Betaine with pepsin or PPI?

[Nessynu]

So I was diagnosed with a Hiatal Hernia and GERD ( Barretts) on Friday after getting a scope. The gastroenterologist wants me to start taking PPI medication to reduce acid. My research leads me to believe that us hashi sufferers more than likely suffer from low stomach acid. Im thinking of ignoring his recommendations and taking betaine with pepsin but I'm concerned as I've read that pre-barrets can lead to cancer of the esophagus. Do any of you lovely people have advice?

[Soaping]

Hi I also have the same and have had thyroid removed. I was also given ppi's and am reluctant to take. I am scared to take hcl but have been taking bitters which I think might be helping but too early to tell as I don't know about you but I get flair ups then settles a little? Go's are no help sadly. I wish you luck with your trying to find something that helps 😘

[Nessynu in reply to Soaping]

Thank you. Best of luck on your health journey.

[Ellie-Louise]

Look up Slippery Elm.

[Nessynu in reply to Ellie-Louise]

I will. Thank you.

[Ellie-Louise in reply to Nessynu]

Besides that one, I also tried Mastic gum which is another good natural remedy.

[Luvvy64]

Hi I also suffered terrible acid reflux and also had helicobacter pylori and was prescribed PPI’s and took them for years as they did help with the symptoms. However I then saw a doctor who explained that people with hypothyroidism tend to have low stomach acid and that has virtually the same symptoms as too high. He said that although it sounds counter intuitive taking acid tablets helps replenish the acid and I have certainly found that they take the symptoms away and I feel that my digestive system is so much better. Being on PPI’s means that you’re not absorbing the nutrients and minerals from your diet which isn’t good! I take betaine hydrochloric acid with pepsin and have done for the last 3 years. Hope this helps.

[Nessynu in reply to Luvvy64]

Thank you for this information. Im also awaiting the results of my Hpylori test. This has helped me to make an informed decision.

[Batty1]

You can just take them to get rid of the acid and calm down your stomach and then wean off if them. Although the drug isn’t ideal neither is having the acid eating at your throat and nasal passages and creating a hiatal hernia that can get as big as a fist that won’t go away.

[Nessynu in reply to Batty1]

Thank you. I dont have acid reflux just more of a pressure sensation in my esophagus. But I definitely don't want more damage to my body so its an option. Thanks

[Batty1 in reply to Nessynu]

If you don’t have acid why does you doctor suggest PPIs?

[Nessynu in reply to Batty1]

Camera into my esophagus shower GERD and a hernia. I told doc that I've never had a problem with scud but the test showed acid was attacking my esophagus.

[ZoBo in reply to Batty1]

As big as a fist? Gosh is that what you were told? Will it change?

[Batty1 in reply to ZoBo]

I have a hiatal hernia but mine is the size of a golf ball so Im told and my sister has a hiatal the size of softball and NO they don’t go away.

[ZoBo in reply to Batty1]

Poor you!

[Batty1 in reply to ZoBo]

Mine doesn’t really give me trouble but I do take a daily PPI and I tried to eliminate certain foods but this has never been helpful to me. My sister poor her she has so many problems with her stomach and she also has Hpylori which might be behind her issues.

[Nessynu]

Apologies for my typos. I've lost my glasses.👓

[humanbean]

So I was diagnosed with a Hiatal Hernia and GERD ( Barretts)

I dont have acid reflux

The doctor who diagnosed you with the Hiatal Hernia, the GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) and the Barrett's Esophagus thinks you have acid reflux.

I would suggest using the PPIs for a couple of months to reduce or eliminate inflammation in your esophagus and other parts of your gut then weaning off them and then trying to fix your gut. If you get lots of pain from doing so I would try the PPIs again.

If you went straight for the Betaine it could aggravate existing inflammation and make you worse.

I think you need to do a lot of research on Barrett's, Hiatal Hernia, and Betaine HCL + Pepsin. If your stomach releases acid into your esophagus and then you add more acid with Betaine HCL I'm not sure what effect it would have on your existing risk of esophageal cancer. I don't know the answer.

Some links you might find of use :

healthygut.com/articles/hyp...

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

healthygut.com/articles/how...

healthygut.com/articles/4-c...

....

Someone mentioned Slippery Elm in an earlier reply. Another thing that often gets used in conjunction with it is Marshmallow Root. I would suggest trying them separately before considering any kind of combined supplement.

[Nessynu in reply to humanbean]

Thank you so much for thus information.