low stomach acid: I believe that I have low... - Thyroid UK

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low stomach acid

dolphin5 profile image
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I believe that I have low stomach acid. I can’t find old posts about this, but I know it’s quite common among hypothyroid people.

So I’m wondering if anyone has had this, and found a cure for it. I’m currently taking Betain HCL with pepsin, and it’s helping. However, I’m hoping I don’t have to take this for the rest of my life!

Any information about how to cure the condition would be much appreciated.

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dolphin5
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helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator

These are three searches of posts which might help. There will be overlaps/repeats - and some which appear for no obvious reason, but should help get you started.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

butterflynett profile image
butterflynett

I have the same condition, and I found that taking the supplement TUDCA (400-800mg daily) with Selenium and Zinc Sulfate helped. I take this at night just before bed away from mealtimes. I have also added Taurine to this sporadically as a little antioxidant boost. It's not an overnight fix, but it works b/c it flushes out stagnant bile from the liver and gallbladder ducts, which is where your bile comes from, so fresh bile becomes more prevalent. Selenium and Zinc work together as antioxidants, and improve thyroid hormone and glutathione production. It will lower inflammation, reduce cholesterol, detox heavy metals from your system and improve your metabolism after using for 4-6 weeks. I noticed a difference in the first week of doing this. PS. It's normal if you wake up in the morning having to use the bathroom at first. It didn't happen to me, but it has for others I know. It's just a sign of old bile being removed. This worked better than any Pre or Probiotic, or antacid I ever used. Good luck!

dolphin5 profile image
dolphin5 in reply tobutterflynett

Very helpful, thank you!

Mac2013 profile image
Mac2013 in reply tobutterflynett

Can I ask what dosage of selenium, zinc & Taurine you take. Thank you

radd profile image
radd

dolphin5

I’ve been using betaine + pepsin for about 7 years. My gastric acid insufficiency meant it took a good few months to reach full dose which I then stayed on for about another 6 months. Then I started decreasing after noticing warm gut feelings that indicated my own gastric acid secretion had restarted .

This is how it is supposed to happen and I now only take Betaine with protein heavy meals. Sometimes I might go weeks without and then feel a meal hasn’t properly digested which prompts me to remain mindful again. Replacing gastric acid sorted my absorption issues out and has maintained a healthy gut.

The Tudca suggested by butterflynett is great for improving bile issues that often accompany low gastric acid and will help reverse gut damage caused by years of insufficient gastric acid by improving intestinal barrier function The two can be taken alongside each other.

kitenski profile image
kitenski in reply toradd

radd do you mind me asking how old you are? I've started on betaine+pepsin aged 56 for acid reflux and was wondering about how/if/when I can reduce it.

radd profile image
radd in reply tokitenski

60 years young! 😁

You will know when to reduce the dose because will experience a ‘warm’ feeling in your gut. If you keep taking the same dose, that ‘warm’ feeling will develop into an unwanted burning, uncomfortable, excess acid sensation.

If you can take your dose and feel nothing, then you are taking the right dose. What dose are you taking and how long have you been taking it?

(Do not take Betaine if you are medicating PPI’s)

dolphin5 profile image
dolphin5

Very helpful, thank you!

dayoff profile image
dayoff

Sorry nothing helpful here but can I ask everyone how they know their stomach acid is low?

I do know it feels like it takes me an age to digest a meal and i'm constantly constipated and wondering if it's related.

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