Hydrochloric acid for reflux disease?

Question

Has anybody ever heard of using hydrochloric acid as a treatment for acid reflux? A friend of mine's parents insist that it is the best thing to do for this. Apparently, according to them, you can purchase this at health food stores in a pill form and take it to combat acid reflux.

Answer 1

That's a pretty dumb idea

Here's a little physiology lesson for you....the stomach MAKES hydrochloric acid to help break down food. Taking more is really not going to help the problem.  The acid doesn't burn the stomach because it has a special cells lining it protected with mucus.  The esophagus (food tube) doesn't have that lining or mucus, which is why it burns when the acid from your stomach refluxes.

You counteract acid (low pH) with alkali or base (high pH)

Answer 2

That would do the opposite of what you want - it would make your heartburn worse. To neutralize acid you need a base - like what's in Tums.

Answer 3

you're making your sis worried, you ok?

Answer 4

I had heartburn/acid reflux and an accupuncturist gave me enzymes and aloe vera juice, have never had it since...I think the aloe vera juice works like bitters in the old days.....very good for your system and worked better than anything else I tried...like prilosec, tums, rolaids, baking soda, apples....believe me I tried everything...but a teaspoon of aloe vera juice and enzymes 2-3 times a day worked instantly...

Answer 5

Hydrochloric acid (also knowl chemically as HCl) is a very strong acid which can quickly burn and kill tissue.  It actually is made in small amounts by the cells in the stomach wall to help digest food.   If anything, excess acid in stomach juice is often the cause of a problem.  I believe your "friend" is taking something else, not HCl - perhaps acidophilus milk or tablets which can sooth.