low stomach acid

[FoxyTed]

Post from lady on here earlier caught my attention and I wonder if any of you knowledgable people can throw some light on this?

I done the home test - some baking soda & water first thing and no burp at all which indicates low stomach acid. Thankfully I do not have discomfort but I’m concerned about digesting and absorbing.

This is the strange bit - when I try taking betaine HCL & pepsin in usual way I get awful discomfort, I even emptied half capsule out. Does anyone know a reason for this? I do not have reflux, wind etc, am I odd🙃. Thanks!

[Anthea55]

Not really answering your question, but this page from Dr Myhill about lack of stomach acid may be helpful.

drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Hypochl...

[FoxyTed in reply to Anthea55]

Great info Anthea55 Tk you!

Think iv work to do.

[humanbean]

when I try taking betaine HCL & pepsin in usual way I get awful discomfort

These two links might help you :

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

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

[FoxyTed in reply to humanbean]

Very interesting reading human bean! Explains things to me, thank you

[FoxyTed in reply to FoxyTed]

Hi again, I took these a couple of years ago and they were fine - no side effects, ARE THEY same as hcl? Thanks a lot!!

Colour

[FoxyTed in reply to FoxyTed]

The ones I bought lately are EZYLEAF BETAINE HCL & PEPSIN 650mg, had discomfort from these

[humanbean in reply to FoxyTed]

Betaine isn't exactly the same as stomach acid/HCl but it is a good substitute if it works for you. Having tolerance issues with betaine is quite common though, but it may be because people aren't using it properly, or they use it when it isn't necessary, or they use too little or too much.

Pepsin is an enzyme required for digesting protein. Some people buy betaine HCl on its own without the pepsin. Depending on how well you produce your own pepsin it might not be needed but it is usually required when you eat a meal with a lot of protein in it.

I have never managed to tolerate betaine with or without pepsin. I have a history of poor gut health including duodenal ulcer and gastritis and I do okay for a couple of days then I end up in severe pain. I also have chronic pain and take NSAIDs every day. As a result I have to use PPIs all the time and as those links I gave you say, people like me can't take betaine at all.

[FoxyTed in reply to humanbean]

Dear Humanbean I’m really sorry to hear of your digestive struggles, I’m sure you have tried lots of things. Have you ever had more extensive stool testing as it detects lots of hidden issues. I had one 2 years ago and then told what supps to take. I had leaky gut and candida. I stopped the supps after a few months as it was sooo expensive! Think I am a lot better now though, I do mostly GF and am for first time making kefir which should help! Think thyroid does not help!! X

[humanbean in reply to FoxyTed]

I had very severe endometriosis that nobody believed in or would treat, so I was often in very severe pain. I couldn't get any help from doctors (because they thought I was drug-seeking) so I bought whatever I could over the counter. I was taking so much ibuprofen (once it became available without prescription) that I damaged my stomach. It has never recovered completely. I suspect my stomach lining is permanently thin now.

[FoxyTed in reply to humanbean]

So another sad case of not being properly treated! I hope you don’t suffer too much.

[FoxyTed in reply to humanbean]

Human it says on the Cytoplan ingredients label betain HCL, isn’t that the H acid?

It’s just I was able to tolerate those and if they do contain H acid - happy days!!

[humanbean in reply to FoxyTed]

Betaine hydrochloric acid is not exactly the same as hydrochloric acid or stomach acid. But, taken correctly, it is a good substitute.

[RockyPath]

Over on this side of the pond, we take digestive enzymes by capsule. This results in nutrient absorption and happy tummy.

This is one of several I have used, two bites into each meal.

amazon.com/Dr-Mercola-Full-...

[Susieg1 in reply to RockyPath]

I take this one too, but what is the 2 bites into the meal for? I usually take them right before I start eating.

[FoxyTed in reply to Susieg1]

lol mind boggling 🙃

[humanbean in reply to Susieg1]

what is the 2 bites into the meal for?

I think it might be to provide a little cushion between your stomach and any kind of acidic supplement.

[FoxyTed]

thanks everyone!

[goatheard]

I've been taking Betaine for 6 years now. I take one 600 mg the daily with a high protein meal. I feel worse if I take it without food/protein or at night.