How to Find Your Optimal  HCL Dose

💡 Overview

• Your optimal HCL dose is individualized—there’s 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.
  

🎥 Watch Dr. Justin’s video on HCL dosing and enzymes for a full walkthrough.

🔄 How to Start the Digestive Support Protocol

1. Start at the top of your protocol list and work your way down: HCL → Enzymes → Liver Supreme
   
2. Add only one supplement at a time, and wait to stabilize before adding the next.
   
3. If you're sensitive, begin with ¼ or ½ capsule.
   
4. You can open capsules and mix with food to better tolerate smaller doses.
   

🔬 General Supplement Dosing Guidelines

⚙️ Optimizing Each Supplement

🔸 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: 1–3 capsules per meal
  

• ❗ Do not exceed 5 capsules per meal unless advised by Dr. J.
  

🔸 Enzyme Synergy

• Start with 1–3 capsules.
  

• Increase to 4–5 if needed to support digestion.
  

🔸 Liver Supreme

• Start with 1–3 capsules.
  

• Increase up to 5 if digestion and stool consistency improves.
  

🛠 Additional Digestive Support

• 👉 GI Restore
  

• 👉 Bitters Tonic 
  

Dr. J’s Ginger Tea (for motility & inflammation):

• 👉 Ginger Tea Recipe
  

Full Supplement Store:

• 👉 Visit the Just In Health Store
  

✅ How to Dial In Your HCL Dose

1. Eat a meal with 20–30g of protein (~4 oz meat).
   

2. Take 1 capsule of HCL mid-meal (not before/after).
   

3. Observe for symptoms: burning, heaviness, warmth, bloating.
   

4. If no discomfort, increase by 1 capsule per meal per day.
   

5. Stop increasing when symptoms appear.
   

6. Your ideal dose is the last dose that caused no symptoms.
   

7. If symptoms worsen with higher doses, stay in the 1–3 cap range.
   

🩺 If You Are 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:
  

  • 👉 GI Restore
    

  • 👉 TruCollagen
    

🍋 If HCL Is Too Strong

Try gentler acid stimulants:

• Swedish bitters
  
  👉 Bitters Tonic
  
• Lemon juice or Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
  
  ➤ Mix 1 tsp in a few ounces of water
  
  ➤ Drink 5 minutes before meals, taper up as tolerated
  

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🚨 If You Have a Reaction or Burning

1. Stop all supplements for 3–7 days (a “Supplement Holiday”).
   

2. Reintroduce one supplement at a time:
   

   • Start at the top of your protocol.
     

   • Add one per day with meals.
     

3. Begin with GI Restore and gentler options.
   

4. Increase doses in small steps (¼ or ⅛ capsule if needed).
   

5. After stabilizing for 1 week, you can try increasing again slowly.
   

💩 Stool Troubles

Diarrhea:

• Use 👉 GI Binder
  

• ➤ 1–2 capsules at bedtime
  

• 👉 Also consider GI Binder for additional gut support
  

Constipation Support

👉 Oxy-Powder (ozonated magnesium)

• Start with 1–2 capsules at bedtime on an empty stomach.
  

• If additional support is needed, the third and fourth capsules can be taken as 1–2 more capsules upon waking (also on an empty stomach).
  

• Gradually adjust the dose to find the right balance between bowel relief/motility and avoiding overly loose stools or diarrhea.
  

• Over time, as motility improves, you may need to taper and reduce the dose.
  

👉 Additional Support Options

• Triphala (Indian fruit blend): Helps soften very hard, compacted stools, making elimination easier.
  

• Bitters Tonic (ginger tea or tincture): Ginger tea or a bitters tincture can help stimulate digestive motility.
  

👉 How to Order

• These supplements can be shipped to you. Email the office at office@justinhealth.com and request an email invoice, and we’ll process your order and send them out. They also should be linked above where you can purchase directly from the online store. 
  

📌 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:
  
  👉 Just In Health Store
  

Digestive Support Supplements & Clarifications

🧾 Digestive Supplement Overview

Here’s a breakdown of commonly used supplements in your digestive protocol:

1. HCL Supreme – Supports stomach acid for protein digestion

3. Digest Synergy – Lower-dose enzymes with HCL; great for maintenance or lighter meals

4. Liver Supreme – Bile support; helps with fat digestion

📝 A Few Key Clarifications

🍽 Protein Amount Affects HCL Need

• If your meal or snack is low in protein, you won’t need much or any Betaine HCL.
  

• Examples:
  

  • No HCL needed for: fruit, light snacks.
    

  • Reduced dose for: protein shakes or very light meals.
    

🔥 If You Experience GI Discomfort

• Take ½ tsp baking soda in 8 oz water to neutralize excess acid.
  

• Add GI Restore for calming gut irritation:
  
  👉 GI Restore
  

📖 Important Insight from Dr. Jonathan Wright

“Paradoxically, 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.”

• Why? A thinned or inflamed stomach lining lacks its normal protective barrier.
  

• If this applies to you, it’s best to:
  

  • Start with digestive bitters
    

  • Use lower-dose HCL in combination with enzymes
    

🍋 Natural Support for Low Stomach Acid

If you can’t tolerate HCL:

• Take a shot of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar just before meals.
  

• Start small and work up slowly to assess tolerance.
  

💧 Don’t 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 → poor digestion and more indigestion
    

❓How Many Betaine HCL Caps Do I Need?

• Many people stop too soon—you may need more than you think.
  

• Therapeutic dose = 3 to 5 grams per meal, which may require 5–6 capsules.
  

• If unsure:
  

  • Start low, slowly increase
    

  • If no change after 5–6 caps, back down to 2–3 and reassess
    

⚠️ A healthy stomach is designed to handle strong acid levels. Use symptoms (not fear) as your guide.

📈 Track Your Progress Using These Symptoms:

• ✅ Less burping, bloating, or gas
  

• ✅ Improved stool consistency (formed, sinking)
  

• ✅ Less heaviness or fullness after meals
  

🦠 Still Struggling?

If your digestion isn’t improving even after dialing in HCL and enzyme dosing:

➤ You may have an underlying gut infection (e.g. H. pylori, parasites, SIBO) that needs to be tested and treated.