HCL supports digestive function. Acid is needed to break down your food and absorb your nutrients! Signs of low stomach acid are bad breath, nervous stomach that is relieved by eating, gas shortly after eating, indigestion 30 to 60 minutes after eating, difficulty digesting fruits and veggies (see food in your stool) or upset stomach with spicy foods. Lack of appetite, especially in the morning is often due to low stomach acid. Low stomach acid is often seen with asthma, anemia, allergies, constipation or diarrhea, and other problems with the microbiome.