How to Find Your Optimal HCL Dose
π‘ Overview
Your optimal HCL dose is individualizedβthereβs no one-size-fits-all formula.
Finding the right dose requires careful trial and error.
Incorrect dosing may reduce the benefits of your digestive protocol.
π₯ Watch Dr. Justinβs
video on HCL dosing and enzymes for a full walkthrough.
π How to Start the Digestive Support Protocol
- Start at the top of your protocol list and work your way down: HCL β Enzymes β Liver Supreme
- Add only one supplement at a time, and wait to stabilize before adding the next.
- If you're sensitive, begin with ΒΌ or Β½ capsule.
- You can open capsules and mix with food to better tolerate smaller doses.
π¬ General Supplement Dosing Guidelines
βοΈ Optimizing Each Supplement
πΈ HCL Supreme
Start with 1 capsule mid-meal (not before or after).
Increase daily by 1 capsule per meal.
When symptoms like burning, heaviness, or discomfort appear, reduce by 1 cap.
Your ideal dose = 1 cap less than the amount that caused symptoms.
Typical range: 1β3 capsules per meal
β Do not exceed 5 capsules per meal unless advised by Dr. J.
πΈ Enzyme Synergy
Start with 1β3 capsules.
Increase to 4β5 if needed to support digestion.
πΈ Liver Supreme
Start with 1β3 capsules.
Increase up to 5 if digestion and stool consistency improves.
π Additional Digestive Support
- π GI Restore
- π Bitters Tonic
Dr. Jβs Ginger Tea (for motility & inflammation):
- π Ginger Tea Recipe
Full Supplement Store:
β
How to Dial In Your HCL Dose
Eat a meal with 20β30g of protein (~4 oz meat).
Take 1 capsule of HCL mid-meal (not before/after).
Observe for symptoms: burning, heaviness, warmth, bloating.
If no discomfort, increase by 1 capsule per meal per day.
Stop increasing when symptoms appear.
Your ideal dose is the last dose that caused no symptoms.
If symptoms worsen with higher doses, stay in the 1β3 cap range.
π©Ί If You Have a History of Ulcers or Bleeding
Start with enzymes only, not HCL.
Once stable (no bleeding for several months), try HCL:
Start with 1/8 capsule mixed with food
Increase very gradually if tolerated.
Add gut-healing support:
π GI Restore
π TruCollagen
π If HCL Is Too Strong
Try gentler acid stimulants:
- Swedish bittersπ Bitters Tonic
- Lemon juice or Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)β€ Mix 1 tsp in a few ounces of waterβ€ Drink 5 minutes before meals, taper up as tolerated
π¨ If You Have a Reaction or Burning
Stop all supplements for 3β7 days (a βSupplement Holidayβ).
Reintroduce one supplement at a time:
Start at the top of your protocol.
Add one per day with meals.
Begin with GI Restore and gentler options.
Increase doses in small steps (ΒΌ or β capsule if needed).
After stabilizing for 1 week, you can try increasing again slowly.
π© Stool Troubles
Diarrhea:
Use π GI Binder
β€ 1β2 capsules at bedtime
π Also consider GI Binder for additional gut support
Constipation:
Use Oxy-Powder
π Oxy-Powder
β€ 1β4 capsules at bedtime until bowels move the next day
π Final Reminders
Always take digestive supplements mid-meal.
Go slow and adjust based on how you feel.
For questions or concerns, check in with Dr. J at your next visit.
- Access all supplements here:π Just In Health Store
Digestive Support Supplements & Clarifications
π§Ύ Digestive Supplement Overview
Hereβs a breakdown of commonly used supplements in your digestive protocol:
1. HCL Supreme β Supports stomach acid for protein digestion
3. Digest Synergy β Lower-dose enzymes with HCL; great for maintenance or lighter meals
4. Liver Supreme β Bile support; helps with fat digestion
π A Few Key Clarifications
π½ Protein Amount Affects HCL Need
If your meal or snack is low in protein, you wonβt need much or any Betaine HCL.
Examples:
No HCL needed for: fruit, light snacks.
Reduced dose for: protein shakes or very light meals.
π₯ If You Experience GI Discomfort
Take Β½ tsp baking soda in 8 oz water to neutralize excess acid.
- Add GI Restore for calming gut irritation:π GI Restore
π Important Insight from Dr. Jonathan Wright
βParadoxically, adverse symptoms are most likely to occur in individuals with the lowest levels of stomach acid... due to atrophic gastritis (thinned stomach lining), which makes them more sensitive to even small amounts of HCL.β
Why? A thinned or inflamed stomach lining lacks its normal protective barrier.
If this applies to you, itβs best to:
Start with digestive bitters
Use lower-dose HCL in combination with enzymes
π Natural Support for Low Stomach Acid
If you canβt tolerate HCL:
Take a shot of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar just before meals.
Start small and work up slowly to assess tolerance.
π§ Donβt Dilute Your Digestive Fire
Avoid drinking more than a few ounces of water during meals.
Why?
It dilutes stomach acid
Raises stomach pH
Weakens enzyme activity β poor digestion and more indigestion
βHow Many Betaine HCL Caps Do I Need?
Many people stop too soonβyou may need more than you think.
Therapeutic dose = 3 to 5 grams per meal, which may require 5β6 capsules.
If unsure:
Start low, slowly increase
If no change after 5β6 caps, back down to 2β3 and reassess
β οΈ A healthy stomach is designed to handle strong acid levels. Use symptoms (not fear) as your guide.
π Track Your Progress Using These Symptoms:
β Less burping, bloating, or gas
β Improved stool consistency (formed, sinking)
β Less heaviness or fullness after meals
π¦ Still Struggling?
If your digestion isnβt improving even after dialing in HCL and enzyme dosing:
β€ You may have an underlying gut infection (e.g. H. pylori, parasites, SIBO) that needs to be tested and treated.