Stomach acid

Quick question about stomach acid - when you started to get better how long did it take for your stomach acid to return?

Was it early on in recovery or towards the end?

Thanks

[Hidden]

And what about other symptoms which ones did you notice at first getting better?

[humanbean]

There is no guarantee that stomach acid production will return. Even in healthy people stomach acid production drops off dramatically as they age. Someone in their 80s is unlikely to produce much stomach acid at all.

[shaws Administrator]

I take betaine/pepsin tablets after a meal, particularly if it contains protein. It's about 8 years since I've been diagnosed but only about a couple of years on betaine. Whatever the GP gave me caused me more pain but have't any now on betaine. Also many take some Apple Cider vinegar in juice or water with meals which helps to digest food.

[Hidden]

TheHoggle

It is hoped that by supplementing Betaine HCI, it will encourage the stomach to produce its own gastric acid as conditions become more favourably.

However, I think it depends on how long gut problems have been going on and whether issues such as candida, gut dybolsis, inflammation and H. pylori infection have been addressed.

As we age the amount of gastric acid we secrete will naturally decrease anyway.

As adequate levels are vital for nutrient absorption and a crucial part of the immune system, I would suggest it may be necessary for some to always supplement Betaine HCI.

Flower

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I was taking betaine with each meal as my stomach acid dropped due to being hypo. There was a period when I felt better and didn't need the betaine as it would give me acid reflux if I took it. I think when I'm not hypo my stomach acid returns to normal

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

TheHoggle,

That is great if you were managing without.

This must be one of the few occasions when we wish for heartburn ( !! ) as this proves we have managed to regain (some) health in order to secrete our own gastric acid there by not needing to depend on Betaine HCI anymore (or not all the time anyway ! ).

Flo

If you experience heartburn just drink little bicarb in water to alleviate.

[Clutter in reply to Hidden]

TheHoggle, before I was on thyroid replacement my bloods were euthyroid but I had awful reflux, heartburn and indigestion and for a while projectile vomited. Since I've been optimally medicated I've only had heartburn and reflux when I've eaten curry, raw onions, peppers and cucumber.

[Hidden in reply to Clutter]

Curry, raw onions, peppers I can understand.

Cucumber is a weird one Clutter ? ?

Flo

[Clutter in reply to Hidden]

Flower, cucumber causing indigestion is very common. Some people say peeling the skin helps but it makes no difference to me.

[Hidden in reply to Clutter]

Arrr....Haven't heard that one Clutter. .. so I googled it.

Apparently it's something called cucurbitacin that causes the trouble.

I eat loadsa cucumber as still have weird dry mouth big thirst thing going on ! ! ..

Flo

livestrong.com/article/4717...

[SAMBS in reply to Hidden]

Flower/Clutter - would any of the above explain why I didnt drink fizzy drinks - basically because when much younger if I did, I'd get terrible burping I had always refused Champagne when an adult, cos of same effect! It was the heartburn when I was older, 52, that set the doctor wondering and then had my 1st Thyroid blood test. I obviously didn't see a doctor because I couldn't drink fizzy drinks, just assumed it was because of the gas in them! The only fizzy drink I had with school friends at Xmas, aged 14! Was Babycham! And I don't remember that affecting me - but would I have noticed?

Weird or what for me?

[Hidden in reply to SAMBS]

Oh yes. I'm the same SAMBS.

I don't know if it's anything to do with low stomach acid though. I presume it's the preservatives used to prevent mounds & yeasts growing.

I am also intolerant to sulphites. .. the worst being Sulphur Dioxide (E220) used in dried apricots. Luckily I can get sulphur free ones in my local health shop.

But Champagne ? ? .. ALWAYS goes down well in my book ! ! .. Lol.

Flo

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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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[Joburton]

My acid reflux is better, but I can't say whether it is from improved thyroid hormones or starting taking apple cider vinegar before bed. I used to wake up in the middle of the night with my throat and nasal passages burining...