Low Stomach Acid: hi again, I am still trying to... - Thyroid UK

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Low Stomach Acid

Lolalottie profile image
22 Replies

hi again,

I am still trying to get my Levothyroxine increased with my doctor after previous posts. In the meantime I have tried the Bicarb test for 5 days continuously and did not burp at all! I guess that is a reasonable guide to tell me that I have low stomach acid due to being undermedicated.

Has anyone found tried Betaine HCL to help with this problem?

Everyday I have an upset stomach and Headache.

Many Thanks.

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Lolalottie profile image
Lolalottie
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22 Replies
SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

I tried it, years ago, did nothing for me despite taking, at one point, about 8 capsules. I'm sure it works for some people.

What did work was Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother (it's very important that it contains the Mother). This is the one I use:

dolphinfitness.co.uk/en/bio...

Lolalottie profile image
Lolalottie in reply toSeasideSusie

Many Thanks x

Lolalottie profile image
Lolalottie in reply toLolalottie

Have ordered some x

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply toSeasideSusie

How often do you drink ACV? Once a day or every meal?

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply toJaydee1507

I just take it once a day, before breakfast. Others might need it more often.

Margo profile image
Margo in reply toSeasideSusie

I was thinking cider vinegar with the mother as well, how do you take yours Susie? Before/after meals, in water? Thanks

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply toMargo

I put a small amount of honey plus some warm water into a cup (just to sweeten). Stir (or leave for a few minutes) so that the honey dissolves in the water then I cool it down with a little cold water. Add the apple cider vinegar. I take mine just before I start my breakfast.

Margo profile image
Margo in reply toSeasideSusie

Brilliant Susie, will give it a go. Do you find one dose sufficient, or do you do the same for other meals during the day. Thank you.

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply toMargo

One dose is enough for me now, and I now only need one teaspoonful of ACV.

Margo profile image
Margo in reply toSeasideSusie

Thank you Susie, will start tomorrow.

Margo profile image
Margo in reply toSeasideSusie

Did you start out with one dose Susie, we tried one dose this morning and the problem is still there albeit not as bad?

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply toMargo

Start off with a small dose and gradually increase if necessary. . Maybe 1 teaspoonful ACV before each meal and see how it goes, like everything you need to find what works for you

Margo profile image
Margo in reply toSeasideSusie

Thank you Susie, that sounds good to me.

humanbean profile image
humanbean

There are lots of people who do well with Cider Vinegar with the mother, and I envy those who do.

I didn't do well though. I had a duodenal ulcer in my 20s and gastritis discovered in my 40s although I think I'd had it for years. Cider Vinegar quickly made things worse for me. I still have to take PPIs because anything acidic or very hot or very cold hurts.

If you are going to try Betaine HCL you should read these two links first to help yourself to use them properly. I had similar issues with Betaine HCl as I did with the vinegar and for the same reasons.

healthygut.com/how-to-suppl...

healthygut.com/4-common-bet...

...

One thing that I did find helpful though was learning how the gut actually works and I found out from a series of six articles from Chris Kresser:

This is the first:

chriskresser.com/get-rid-of...

The last article in the series lists them all:

chriskresser.com/get-rid-of...

You can also download the articles as a free e-book - instructions are given on both the above links. The articles do involve a lot of reading but I thought they were well worth the effort.

Lolalottie profile image
Lolalottie

Many thanks for your comments. Can I ask how did you discover the Ulcer and Gastritis? I have asked for a camera for my stomach and been told No by my doctor. It is not something they do for people with Acid problems? I am really struggling with bloating, pains and nausea.

I have ordered some Apple Cider Vinegar as suggested. I also take probiotic based yogurts and drinks.

humanbean profile image
humanbean in reply toLolalottie

The ulcer was found as a result of a barium meal test.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upper...

The gastritis was found as a result of an endoscopy (camera into the stomach) which was done because I had a GI bleed.

Lolalottie profile image
Lolalottie in reply tohumanbean

Thankyou for sharing.

Regenallotment profile image
RegenallotmentAmbassador

I use Betaine with pepsin when I’m not digesting something properly and feel all full and burpy, i take 1 usually (have taken 3 before) but always after eating or part way through dinner. It’s amazing for me, I suddenly feel full after a meal without discomfort which is a novel feeling after all these years! I also sip ACV with water if it’s awful but find that can repeat on me, and sometimes do lemon squeeze in water before breakfast. 🦋💚🦋

Wheat profile image
Wheat

I have under active thyroid. Retired. I have low stomach acid now made worse by doctors putting me on ppi s for my acid reflux . it caused me a lot of bloating, pain, I couldn't eat because it caused too much pain. I was so hungry I can't explain it I lost loads of weight finally I found Betaine HCl., information of course from American sites online. Ive found Betaine very helpful. I could eat again. The brands vary immensely. Even so I have to be careful, stress can affect digestion adversely. When I feel uncomfortable, late evening I take apple cider vinegar with mother and that works for me. Best wishes.

Lolalottie profile image
Lolalottie in reply toWheat

I too was put on ppis for acid reflux 🙄. Thanks for sharing

jade_s profile image
jade_s

I used Betaine HCl for many years & it worked moderately well. But some years ago, it sopped working. I could take a handful & it wouldn't help. ACV gives me headaches, so I tried lime juice. Wow what a difference! I now take 2 tablespoons in a glass of water halfway through or at the end of a meal. I usually don't need it with every meal, especially if I've been driinking it regularly with big meals. Lemon juice doesn't work at all. 

Lolalottie profile image
Lolalottie in reply tojade_s

Many thanks I hadn't thought to try that

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