low stomach acid

[Stills]

I am undiagnosed but with typical symptoms. I have yet to get bloods done privately as recommended here as my surgery have said they don’t accept those results. My GP says I’m subclinical and offered no thyroid related medication.

My question here is dietary, will fresh pineapple help my digestion as I have all the symptoms of low stomach acid associated with thyroid issues.

I have a chronic RA autoimmune condition which I manage snd other AI things such as Lichen Sclerosus and tests for cancer in 2023 found nothing. I’m not taking regular prescription medication except HRT (62) but do have mild diverticulitis and recently diagnosed with severe dry eyes. My weight is stable now at 8 stone 8 and I’m a healthy eater avoiding red meat. This constant bloating , headache and low grade nausea is getting me down though.

Any suggestions welcome.

[pennyannie]

Hello Stills :

Well if your doctor thinks you are sub clinical - have you been referred and now waiting to see an endocrinologist to confirm this diagnosis and commence treatment ?

As for the eyes maybe see an optician who can see behind your eyes - just to get the ' ok ' that there is nothing more serious going on -

and if all ok suggest that all eye drops, lotions and potions must be Preservative Free -

even those prescribed - and there are heavy duty little tubes of grease you can use overnight - so do this last thing before turning in - as your eyesight will be blurred after squeezing this ointment into your eyes.

Actually it might be quicker to contact the Thyroid Eye Disease Charity - and be signposted to your nearest clinic where you will be supported by an endo and an eye specialist to find your best treatment option. tedct.org.uk

I have read about pineapple but never tried - I use a teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar with mother - in a glass of warm water before eating my main meal containing protein - I've also used grapefruit segments with limited success :

Some people use digestive enzymes ?

[Stills in reply to pennyannie]

Hi, no referral, GP says I need to be worse before I can be referred.

I have hydro scan day and night drops as recommended by my optician and they do help. One eye is changing shape though and I get double vision occasionally. Thank you for your advice re the eye charity, I will look into that today.

[stiff19 in reply to Stills]

sorry your still struggling stills, me too, my gp is as yours ,twice been suggested he send me to cardiologist but doesn't and just asked me to fill in a form of symptoms and still does nothing. I had private blood test done and with symptoms the doc there said to see gp as subclinical but I didnt as had other pressing things but it was good to know for myself. my tsh was 4.7 and after high dose steroids gp tested and was down to 2.7. I still have ptosis and under eye swollen every morning. I am seeing ophthalmologist again soon and was given treatment for dry eye. I get the nausea and nibble on a ginger biscuit and a glass of acv a day which doesn't cure the bloating but helps. I get a blackberry flavour acv which tastes better. can you get a referral to ophthalmology, or get optician to refer you.

best wishes

[greygoose]

Interesting question. I'd never thought of that. On the face of it, yes, it should. And on the face of it, there are no drawbacks - unless you're allergic to pineapple. It's acidic, full of fibre - although you don't want too much fiber, but seems you shouldn't drink more than a glass a day, anyway - and chock full of nutrients. I'd say give it a go and let us know how you get on. It certainly tastes better than ACV!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You are legally entitled to copies of test results

What are your thyroid and vitamin levels?

What vitamin supplements are you taking

looking at previous posts

As a vegetarian (and on omeprazole?) highly likely low vitamin levels especially iron/ferritin

Has GP done full iron panel including ferritin, B12, folate and vitamin D

Have you had thyroid antibodies tested

I have yet to get bloods done privately as recommended here as my surgery have said they don’t accept those results.

But you still need to know what is going on and important to maintain GOOD vitamin levels as first step

And can take results to endocrinologist assuming it shows you need starting on levothyroxine

[Stills in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi, I don’t know any of my antibodies , thyroid or vitamin levels except surgery said they were ok after a blood test last summer. However symptoms remain although weight loss has stabilised. I am not supplementing and don’t eat meat by choice rather than ethic but following advice here I manage a little chicken once a week now but detest it. I eat healthily and don’t eat processed food or fizzy drinks. Fish, dairy, fruit snd veg, seeds and nuts are my preferred foods with the occasional slice of homemade cake. I weaned off omeprazole due to the debilitating headaches. Thanks for your constant good advice.

[Hedgeree]

Hi Stills,

I also use apple cider vinegar with the mother (B&M's and Home Bargains usually stock it) I used to take some before every meal. You have to be wary with your teeth as obviously it's acidic.

Unfortunately even though I love the taste of ACV sometimes I struggled to take it and I now take a capsule once a day instead. If I forget I do find heartburn etc coming back so I do believe that it really helps with my digestion.

I find Lichen Sclerosus which I also have very difficult to manage.

It does sound like it would be a good idea to get private blood tests done yourself so you know where you're at with your thyroid hormone levels. My GP won't accept private tests either but I get them done as it's helpful for myself to know as I'm still titrating up with hormones. Sometimes having private blood results can prompt a GP to do further testing so may be worth a try.

[Stills in reply to Hedgeree]

Thanks for the advice, I will try the ACV.

I have a steroid cream which keeps the LS at bay thankfully.

[Hedgeree in reply to Stills]

Yes I find the ACV very useful and certainly symptoms come back if I don't take it. I also try to use a steroid cream for LS but I really struggle to use it.

[Stills in reply to Hedgeree]

Do try as if does help and it’s such a miserable condition . I tend to apply it at night so it gets 6/7 hours to do its job uninterrupted.

[Hedgeree in reply to Stills]

Thanks Stills. Yes I will persevere as I agree it is a miserable condition to deal with 😐

[WilfDog]

Hi StillsI'm unsure about pineapple, although it has many benefits. I know a lady who had severe thyroid problems and took doterra Life Long Vitality Supplements with great success. You could also try a good quality pro-biotic

Hope you get some relief x

[Stills in reply to WilfDog]

Thanks for the tip x