Low stomach acid /hypothyroidism

[Emmanuelle33]

First time I write after reading many post and learning a lot...

I'm a retired french psychiatrist interested in weight problems and convinced that mild hypothyroidism is extremely frequent and underdiagnosed in post menopausal women

I wonder if there isn't a vicious circle in these common problems:

Low stomach acid induces a poor absorption of iron, therefore little iron is available*, therefore hypothyroidism, that induces low stomach acid...

The low tech technique to test for poor stomach acid is this one:

"Mix 1/4 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) in water (about 6 ounces) and drink on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking. ... If 'normal' belching doesn't occur until after 3 minutes, stomach acid is low."

Did anyone experienced that taking Betain HCL + Iron helped with their symptoms ?

[humanbean]

If you are interested in weight and a connection with iron deficiency you might find these links of interest. I've only watched the shorter video, but I have watched other content by Dr Mason and I find him very good as a presenter :

youtube.com/watch?v=PtczW43...(Not working as expected?)

youtube.com/watch?v=Etg1aO-...(Not working as expected?)

[Emmanuelle33 in reply to humanbean]

Thank you humanbean ! Yes, he's very good ! I didn't know the link between low iron and weight loss resistance. Very interesting.

[sobs1962]

This is very interesting to me as you are talking about belching by which I think you mean burping which is getting rid of wind through the mouth. I have NEVER been able to do this and as a result any wind gets trapped in my digestive system and causes extreme pain and discomfort on occasions. I would be interested in finding out more.

[Treepie]

Well that test suggested I had low acid but I had high acid ulcers and lymphoma and wasted weeks believing I had low acid.

[Emmanuelle33 in reply to Treepie]

I suppose your ulcer wasn't caused by Helicobacter Pylori. But does it mean it was caused by too much acid in your stomach ? Was it documented ?

[Treepie in reply to Emmanuelle33]

I recall reading that H.pylori can disappear but cause something else ( cannot recall detail) which can lead to cancer. Never diagnosed with H.pylori but had stomach trouble for weeks after a visit to India

I have no idea as to the line of causation. But PPI’s blocked my acid/ lymphoma symptoms and acid caused Barratts oesophagus .I also developed hiatus hernia.

My point is that it is often said that hypothyroid folk have low stomach acid but that may not always be the case. Also the test may not be 100% reliable.

[Soaping in reply to Treepie]

Hi Treepie, I have had thyroid removed after suspected cancer nodules but biopsy came back clear. I have had gastritis for years and stomach issues. Now saying after endoscopy sliding hernia and suspected barrett's esophagus. Biopsy results have been waiting for since March they can't find. Keep being given ppi's which I am so reluctant to take. Have you been able to control your symptoms? How do you deal with it? Do you get pains in your back between shoulder blades? GPS are useless xxx

[Marymary7]

I have increased wind.....I'm not talking belching !? Has anyone else noticed this? It's getting embarrassing....😟

[Morning_gl0ry in reply to Marymary7]

Hi Marymary7, I went gluten and dairy free for a year and all windyness disappeared, including ibs symptoms. It completely calmed the digestive system. I really must try it again it might help my hayfever. I know it takes a bit more effort but I do remember it was worth!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

There are literally thousands of posts on here about LOW stomach acid on here

healthunlocked.com/search/p...

Far, far too frequently GP’s misdiagnose and prescribe PPI, such as omeprazole ...making things even worse

articles.mercola.com/sites/...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

stopthethyroidmadness.com/s...

healthygut.com/articles/3-t...

naturalendocrinesolutions.c...

Ppi frequently lead to low B12 and magnesium

pulsetoday.co.uk/clinical/m...

gov.uk/drug-safety-update/p...

Many, many patients find testing and improving low vitamin levels and going lactose and/or gluten free helps too

[Angel_of_the_North]

I have low ferritin but high in range iron and over range transferrin saturation. I take HCL but haven't found any difference in symptoms. No longer taking iron because of high saturation

[Emmanuelle33]

I was always told that iron dosage is unreliable. You know there is an iron deficiency when ferritin levels are low and transferrin saturation is low.

Nevertheless I have met people like you. The liver makes transferrin, that transports the iron (comparing transferrin to a bus that is more ore less crowded. The % shows how it is crowded with iron)

A lot of iron makes a high percentage of saturation and induces a high transferrin level.

But suppose the liver doesn't produce a lot of transferrin, then the % of saturation will be high, even though there isn't much iron.

Ferritin is the protein that stores iron...

Which one should we trust ? Ferritin or transferrin saturation ?

Maybe someone has an answer ?

[Treepie]

I very much agree ,also dangerous as I might have been correctly diagnosed with stomach lymphoma weeks sooner.