Stomach acid and Hashimotos

Hello -

I was wondering if anyone has advice on how to improve stomach acid levels? I'm trying to increase my ferritin through supplementation and diet but have a really hard time digesting red meat, particularly beef. I made a stew yesterday and it was in the slow cooker for hours and hours. Tasted great, but I'm really suffering today!

I've been diagnosed with a small hiatal hernia and reflux and have prescribed Omeprazole on several occasions. I stopped taking that a while ago as I think low acid is the real problem here (I have Hashis) and over time PPIs can deplete vitamins and minerals further. The reflux is actually much better now than it was with the drugs. I haven't discussed this with my GP as it's generally a waste of time discussing anything with him really.

I can't take HCL supplements as I also get gastritis (yay!) so I'd really appreciate any tips on upping stomach acid levels - if that's even possible. I'm working on addressing leaky gut issues. I know not everyone believes that's a 'thing' but I certainly do, and I'm hoping my digestion will get better in time.

Also, I'm gluten and dairy free. Apparently calcium supplements aren't the way to go when on thyroid medication. What's a good way to ensure I get enough calcium, bearing in mind my absorption isn't great?

Many thanks.

[greygoose]

Have you tried a little Apple Cider Vinegar in water before meals? Or vit C before meals?

Calcium tablets are never the way to go unless you have parathyroid problems, they're a very bad thing to take. There are plenty of calcium rich vegetables. Broccoli, leeks, artichokes to name but a few. Also nuts and seeds. Or try eating sardines with the bones.

How's your vit D? You need good levels to absorb calcium from food.

[Hidden in reply to greygoose]

It's very low! We live in the Hebrides so not a huge amount of sun... my last Medichecks results (and the ones prior) came back telling me I need to improve vit D. I'm supplementing vit D with K2 around 7000 to 10000 iu per day sublingually in an attempt to bring it right up.

I eat lots of pumpkin and sesame seeds and I eat artichokes in oil. Maybe tinned salmon with bones could help? I have some organic acv - I'll have that before meals.

Many thanks 😊

[greygoose in reply to Hidden]

Even people in very hot places can suffer from low vit D. It's possible that your dose isn't quite high enough if your vit D is very low. But, I've never heard of sublingual vit D. Where do you get that? Sounds interesting.

I should think salmon with bones would help with calcium. But, also, taking the vit D will increase your absorption of calcium from food. So, I doubt you're in any danger of deficiency.

[Hidden in reply to greygoose]

Good to know. I've been getting very stiff finger joints in the mornings and am still getting numbness in my hands and feet, and tingling. I've been referred to a neurologist. Personally, I suspect it's because I've been woefully undermedicated with Levo, as the timing makes sense. I've also gained a stone in the 5 months I've been on Levo (50 mcgs). Or perhaps it's some kind of deficiency, although my B12 is high now. Hopefully the numbness and tingling are nothing sinister.

I alternate with BetterYou D3 and K2 oral spray, and a new one I'm trying: Nutri Advanced D3 with K2. It's in a dropper bottle. It'll be interesting to see how my levels are after my next blood tests. I think it can take a while to get iron and D levels up.