Excess acid problems

[dogtired]

Does anyone know if there is a connection between Fibro/ thyroid /adrenal problems and digestive upsets particularly with excess acid production which seems to be worse in the afternoon and evening. I eat properly and dont go overboard with empty calories and these attacks come and go when muscle pains etc are at their worst. I really dont want to take omeprazole unless I have to!

[RedApple Administrator]

Are you sure it really is 'excess acid' and not too little acid?

There is a connection between hypothyroidism, hiatus hernia and hypochlorhydria, all of which can be confused as symptoms of too much stomach acid. Here's some links for you:

Hypochlorhydria - lack of stomach acid - can cause lots of problems

drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Hypochl...

Hiatus hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease as a manifestation of a newly revealed hypothyroidism.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/resear...

[marram]

One problem which occurs with hypothyroidism is that the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter allows acid from the stomach to come up into the oesophagus. There is also a common problem with delayed gastric emptying, which makes the 'heartburn' sensation worse.

Taking PPIs can actually make more problems long-term, because it reduces stomach acidity and allows H Pylori to thrive, so you are absolutely right in not wanting to take these meds.

Some people swear by diluted cider vinegar to help - sounds strange but actually it is not too much acid but not enough acid which slows down digestion when you are hypo.

healthline.com/health/gerd/...

This explains about hypothyroidism and digestive problems.

Optimal treatment for the hypothyroidism can greatly reduce the digestive problems.

Marie XX

[humanbean]

I treated myself for excess acid for years. I discovered after lots of painful experimenting that I actually suffered from too little acid. I now treat myself with Betaine Hydrochloride & Pepsin capsules from GNC (they are readily available online from lots of sources). I still find it hard to get the dosage just right because it varies so much (time of day, size of meal, amount of protein in the meal - all these things are relevant), but when I do succeed I feel better than I did on acid reduction medicines.

[shaws Administrator]

This is another link which gives some hints/advice and also if you take Betaine Hydrochloride tablets.

stopthethyroidmadness.com/s...

[dogtired]

Many thanks to you for these suggestions ......just going to look....how do you know if there's a hiatus hernia ......I've done lots of lifting in my life!!