Those of you who take HCl for low stomach acid...how long before it works?

[lindsey1987]

I have a suspicion I might have low stomach acid so on a whim I got some HCl to try. I took one at lunch but I.don't really feel any better but my esophagus does feel raw and burning. How long before I should see improvement

[Hidden]

Hello Lindsey,

I know you has a lot of positive feed back on your previous post but I don't think you should be taking Betaine HCI with ulcers.

I understand that ulcers need to be healed before supplementing stomach acid.

I don't have ulcers but after suffering long term gut issues, it took me a while to be able to tolerate Betaine HCI. This is because adverse symptoms are most likely to occur in individuals with the lowest levels of stomach acid because of atrophic gastritis (a thinned-out stomach lining), which is more sensitive to even small quantities of HCL than a normal, thicker stomach lining.

People taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or cortisone-like drugs should not supplement Betaine HCl.

If you have gut dysbiosis, your intolerances could be a sign of a compromised immune system, which would mean difficulties in eradicating viral, fungal and participate infestations. Candida is extremely common and after years can become symptomatic and difficult to eradicate. Also have you been checked H.Pyroli?

Flower

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Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

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[lindsey1987 in reply to Hidden]

Could I,instead take something that simply aids in digestion? I've got to do something I need to get my appetite back and gain weight

[Hidden in reply to lindsey1987]

Lindsey,

When the stomach lining is thin through low (or non existent ) gastric acid you are probably low on biliary acids (bile) made in the liver and the secretion of protective mucus making you more prone to further ulcers as the gut lining is now so vulnerable.

Existing ulcers need to be healed before you can take Betaine HCI.

I haven't taken Glutamine but have read it has protective effects on intestinal mucosa by decreasing bacteria, renewing epithelial cells, enhancing gut barrier function, and influencing gut immune response.

Izabella Wenzt recommends supplementing Curcumin which has an anti-inflammatory effect in gastric conditions. (To ensure Curcumin remains active in the body it is best taken as a formula that includes peperine.)

Reducing inflammation will calm immune responses and histamine levels. Histamine helps control stomach acid and too much will further disrupt gut issues. Gastric Acid, is made on demand via the parietal cells that line your stomach every time we eat. Ensure ALL nutrients are optimal and especially B12 needed to absorb nutrients.

Stomach acid is an essential part of the immune system and kills bacteria and other bugs that enter the body. It also prevents bacteria in the intestines from migrating up and colonizing the stomach. Not having enough will make you particulaly susceptible to candida, gut dybolsis and H. pylori infection. If you have any of these and don't address them, your gut will never heal.

It may be worth posting on the PA forum asking how people with stomach ulcers manage to heal gut issues and get better absorbtion in the absence of stomach acid.

Protein (especially meat) requires gastric acid for digestion so you may need to alter your diet slightly whilst ulcer heals. I would think any other is fine such as eggs, yogurt, cheese and I take extra protein by adding whey or pea protein to smoothies.

Betaine HCI taken with NSAIDS can cause further ulcers.

Please note I do not have an ulcer but have had big gut issues down to non existent gastric acid. This info about ulcers is just what I have read.

Flower

I found the following site to be interesting regarding healing foods.

drdavidwilliams.com/ulcer-n...

Glutathine

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

[Babygodmother in reply to Hidden]

Hi Flower007

"People taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or cortisone-like drugs should not supplement Betaine HCl"

Can I ask why you say this? My health is awful at the moment...

I am on hydrocortisone, B12 deficient and started taking Swanson's Hydrochloric Acid about a month ago, I thought it best to try and get my gut back to normal after being on omeprazole and obvious issues with absorption. My stools are very pale and not right.

I am not coeliac but feel I should be completely changing my diet to gluten free and all organic.

I would be very grateful if you can clarify, thanks

[Hidden in reply to Babygodmother]

Babygodmother.

NSAIDS are thought to damage the stomach lining and therefore make it more susceptible to stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Betaine HCI is hydrochloric acid which wouldn't be good for an ulcer or bleeding.

evitamins.com/encyclopedia/...

If you are thinking of starting Betaine HCI there are good links provided by humanbean below.

Note that Betaine HCI should be taken with pepsin and is not the same as Betaine Trimethylglycine.

drperlmutter.com/nsaids-gut...

Flower

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

[Babygodmother in reply to Hidden]

Flower007 I don't have an ulcer but I am on hydrocortisone tablets, that is what I was meaning, not the anti-inflammatories.

Can you clarify why I shouldn't be taking it for this reason?

Thanks

[Hidden in reply to Babygodmother]

Sorry .. misread Babygodmother.

You did say you are on cortisone.

I don't know as have never taken hydrocortisone myself.

I suggest you repost your question with hydrocortisone & Betaine in the title. There are members who have taken this and might be able to answer your question.

Flower

[Babygodmother in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Flower, I have looked it up and appears to be a no-no ie can cause stomach ulcers so I better stop taking them. I have read other posts re natural remedies and I guess I am just going to have to acquire a taste for sauerkraut! Apparently, easy to make and good for the stomach

Thanks

[humanbean]

Some useful links for you. You may have read some of them before :

scdlifestyle.com/2012/06/hy...

scdlifestyle.com/2012/03/3-...

scdlifestyle.com/2012/03/ho...

scdlifestyle.com/2013/10/4-...

None of the links are very long, and should only take a few minutes to read.

[sulamaye]

Did you try th bicarbonate of soda test first?

As advised?

[morley262]

Hi lindsey

Have you tried manuka honey (at least 15+ strength) - I teaspoon dissolved in a small amount of warm water daily?

My husband has had similar problems and found this really helped.