Betaine Hydrochloride with Pepsin - good hair related side-effect?

[diamondial]

For many years I've suffered from thinning hair, nothing dramatic but constant. Last autumn I started to suffer severe and painful bloating and initially started taking Apple Cider Vinegar which I hated although it eased the symptoms. I then decided to try Betaine Hydrochloride with Pepsin and take one tablet twice a day before meals. I've found they work brilliantly and no more bloating. Very surprisingly I also discovered, I suppose around Christmas time or maybe a little earlier that when I brushed my hair there was very little hair coming out in the brush. I also started to notice a lot of new hair growth which has continued. It's like a miracle as far as I'm concerned although now I'm scared of it reverting to back to how it used to be! 😂 I can't think of any reason other than the tablets for this dramatic change in the behaviour of my hair and wonder if anyone else has experienced it?

[greygoose]

If you had low stomach acid, your body would have had difficulty absorbing nutrients from food, which could cause hair-loss. Raise the stomach acid, and you increase absorption of nutrients, and that will help the hair grow again.

[diamondial in reply to greygoose]

I did wonder that but I've had the hair loss for so many years while the gut-related symptoms are recent. I also wondered whether the tablets are finally allowing me to somehow make full use of my T4 and T3 tablets? I don't know. Even though the new hair growth has been happening for 3-4 months now I check it every day as it still fills me with amazement!

[greygoose in reply to diamondial]

Well, you'd absorb your thyroid hormone better, too. And every little helps.

[diamondial in reply to greygoose]

Absolutely!

[radd]

diamondial

Oh, I Iove it too. Helps nutrient absorption and encourages own gastric acid levels to normalise, gets rid of infection. I use mine more with protein meals but I take actually during the meal. 

[diamondial in reply to radd]

I don't suppose the timing matters too much as I take mine immediately before starting my meal. If only more people knew about the difference they can make! 😀

[Andie222]

Thank you for sharing this. I too am loosing hair so perhaps I should try these. What dose do you take please? Can you recommend a particular brand?

[diamondial in reply to Andie222]

I take Solgar Betaine Hydrochloride with Pepsin - I think they only come in one strength. I take one with my breakfast and one with my evening meal.

[Gymbuni in reply to diamondial]

I think I need to try this too as I am loosing hair and it is growing very, very slowly and it usually grows fast, frustrating when I am growing out a short haircut I regret 🙄.

[BiscuitBaby in reply to Gymbuni]

diamondial Hi

Thank you for sharing this. I've been on the hunt for something to improve my hair and other things including my ferritin levels. I was suspecting it was vitamin related and I do eat a good diet but its so hard to keep levels up. How long did you take this for before you noticed a difference? I tried apple cider vinegar too...bleugh! Also feared for my teeth!!

[diamondial in reply to BiscuitBaby]

I suppose I noticed a difference about 2 or so months after I started the ACV. I wish I had kept a proper record of things but of course I'd only taken the ACV and then the betaine hydrochloride to help with the bloating and hadn't expected any other side effects. Initially my hair loss stopped almost completely but now I am losing some but it's minimal and I can still comb my (shoulder length) hair and not have hair left in the comb. I do have some hair in my brush after washing and blow drying but it's considerably less than previously and I don't have to keep clearing the bath plug. I now have new growth varying in length from about 2-3 inches to very short. I must admit I'm nervous that it will stop and go back to how it was previously as I've had heavy hair loss for I think probably 20 years or more, but so far so good!

[BiscuitBaby in reply to diamondial]

Thank you. I'm going to give it a shot. If it doesn't work it doesn't work! No harm done. I hope it keeps working for you.

[diamondial in reply to BiscuitBaby]

Good luck!

[Anthea55]

I'm trying a different levo. About 4 weeks on I think my hair is getting thinner - more in the hairbrush. Must be something in the levo.

Oh well! I'm going to go back to the previous levo.

Might try Betaine Hydrochloride with Pepsin as well - much easier than teaspoon of cider vinegar.

[diamondial in reply to Anthea55]

Ooh yes, I really can't stand ACV although I like vinegar on my fish and chips 😂

[Anthea55 in reply to diamondial]

I don't take ACV neat, I put a teaspoon in a glass and add fruit juice/water then have with my breakfast.

[diamondial in reply to Anthea55]

I took it diluted too but really hated it.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Anthea55]

What make did you switch from? And to?

[Anthea55 in reply to helvella]

I'm assuming that you are asking about the levo - HU doesn't always line things up.

I have been moving from NDTs to T4 + T3. Trying different levos. I was previously on Teva as it was easily available. This seemed to work for me, which surprised me as I don't think I'm lactose intolerant - I regularly eat cheese and use milk & cream.

I moved from Teva to Eltroxin about 4 weeks ago, so that's the one that makes me think it's causing my thinning hair. I've been meaning to look up the ingredients. I may be wrong.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Anthea55]

I don't think I am lactose intolerant either.

But of the many levothyroxine products I have tried, I think I'd put 3 out of 4 lactose-free at the top of my list! (But NOT Teva.) Currently Aristo, previously Aliud and L-Thyroxin Henning.

If you do think there is a difference, e.g. one is less potent, please do a Yellow Card!