HCL questions

I think i posted here a while back, but I can't remember clearly.

Two doctors have recommended I take HCL acid. I was reluctant to try it over the summer because I don't eat much protein in summer time due to overheating.

So if a person does not eat a lot of protein, how would that affect the dosing of HCL. If you were to eat an alkaline meal of vegetables and rice for example, normally the stomach wouldn't even secrete much hcl, is that correct?

Looking back on my health demise, I remember that the summer following my onset I was on zantac and had diarrhea all summer long. Perhaps an infection set up shop permanently in my stomach or gut after that round of medication.

So what would you recommend as far as HCL supplementation for a person who does not eat meat all the time?

Are there any recommended brands to take? Or specific ingredients that are a must such as betaine or pepsin?