Hyperchlorhydria with PA?

[RAAnn]

Hi All!

Wondering if anyone has heard of having Hyperchlorhydria (increased acid secretion) versus Hypochloridria (decreased stomach acid) with PA?

I had a Heidelberg test which showed very high levels of stomach acid. I also just had an endoscopy and they found a small hiatal hernia.

I have pretty severe gastrointestinal problems and I know that my acid profile is unusual for PA. Any feedback would be helpful. Thanks!

[wedgewood]

I was diagnosed with PA , and eventually went to a gastroenterologist with my gut problems . I also had a hiatus hernia . He told me that PA patients have Hypochlorhydria or Achlorhydria ( low or no stomach acid ) because of the antibodies that attack the parietal cells in the stomach which supply the Intrinsic Factor and stomach acid required for absorbing vitamin B12 . There is no NHS treatment for low/no stomach acid , but I have taken matters into my own hands .

Mainly by taking probiotics , or making my own ( raw organic sauerkraut ) it helps the stomach flora which are disrupted by the low acid . We need our stomach acid .

I would say that it’s very unusual to have PA and high amounts of stomach acid . In fact I’ve never heard of it . It’s usually low acid with PA .

[RAAnn in reply to wedgewood]

Thanks so much for your response! It doesn't make sense to me either that I would have PA and high stomach acid. I'm going to have to look into this further and speak with my doctor.

I do drink a bit of raw organic sauerkraut juice now - working up to being able to eat the sauerkraut itself. Hope your own stomach issues have become more manageable!

Thanks again for the help.

[wedgewood in reply to RAAnn]

I’m really curious to know where you got your Heidelberg test . The gastroenterologist said that it was not performed in the U.K. anymore when I asked him about it .

[RAAnn]

So sorry - I live in the U.S.

Even here it is hard to find. I'm in Southern California and went to one of only 2 places I had heard of that perform it.

[wedgewood]

I see — thanks for letting me know . I did do a home -test on myself . I dissolved a spoonful of bicarbonate of soda in some water and drank it first thing in the morning . If one has acid in one’s stomach , one will will start to “burp” soon after . If one doesn’t burp within about 5 minutes , one’s stomach acid is pretty well non -existant .

I know that sounds not very scientific , but as there is no test here in U.K., it is at least an indication of what’s going on . My doctor said she had never heard of anything so ridiculous ! There is of course treatment for “heart -burn” or acid reflux , which doctors think is caused by too much acid . They prescribe P.P.I.s(Proton Pump Inhibitors ) which totally neutralise the acid and, this can eventually cause B12 deficiency because acid is needed to absorb it . This happened to someone I know, and has had disastrous results -permanently numb feet and lower legs . It is now disputed that high amounts of acid causes acid reflux . In fact it is likely that it’s caused by LOW acid . It’s high acid that signals the oesophegal sphincter to close tightly . The signal isn’t strong if the acid is low , and so weak acid escapes into the oesophagus . Even weak acid is strong enough to cause huge pain so the result is “heart-burn “ The Pharmaceutical Industry makes billions from the sale of P.P.I.s and other antacid preparations and are anxious to poo-poo this of course. They are so powerful so the sales continue . .....

Sorry to rant on . You don’t need to hear all this , but I’m rather passionate on the subject !

Yes, I manage to keep my stomach problems at bay now, .mostly with probiotic food . When it was bad. I used hydrochloric acid capsules with pepsin to help when eating protein (obtained from the U.S.A.) I do hope that you manage to get help with your problem too . I’m sorry that I couldn’t be more helpful . Best wishes to you .

[RAAnn in reply to wedgewood]

I've read about the bicarbonate test and it seems that many people use it so I don't why your doctor was so "offended"

No worries about what you feel might be ranting. It isn't.

We are all soldiers in this difficult battle and the injustices of the medical system can start to weigh heavy - especially when all we want is to be given informed, compassionate, and ethical treatment.

Best wishes to you as well...