Hi everyone, I have been diagnosed with Hypochlorhydria due to autoimmune gastritis. This means I don't produce any stomach acid and don't absorb protein.
I was told this was quite uncommon and my GP couldn't help much apart from referring me to gastroenterologist which can take up to 18 months.
It seems there is no replacement therapy available for stomach acid.
I have heard about HCL supplements but it is unclear how many I need and whether it can cause ulcer.
I wonder if anyone had the same issue and found a way to improve the situation. Thank you, Sasha
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sasha_nico
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That's interesting. I've never heard of anyone being diagnosed with that before. Can I ask how the diagnosis was made?
Doctors think it's rare because they never test for it. But hypos often have low stomach acid due to low T3. What's more, many things can affect secretion of stomach acid. But, if there are digestion problems doctors always assume it's due to high stomach acid, not low.
Many people on here take HCL supplements - I don't so can't advise on quantity - sure someone who can will be along soon. Or, they take Cider Apple Vinager. Myself, I rarely have the need, but if I do, I find a good dose of vit C does the trick.
It shouldn't cause ulcers, no, because ulcers are more likely to occur in people with low stomach acid, because the acid kills the bacteria that cause the ulcers.
Hi, it was gastric output test in Functional Gut Clinic in London. They put a wire with sensor through nostril into throat to the stomach. Then you take a shake and they measure if PH changes. On a way, I am happy that I got to the bottom of it now. I self referred for the test as I was suspecting low stomach acid, but no acid still come as a shock
Yes, it must have done! That's very interesting. I've never heard of anyone having that test before. Just goes to show what they can do if them just make the effort!
So true GG, They avoid doing tests that will find a true diagnosis. The prefer to give prescriptions and send you on your way. I recently had to fight like hell to be referred for stomach acid testing. I have to wait until December but at least I will get a diagnosis. They insert a tube into your nose to your stomach and leave it there for 24 hours. Then they will measure the ph of the stomach. I’m not looking forward to having it but I welcome the thought of finally deciding if I really need PPI. What a travesty! We can’t even trust the medical professionals who were traine to take care of the sick. We’re living in sad times, and it seems to be a world wide problem. It’s very scary!
Oh! I remember now! My granddaughter had that test when she was a baby! She was born prematurely and her stomach lining hadn't properly formed and she suffered terrible stomach pains and couldn't fed correctly. The test didn't bother her at all. But they found she had low stomach acid and did something about it - can't remember what. I'd forgotten all about that.
Trouble is, they aren't trained to take care of us. They're trained to look at computers and print-out prescriptions - they rarely even look at the patient. And don't seem to care one jot about patient welfare. I don't think they see us as real people, at all.
Interestingly, I asked for this test from both NHS and private Gastroenterologists. The last one, professor from Shard, literally laughed at me when I suggested low stomach acid. He said he used to test but it was so rare that he deemed it unnecessary. It was one year ago! He was treating me from reoccurring SIBO with Rifaximin. As SIBO would return soon after treatment, he suggested taking Rifaximin continuously. I simply couldn't afford it anymore. I send him my test results and the letter from the clinic stating that achlorhydria was why my SIBO was reoccurring. Followed up 5 times with his PA for a reply. Dead silence!
Some vitamins and minerals absorption is dependent on stomach acid. Iron, vitamins B12 and D from memory. It's a good idea to get them checked if the clinic hasn't done it.
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