report on betaine hcl

[ldubois7]

Hi!

Tex...you are amazing in your knowledge of our digestive systems!

I was eating about 6-7 safe foods (for months now) with no visible moving forward. After explaining my symptoms of bloating/gas etc., even with a low fiber/fruit/sugar diet, Tex wondered if I had tried HCL. After finding the right supplement for me (Gloria & Polly...it's Freeda)....I'm very sensitive to everything, I started the betaine hcl about a week ago. I took it slow (because that's my personality, and I was weary of a burning tummy), found my perfect dosage, and have all but eliminated the gurgling/burbling/rolling/ gas & bloating I was experiencing. I still have little noises sometimes, but that can be part of healing my gut, while getting to remission.

So, I did have low acid, and my food was fermenting in my stomach...for years and years, especially in the morning, I'd be queasy.
I have stopped taking the H1 antihistamines because I thought they were causing the gas, but I noticed no difference when I'm taking them or not. I guess since I only eat a few foods they aren't effecting my histamine levels at this point.

I just wanted to give a shout to Tex's knowledge on MC, and his tireless efforts to help us gain control over our lives again.
Much appreciated!

[dfpowell]

Linda,

What was your process to find the correct dose? Do you take it between meals if you have a snack?

Thanks

[tex]

Linda,

That's great news, because I realize how hard you've been working to achieve remission, without being able to make any significant progress for way too long. It makes my day to hear that your digestive system is working so much better now.

I have stopped taking the H1 antihistamines because I thought they were causing the gas, but I noticed no difference when I'm taking them or not. I guess since I only eat a few foods they aren't effecting my histamine levels at this point.

I don't remember — were you having any histamine-specific symptoms previously? Maybe you're not abnormally sensitive to histamine.

Or if you were, maybe it was connected with low gastric acid.

Whatever the case, I'm glad that your engine is beginning to run on all it's cylinders again.

Thanks for the kind words,
Tex

[ldubois7]

Donna,

I researched several slightly different options, but basically this is it:


WARNING to keep in mind: People that are “high risk” shouldn’t take Betaine HCL without supervision. You’re high risk if you’re consuming any anti-inflammatory medicines. Examples of those are: corticosteroids, aspirin, Indocin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or other NSAIDs. These drugs can damage the GI lining and supplementing with HCL could aggravate it, increasing the risks of bleeding or ulcer.


How to Take Hydrochloric Acid Supplements [HCl]

You may need to take less capsules with some smaller meals.

Meal 1: Take 1 capsule 30 to 45 minutes after you've eaten a complete meal which includes protein, fats and carbs.
Meal 2: Take 2 capsules 30 to 45 minutes after you've eaten a complete meal.
Meal 3: Take 3 capsules 30 to 45 minutes after you've eaten a complete meal.
Meal 4: Take 4 capsules 30 to 45 minutes after you've eaten a complete meal. Sometimes it is more helpful to take some of the capsules even later than 45 minutes after meals, which will still be helpful up to 2 hours or longer after eating a meal.
Meal 5 & Subsequent Meals: Keep increasing HCl until you get a burning feeling in your stomach, and then take one less capsule the next meal and stay on that dose until you get a burning feeling again, and so on.
The maximum per meal is 5,000 mg of HCl. Taking more is not helpful nor needed.
Important Notes & Tips

If a burning feeling or heartburn occurs mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda into 4-5 ounces of non-chlorinated water, and sip it slowly until the burning stops.
If irritation, other than a burning sensation, occurs such as a stomach ache, sour stomach, nausea or heaviness up to 2 or more hours after a meal, take 1 or 2 more HCl capsules at that time and if you didn't have enough fluids with your meal, drink some water.
If you forget to take HCl supplements, they will still be effective if taken 2 hours or more after eating.
Small meals or snacks do not require as many HCl capsules as large meals.
As digestion improves, the amount of HCl supplements can be lowered until finally a person wouldn't require them any longer.

This link might help, too:
http://scdlifestyle.com/2012/03/how-to- ... mach-acid/

I didn't get a strong burning...just a little tummy discomfort. Good luck! Let me know how it goes!

[ldubois7]

Tex,

I only have sinus problems as far as histamines issues go (and actually I've been addressing those with a homeopathic remedy, with success)...I thought that an antihistamine might help as far as achieving Norms, but I don't think that was my issue.

But, things are a little brighter now, ..... all due to your help. Who knows maybe I can reintroduce a veggie, finally!