls
short the required amount necessary to maintain the acidity of the
white cells and the acid-base balance becomes insufficient and hydrogen
chloride eventually vanishes from the circulation. When hydrogen
chloride disappears from the circulation some other acid must take its
place immediately in order to maintain the pH of the circulating
fluids. The acid wastes assume the role of hydrogen chloride in the
blood chemistry. This is followed by an imbalance of the blood
chemistry.
The acid wastes can not be thrown off as quickly as they are formed
so they begin to accumulate in the fluids and tissues of the body with
the resultant struggle between these and the alkaline reserve. The
result is a depletion of the latter.
Functional disorders of a metabolic, endocrine and allergic nature
and the condition of acidosis become manifest. The person loses his
natural immunity and is highly prone to develop focal infection
followed by acute disease. In this depleted condition they lack the
necessary reserve to destroy the invading microorganisms completely.
Let us consider the protective agencies of the animal organism but
instead of talking about antibodies, vaccines, antitoxins, immunity of
the blood, dietary regimens, etc. let us go to rock bottom and consider
the very essential mineral elements of which our body is composed. It
is generally believed that organic life began in the saline ocean many
eons ago and that the chemical formula of that ocean, of the blood
serum, and the temperature of the body have not changed materially
since that time. That the ocean is generally always free from
corruption no matter how many of its animals die within it, is probably
due to its chlorine content. Chlorine related not only to sodium
chloride but also to the chlorides of magnesium, calcium, and other
minerals present.
Let us study the part that chlorine plays in the digestion of food
and its absorption into the body tissues. Chlorine may be found free as
hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice or combined with albumin in
albuminosis or it may be found united with sodium chiefly in the fluids
of the body and with potassium in the solids. Potassium was also found
as a chloride by preference in morphological elements like blood
corpuscles, muscle cells, etc. Calcium chloride is found in the gastric
juice as a secondary product. Hydrochloric acid favors the excretion of
calcium phosphates.
The normal gastric juice in man contains some two to three parts of
hydrochloric acid per thousand. When the hydrochloric acid content of
the gastric juice is deficient or absent we must expect grave results
which will inevitably appear in the human metabolism.
Hydrochloric acid is necessary for complete healthy digestion,
deficiency of this acid tends to sepsis, suppuration, and general
toxemia, that if adrenals are inactive degenerative forms of disease
usually appear, that if the adrenals are impaired malignant neoplasms
may be expected, that neoplasms are most likely caused by failure of
the inhibitory nerve control probably located in the posterior nerve
centers of the spinal cord, that emotional worry, grief, anxiety,
depression are factors to be considered as causes of acid deficiency of
gastric fluid and thus give rise to many condtions causing degenerative
processes in alkalescence so commonly found in cancerous disease.
All disease processes, whether functional, metabolic, endocrine,
allergic, acute, chronic or degenerative are accompanied by the
condition of acidosis and the deficiency of the hydrochloric acid
production. It goes without saying that the longer that ill health is
permitted to exist in the body the less capable the tissues become to
respond to physiological stimuli. Use of hydrogen chloride therapy in
rheumatism and arthritis is rather rewarding. In the treatment of acute
articular rheumatism it is imperative that treatment be started
immediately. If treatment is given when only one joint is effected the
process can be stopped right there and then. In the treatment of
arthritis we give intravenous injections of dilute hydrochloric acid
solution daily for about three weeks. When the pain has subsided we
proceed to eliminate or cure all focal infections such as abscessed
teeth, infected tonsils and turbinates, an infected or lacerated
cervix, prostate glands and rectal crypts, etc.
Non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) is often related to altered gastric output
of hydrochloric acid and other secretions. Although antacids are the
predominate treatment of "indigestion" (reflecting the opinion it is a
hyperacidity condition), in many cases NUD is caused by a lack of
gastric acid secretion. Taking antacids or H1-receptor antagonists
often compound the impaired digestion of person with NUD may be
experiencing while providing symptomatic relief. Antacids and
H1-receptor antagonists effectively inhibit the effect of hydrochloric
acid and pepsin on protein digestion. In addition, the change in pH
produced by these drugs can adversely effect gut microbial flora
including the promotion of an overgrowth of Helicobacter pylori - the
organism being linked to ulcers and stomach cancer.
Rather than focus on blocking the digestive process with antacids,
the natural approach to indigestion focuses on aiding digestion. It is
clearly a more rational approach. Dr. Murray has described the use of
an herbal preparation in the relief of symptoms that in many cases may
reflect an insufficient output of gastric secretions including
hydrochloric acid and pepsin. In addition to using Iberogast, one of
simplest and effective measures for improving digestion involves
supplementation of hydrochloric acid in patients with achlorhydria or
hypochlorhydria. (Note: Hypochlorhydria refers to deficient gastric
acid secretion while achlorhydria refers to a complete absence of
gastric acid secretion.)
In conclusion, to have optimal absorption of several nutrients,
including folic acid, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, non-heme iron, and
some forms of calcium, magnesium and zinc, adequate HCl production is
required. It is quite probable the absorption of other nutrients are
dependent on HCl secretion. HCl administration seems to be most
indicated in aging people not responding to nutrients which seem
indicated, particularly B vitamins and minerals. Childhood asthma,
alcoholism, chronic skin conditions, digestive disturbances, intestinal
permeability, overgrowth by pathogenic bacteria or fungi, and evidence
of parasites are conditions which may indicate impaired ability to
secrete adequate HCl and which may benefit from supplementation.
Diseases associated with the pancreas or gallbladder, since these
organs indirectly require stomach HCl production to function optimally,
may also benefit from HCl administration. While the etiologic factors
leading to impaired or complete lack of HCl secretion are not well
understood, long term supplementation is safe and warranted in certain
populations and clinical conditions.
Known Hazards: Hydrochloric acid is corrosive to the eyes,
skin, and mucous membranes. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure may
cause coughing, hoarseness, inflammation and ulceration of the
respiratory tract, chest pain, and pulmonary edema in humans. Acute
oral exposure may cause corrosion of the mucous membranes, esophagus,
and stomach, with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea reported. Dermal
contact may produce severe burns, ulceration, and scarring.
Chronic (long-term) occupational exposure to hydrochloric acid has
been reported to cause gastritis, chronic bronchitis, dermatitis, and
photosensitization in workers. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations
may also cause dental discoloration and erosion.
Historically, hydrochloric acid (HCl) was prescribed for many
symptoms and clinical conditions and was listed as a therapeutic
intervention in various pharmacopoeia. However, beginning in the late
1920s and early 1930s, its common use by the medical establishment
began to decline. While the therapeutic efficacy of oral administration
of HCl is still equivocal, largely due to a scarcity of outcome-focused
clinical intervention studies, a substantial body of evidence indicates
the necessity of proper gastric pH for optimal health. HCl secretion is
required for protein digestion by activating pepsinogen to pepsin. It
also renders the stomach sterile against orally-ingested pathogens,
prevents bacterial or fungal overgrowth of the small intestine,
encourages the flow of bile and pancreatic enzymes, and facilitates the
absorption of a variety of nutrients.
Good health and the presence of absolute immunity depend on the
existence of a normal production of hydrochloric acid and its presence
in the bloodstream and other fluids of the body. When the HCL
production falls short, and a progressive diminution takes place, we
find a loss of absolute immunity, a decreasing degree of tissue
susceptibility, an imbalance of blood chemistry, and poor digestion and
assimilation. This is the starting point of general ill-health and
malnutrition. It is a logical assumption that a lack of sufficient
minerals in the daily diet must of necessity give rise to a deficiency
in the hydrochloric acid production. It is known that certain salts,
such as potassium, are needed by the glands responsible for its
production.
It is also known that when the hydrochloric acid production falls
short the required amount necessary to maintain the acidity of the
white cells and the acid-base balance becomes insufficient and hydrogen
chloride eventually vanishes from the circulation. When hydrogen
chloride disappears from the circulation some other acid must take its
place immediately in order to maintain the pH of the circulating
fluids. The acid wastes assume the role of hydrogen chloride in the
blood chemistry. This is followed by an imbalance of the blood
chemistry.
The acid wastes can not be thrown off as quickly as they are formed
so they begin to accumulate in the fluids and tissues of the body with
the resultant struggle between these and the alkaline reserve. The
result is a depletion of the latter.
Functional disorders of a metabolic, endocrine and allergic nature
and the condition of acidosis become manifest. The person loses his
natural immunity and is highly prone to develop focal infection
followed by acute disease. In this depleted condition they lack the
necessary reserve to destroy the invading microorganisms completely.
Let us consider the protective agencies of the animal organism but
instead of talking about antibodies, vaccines, antitoxins, immunity of
the blood, dietary regimens, etc. let us go to rock bottom and consider
the very essential mineral elements of which our body is composed. It
is generally believed that organic life began in the saline ocean many
eons ago and that the chemical formula of that ocean, of the blood
serum, and the temperature of the body have not changed materially
since that time. That the ocean is generally always free from
corruption no matter how many of its animals die within it, is probably
due to its chlorine content. Chlorine related not only to sodium
chloride but also to the chlorides of magnesium, calcium, and other
minerals present.
Let us study the part that chlorine plays in the digestion of food
and its absorption into the body tissues. Chlorine may be found free as
hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice or combined with albumin in
albuminosis or it may be found united with sodium chiefly in the fluids
of the body and with potassium in the solids. Potassium was also found
as a chloride by preference in morphological elements like blood
corpuscles, muscle cells, etc. Calcium chloride is found in the gastric
juice as a secondary product. Hydrochloric acid favors the excretion of
calcium phosphates.
The normal gastric juice in man contains some two to three parts of
hydrochloric acid per thousand. When the hydrochloric acid content of
the gastric juice is deficient or absent we must expect grave results
which will inevitably appear in the human metabolism.
Hydrochloric acid is necessary for complete healthy digestion,
deficiency of this acid tends to sepsis, suppuration, and general
toxemia, that if adrenals are inactive degenerative forms of disease
usually appear, that if the adrenals are impaired malignant neoplasms
may be expected, that neoplasms are most likely caused by failure of
the inhibitory nerve control probably located in the posterior nerve
centers of the spinal cord, that emotional worry, grief, anxiety,
depression are factors to be considered as causes of acid deficiency of
gastric fluid and thus give rise to many condtions causing degenerative
processes in alkalescence so commonly found in cancerous disease.
All disease processes, whether functional, metabolic, endocrine,
allergic, acute, chronic or degenerative are accompanied by the
condition of acidosis and the deficiency of the hydrochloric acid
production. It goes without saying that the longer that ill health is
permitted to exist in the body the less capable the tissues become to
respond to physiological stimuli. Use of hydrogen chloride therapy in
rheumatism and arthritis is rather rewarding. In the treatment of acute
articular rheumatism it is imperative that treatment be started
immediately. If treatment is given when only one joint is effected the
process can be stopped right there and then. In the treatment of
arthritis we give intravenous injections of dilute hydrochloric acid
solution daily for about three weeks. When the pain has subsided we
proceed to eliminate or cure all focal infections such as abscessed
teeth, infected tonsils and turbinates, an infected or lacerated
cervix, prostate glands and rectal crypts, etc.
Non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) is often related to altered gastric output
of hydrochloric acid and other secretions. Although antacids are the
predominate treatment of "indigestion" (reflecting the opinion it is a
hyperacidity condition), in many cases NUD is caused by a lack of
gastric acid secretion. Taking antacids or H1-receptor antagonists
often compound the impaired digestion of person with NUD may be
experiencing while providing symptomatic relief. Antacids and
H1-receptor antagonists effectively inhibit the effect of hydrochloric
acid and pepsin on protein digestion. In addition, the change in pH
produced by these drugs can adversely effect gut microbial flora
including the promotion of an overgrowth of Helicobacter pylori - the
organism being linked to ulcers and stomach cancer.
Rather than focus on blocking the digestive process with antacids,
the natural approach to indigestion focuses on aiding digestion. It is
clearly a more rational approach. Dr. Murray has described the use of
an herbal preparation in the relief of symptoms that in many cases may
reflect an insufficient output of gastric secretions including
hydrochloric acid and pepsin. In addition to using Iberogast, one of
simplest and effective measures for improving digestion involves
supplementation of hydrochloric acid in patients with achlorhydria or
hypochlorhydria. (Note: Hypochlorhydria refers to deficient gastric
acid secretion while achlorhydria refers to a complete absence of
gastric acid secretion.)
In conclusion, to have optimal absorption of several nutrients,
including folic acid, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, non-heme iron, and
some forms of calcium, magnesium and zinc, adequate HCl production is
required. It is quite probable the absorption of other nutrients are
dependent on HCl secretion. HCl administration seems to be most
indicated in aging people not responding to nutrients which seem
indicated, particularly B vitamins and minerals. Childhood asthma,
alcoholism, chronic skin conditions, digestive disturbances, intestinal
permeability, overgrowth by pathogenic bacteria or fungi, and evidence
of parasites are conditions which may indicate impaired ability to
secrete adequate HCl and which may benefit from supplementation.
Diseases associated with the pancreas or gallbladder, since these
organs indirectly require stomach HCl production to function optimally,
may also benefit from HCl administration. While the etiologic factors
leading to impaired or complete lack of HCl secretion are not well
understood, long term supplementation is safe and warranted in certain
populations and clinical conditions.
Known Hazards: Hydrochloric acid is corrosive to the eyes,
skin, and mucous membranes. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure may
cause coughing, hoarseness, inflammation and ulceration of the
respiratory tract, chest pain, and pulmonary edema in humans. Acute
oral exposure may cause corrosion of the mucous membranes, esophagus,
and stomach, with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea reported. Dermal
contact may produce severe burns, ulceration, and scarring.
Chronic (long-term) occupational exposure to hydrochloric acid has
been reported to cause gastritis, chronic bronchitis, dermatitis, and
photosensitization in workers. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations
may also cause dental discoloration and erosion.
- Gregory S. Kelly, N.D. Hydrochloric Acid: Physiological Functions and Clinical Implications
- HCL (DILUTE HYDROCHLORIC ACID) THERAPY. Rheumatic.org A legacy of Health. The life and work of Thomas McPherson Brown M.D
- Stephen A. Barrie, N.D. The Importance of Hydrochloric Acid in Digestion
- By Michael T. Murray, N.D. Improving Digestion, Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia, and Gastroesophageal Reflux with Iberogast
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. HYDROCHLORIC ACID 7647-01-0
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