Betaine HCl gave me more energy, but crazy IBS

[WhyAmISoTired]

I have made huge improvement on my thyroid and vitamin levels and still feeling fatigued all the time. Because I have acid reflux only at night, and so many of my vitamin levels are low despite a balanced diet, I figured I may have low stomach acid and would try Betaine. I also had noticed that my reflux got worse when I was taking less levo, so I thought that was also maybe a clue of sluggish digestion.

I felt a strong effect pretty much immediately after taking the first pill. Normally I am drowsy after meals, but with Betaine I had lots of energy and mental clarity. It was not what I was expecting at all.

Sadly, while my stomach felt fine, the other effect the Betaine had was to completely disrupt my intestine. I have been suffering from IBS-c for decades, lately more or less under control. But in the days after taking Betaine I got lots of cramps and my intestine pretty much got blocked. This is something that I cannot put up with because as soon as my IBS worsens I stop sleeping at night, so I have stopped taking it.

Has anyone else had a similar experience or has any clues about what happened? I swear I had more energy on Betaine while not sleeping at night, than I do normally after a good night's sleep!

The brand I was taking is Nature's Best Betaine HCl with pepsin.

[humanbean]

I can't take betaine HCl because of a history of duodenal ulcer and gastritis so I can't really help from personal experience. I did try it very briefly but the pain was so severe that I gave it up very quickly.

You might find these links helpful :

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

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

healthygut.com/thyroid-dest...