Chapters
00:00 - Intro
1:01 - What is Betaine HCL?
1:54 - Why HCL?
2:55 - What pH?
3:21 - What About Pepsin?
4:30 - Low Acid Dilemma
5:33 - What to Know


What is Betaine HCL. Betaine Anhydrous.

Betaine has become a popular supplement these days for helping low stomach acid. Its a combination of choline and glycine which helps to break down proteins, specifically homocysteine. And its derived from food sources like grains and beets. Its also important for proper liver function and making carnitine. Pepsin is just as important because it depends on that acidic environment in your stomach so you can properly digest your proteins. When there’s a lack of pepsin and an imbalance of stomach acid, several issues can develop.

Betaine HCL (hydrochloride) and Pepsin are a dynamic duo in the realm of digestive health, working together to support optimal digestion and nutrient absorption. Betaine HCL is a natural compound found in beets and other foods, renowned for its ability to enhance stomach acid production. Adequate stomach acid is crucial for breaking down food into absorbable nutrients, and Betaine HCL helps maintain a healthy acid balance in the stomach. It is often utilized as a supplement to address conditions associated with low stomach acid, such as indigestion and nutrient deficiencies.

How Does Betaine Work?

Complementing Betaine HCL, Pepsin is an enzyme produced by the stomach to aid in the digestion of proteins. When combined with Betaine HCL, Pepsin becomes more effective, promoting the breakdown of proteins into smaller peptides for easier absorption in the small intestine. This tag-team effort is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing protein-related digestive issues or those with insufficient stomach acid levels.

The benefits of Betaine HCL and Pepsin extend beyond digestion. Proper stomach acid levels are essential for the maintenance of a healthy gut environment. Additionally, this dynamic duo may contribute to overall gut health by supporting the balance of beneficial bacteria.

As interest in natural digestive solutions grows, Betaine HCL and Pepsin have become key players in the supplement market. Individuals seeking digestive support or looking to enhance nutrient absorption may find these supplements beneficial. When incorporating Betaine HCL and Pepsin into a wellness routine, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice, ensuring an optimal balance for individual needs. With their digestive prowess, Betaine HCL and Pepsin stand as valuable allies in the journey towards improved digestion and overall well-being.

But betaine HCL specifically the HCL version, is an acidic version of betaine that works in the same way as hydrochloric acid (HCl) in your stomach. Your stomach needs adequate levels of stomach acid to break down food. It just does. And Pepsin is also required to help digest and absorb nutrients, especially if your body has a hard time digesting proteins. In fact we have a fascinating pilot study that looked at this in more depth, on how betaine hcl safely reduced your gastric pH levels, in those who have had Hypochlorhydria, which is a lack of acid in the gastric fluid, which can sometimes happen from  H. Pylori or from using heartburn medicines for too long. 

Hypochlorhydria

Currently this only affects about 2% of the population in the US, doesnt seem like much, but testing for hypochlorhydria is not common actually, so I would imagine the numbers being a lot higher. And you might be thinking well who is more prone to this, who is more susceptible and could possibly benefit from betaine. 

How Much Betaine?

In terms of supplementing with betaine hcl, There’s no established daily value that you need to absolutely take. But being conservative about dosing is ideal. 

Which Foods Have Betaine?

If you want to find natural sources of betaine as well, one of the best places you can find it in is… beets. 1 cup of raw beets will give you about 175 mg of betaine.

Studies:
Homocysteine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Restoring Acid: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...

All content in this video and description including: information, opinions, content, references and links is for informational purposes only.