5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
38 Reviews

HCl + Enzymes

Unique, clean formula with HCl (hydrochloric acid) and pepsin for folks with occasional acid reflux, gas or bloating.* With enzymes that help digest animal protein and saturated fats.

  • 120 capsules = 2-month supply
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Product Description

Introducing Smidge® HCl + Enzymes, for those who feel bloated, gassy, or have acid reflux after a meal.* So you can relax after eating and soak up all of the wholesome nutrients in your food.

Our HCl + Enzymes is the only digestive supplement on the market that combines a balanced dose of HCl (hydrochloric acid) and pepsin, along with vital enzymes that support stomach acid production and help digest protein, fat, gluten and casein.

Dosage Directions

Always start with a smidge! Then take one capsule daily with food. Then take two capsules together, or as directed by a certified healthcare practitioner. (See "low and slow" note below.) Smidge® HCl + Enzymes contains (hydrochloric acid), an important ingredient for people with low stomach acid production.

Start low and slow: Smidge® supplements are premium, pure and potent. Therefore, it's critically important to start slowly, with a lower dosage than recommended. For example, a very small dose every other day, or even once a week, until you can determine how the supplement affects your body and what dosage feels right for you.

Warning:

  • Because Smidge® HCl + Enzymes contains HCl (hydrochloric acid), it's not intended for babies or toddlers, unless otherwise prescribed by a healthcare professional.
  • Please do not open the capsule; consuming the powder directly may erode tooth enamel, cause and/or irritate the soft tissue lining of the mouth and esophagus. Do not take this product if you have an ulcer. If you experience any stomach upset or heartburn, discontinue use immediately.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
  • Also, please avoid if you have mold sensitivities, an Aspergillus allergy, or a compromised immune system, as the enzymes are derived from Aspergillus (fungus) via fermentation.* 

Storage

Store in a cool, dry area, away from direct light.

Price & Dosage Calculator

Use our dosage calculator to determine how long your product will last based on your household size.

One bottle of HCl + Enzymes will last your household approximately . The estimated price per dose is .

  • Smidge® HCl + Enzymes front label
  • Smidge® HCl + Enzymes rear label
  • Smidge® HCl + Enzymes supplement facts

Who takes this multi-enzyme with HCl and pepsin?

  • Those seeking to restore their HCl levels and maximize absorption of nutrients* 
  • Those aiming to reduce mild gas, bloating, belching and other occasional symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)* 
  • Those on GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome), paleo, ancestral or real food diets with higher fat and protein content (and limited grains and carbs) 
  • Those on a daily regimen of medications (which can interfere with digestion)* 
  • Those who want to absorb more minerals from their diets

And, folks with lots of stress often have issues with stomach acid and try this multi-enzyme with HCl. They may be taking in lots of carbs and dealing with food allergies, sugar cravings and mild nutrient deficiencies, too.

What is in Smidge® HCl + Enzymes?

Health experts love Smidge® HCl + Enzymes

HCL helps improve stomach acid levels which, in turn, stimulate the body's production of bile... We love [Smidge® HCL + Enzymes].

Frequently Bought With

Smidge® Digestive Enzymes front label
4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
30 Reviews

Digestive Enzymes

Original Price: Current Price: $42.95
Support comfy digestion and nutrient absorption with enzymes for fat, carbs, casein and gluten. Great for tough-to-digest foods like beans and cruciferous veggies. Free of additives and common allergens.
Smidge® Sensitive Probiotic Powder front label
4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
325 Reviews

Sensitive Probiotic Powder

Original Price: Current Price: $99.95
100% pure probiotic powder with eight clinically proven strains of beneficial bacteria for robust gut health and sensitive digestive systems. Formulated to avoid negative reactions, with no fillers, common allergens or prebiotics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Smidge® HCl + Enzymes safe for children?

Smidge® HCl + Enzymes is safe for children who can swallow the pill whole. We do not recommend opening the capsule, because the HCl can be irritating to the teeth and throat.

Also, please avoid if you have mold sensitivities, an Aspergillus allergy, or a compromised immune system, as the enzymes are derived from Aspergillus (fungus) via fermentation.* 

Where is this product sourced and created?

Smidge® HCl + Enzymes is sourced and produced in the U.S.

Is Smidge® HCl + Enzymes free of common allergens?

It's free of milk/casein, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat/gluten, yeast and soybeans.

However, please avoid if you have mold sensitivities, an Aspergillus allergy, or a compromised immune system, as the enzymes are derived from Aspergillus (fungus) via fermentation.*

What are the enzymes in Smidge® HCl + Enzymes derived?

The enzymes are derived from Aspergillus (fungus) via fermentation. For this reason, we do not recommend the product for individuals who have an Aspergillus allergy or a compromised immune system*

The HCl is derived in a lab by a proprietary process. And the pepsin is derived from porcine collagen, primarily the bones and skin of the pig.

As always, consult with a certified medical practitioner, preferably one familiar with gut health, before starting any new supplement.

What is the difference between Smidge® HCl + Enzymes and Smidge® Digestive Enzymes? 

Smidge® HCl + Enzymes is our original formula that contains HCl (hydrochloric acid) and pepsin. It's ideal for people with occasional acid reflux, gas or bloating and want a gentle dose of HCl and pepsin with their digestive enzymes. Many of our customers following the Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) diet or other ancestral protocols that call for restricting grains and carb intake take it, as it helps break down of meat and animal proteins.* It also helps restore HCl levels and maximize the absorption of fats, proteins and minerals. 

Smidge® Digestive Enzymes is a digestive supplement for people with adequate HCl levels and want to maximize their absorption of fats, proteins and hard-to-digest carbs. It includes all the same enzymes as Smidge® HCl + Enzymes, plus additional enzymes to support the digestion of beans, cruciferous veggies and other carbohydrates. You can even open up the capsules to consume, since the formula does not contain HCl. Smidge® Digestive Enzymes are a nice choice for the whole family or those new to enzymes to support comfortable digestion and nutrient absorption.*

Many of our customers have both on hand, depending on what’s on their plates!

Can I use Smidge® HCl + Enzymes together with Smidge® Digestive Enzymes?

Yes! Smidge® HCl + Enzymes can be used in tandem or sequentially with Smidge® Digestive Enzymes, which does not have HCl and pepsin but has more digestive enzymes for carbs and veggies. Some customers start with Smidge® HCl + Enzymes and then move on to only Smidge® Digestive Enzymes after their HCl levels are up. Some use the two in tandem for different meals over the same day. 

Can I take HCl + Enzymes with my probiotics?

Give them a little breather. This product has contraindications, so taking it apart from your probiotics is best. For instance, you could take your probiotics in the morning with breakfast and take the enzymes with lunch or dinner. 

What happens when you don't have enough HCl in your stomach?

Your body tells you. Unfortunately, some people have a hard time producing enough HCl. This is particularly true when you're older. People over 65 are most likely to have low levels of hydrochloric acid. 

Sometimes, stress or illness can also trigger a decrease in acid production. 

Antacids and proton pump inhibitors can also play a role in hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid). 

Here are some possible symptoms that can bubble up if you don't have enough HCl*: 

You miss out on critical nutrients and minerals that have yet to be released through the digestion process. Low HCl has been linked to the inability to digest essential minerals such as magnesium, zinc, selenium and the vitamins B12, thiamine and folate.* 

Unwelcome microbes stow away on your food and reside in your stomach and intestines. Research has shown that low stomach acid is linked to pathogenic microbial blooms in the beginning of the small intestine. Some of these microbes occupy the sphincter muscle at the top of your stomach, paralyzing the sphincter. As a result, undigested food from your stomach (along with depleted and sparse acid in the mix) bubbles up, causing heartburn and acid reflux. So, what is considered "acid reflux" is more often a sign of low stomach acid and undigested food particles backing up into the esophagus.* 

Digestion of carbohydrates via acidity doesn't stop in the stomach like it should. Microbes that have also survived into your stomach due to the low pH ferment the carbohydrate cause gas and bloating.* 

The flow of bile (and pancreatic enzymes are not released), making it harder for your body to finish digesting foods in the small intestine.* 

You may experience brain fog and low energy. Your entire body needs the amino acid building blocks of protein to function. Enzymes, neurotransmitters, muscles, connective tissue — all proteins. And if you can't digest protein properly, you can't make these important nutrients. Even worse, some proteins when improperly broken down, can form opiate-like substances that disrupt brain chemistry and development.* 

I'm on the GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) Diet. How does the HCl and pepsin in this supplement work to support this protocol?

We love our GAPS community. <3 If you're putting time and energy into preparing protein-rich, real foods with healthy fats, you want to get the most out of them. HCl + Enzymes lets you get every ounce of nourishment out of your diet. 

It has digestive enzymes for carbs, dairy and veggies. But the emphasis is on lipase, pepsin and other proteases for digesting fats and protein. 

Even more, it contains a critical digestive substance you won't find combined with pepsin in most other digestive supplements: hydrochloric acid (HCl). 

Because of this unique combination, HCl + Enzymes is one of the few digestive supplements explicitly designed to support the comfortable digestion of protein and fats.* 

For example, a certified GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) practitioner approached us at a recent conference and explained she's been implementing the diet with her son. While it seemed to be helping, he was also stuck. Yet when she started giving him HCl + Enzymes, she said it was like a lightbulb flicked on in her son. Everything started working as she'd hoped. His cognitive and physical health finally hit the levels she'd been working so hard to help him achieve.* 

As Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, MD, creator of the GAPS diet, says: "HCl is like the first critical person in an assembly line. If HCl isn't there in adequate amounts, nothing can quite make up for it. The whole assembly line breaks down." 

(Please note that while this product may be suitable for people on dietary protocols, we do not claim it cures the health conditions that prompt the diets.) 

Customer Reviews

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 38 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 38 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
100%would recommend this product
Rating
Ratings
38 reviews
  • WH
    William H.
    Verified Buyer
    HCl + Enzymes
    Reviewing
    HCl + Enzymes
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 months ago
    My go to enzyme

    I’ve had no issues with the HCL enzymes which was my original concern. I use in combination with the non HCL (vegan) enzyme and probiotics to have a balanced approach to digestive health.

    S Profile picture for Smidge®
    Smidge®
    2 months ago

    Thank you for giving us a 5-star review. We are happy to hear that the HCl + Enzymes are working well for you and you haven't had any problems, especially since you were worried about it at first. Thanks for sharing your story with us today. Have an awesome day!

  • R
    Roho
    Verified Reviewer
    HCl + Enzymes
    Reviewing
    HCl + Enzymes
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    3 months ago
    Be careful!

    Love Smidge products! This one was an accidental purchase - meant to only buy the regular digestive enzymes because I struggle with h.pylori and ulcers along with low stomach acid... I took these instead of the regular ones and the burn was felt from my stomach into my intestines. It burned for HOURS and it was so painful I considered the ER. So beware! If you have holes in your gut lining for any reason, this acid will burn like you swallowed fire. :( Will not try these again and will stick with the regular ones.

    S Profile picture for Smidge®
    Smidge®
    3 months ago

    Thank you for this honest review. We do sincerely apologize for this experience with our HCl + Enzymes. We recommend not taking this product if you have an ulcer. If you experience any stomach upset or heartburn, discontinue use immediately. Smidge® should have our regulary Digestive Enzymes returning to stock very soon! We apologize this is out of stock at this time. We will capture your email address and add it to our out-of-stock list so you will be notified when this is back in stock with us. We appreciate this review today and wish you well!

  • SS
    Suzanne S.
    Verified Buyer
    HCl + Enzymes
    Reviewing
    HCl + Enzymes
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    6 months ago
    HCI Enzymes

    It works very well for me. When I use this product I have almost no GERD upon going to bed.

    S Profile picture for Smidge®
    Smidge®
    6 months ago

    Thank you for this excellent review! It's wonderful news to hear that our HCl + Enzymes are working so nicely for you. Thank you for sharing your story with us today!

  • KK
    kathleen K.
    Verified Buyer
    HCl + Enzymes
    Reviewing
    HCl + Enzymes
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    6 months ago
    Happy

    I’m happy to know that when I take these that I’m doing good things for my body and helping my digestive process since I ignorantly did much damage to it through the years. I like knowing these are very ‘clean’ ingredients.

    S Profile picture for Smidge®
    Smidge®
    6 months ago

    Thank you very much for taking the time to rate us 5 stars! We are delighted to learn that our product is beneficial to your digestive health. Thank you for choosing Smidge®!

  • CD
    Catherine D.
    Verified Buyer
    HCl + Enzymes
    Reviewing
    HCl + Enzymes
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    6 months ago
    Cured me!

    I just LOVE this product! After years of being on Omeprazole for heartburn, I mentioned it to the chiropractor that I had started seeing for my knee. He started adjusting for heartburn, and I was ALMOST 100%. He suggested a digestive enzyme, simply because as we age, we need a little help. (I’m 57) My dear friend Carey used your products. She suggested this product and the rest is history! So thrilled to finally have complete relief! Thank you for your fine product!

    S Profile picture for Smidge®
    Smidge®
    1 month ago

    Thank you for choosing Smidge® and for the incredible 5-star rating! We are pleased to hear that you loved our product! Our Enzymes + HCl is the only digestive supplement on the market that combines a balanced dose of HCl and pepsin, along with vital enzymes that support stomach acid production and help digest protein, fat, gluten and casein. We appreciate you sharing with us today! Take care

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