Stomach acid

[progpatient]

My history and symptoms indicate that I'm severely lacking in the stomach acid department so I asked my functional MD about supplementing with HCl for awhile. I started using Premier HCl, which is beet-derived, over the weekend and I put a call into her office today because I'm not sure how this process is supposed to be going.

In some ways I'm feeling BETTER, but in others, I'm feeling worse. My symptoms after eating are improving, but I'm experiencing GI symptoms, stomach irritation, and symptoms of acid reflux. The guys who run the website SCD Lifestyle told me that there is a "reverse reaction" that occurs in some people with really low stomach acid and it would take a few weeks to really feel good. I don't want to damage my stomach lining, and I'm suspecting that it is irritated or thinned out since even small amounts of the HCl are causing issues. Has anyone heard of this?

I am seeing that ferments would be good ways to naturally encourage acid production and I was recommended DGL (licorice) to help soothe the stomach lining and heal that. I have some water kefir grains and was going to try that with some coconut water and try small amounts.

I did not do the beet test, but I did do the baking soda test where you drink a glass of water with some baking soda in it first thing in the AM and see how long it takes you to burp (as it's supposed to neutralize the stomach acid). I never burped....lol

[Pat Robinson]

I'm not a fan of supplements. A squeeze of lemon juice in water or raw apple cider vinegar in water with meals, or a forkful of whole food probiotics with meals will improve stomach acid, digestion, nutrient absorption and gut microbial balance.

Cabbage juice, sauerkraut, zinc, apple cider vinegar, fermented vegetables, B12 all help to improve stomach acid naturally.

Spices, teas and herbs, i.e. camomile, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, nettles and other "bitters" etc. stimulate digestion also.

Here is more info about stomach acid: http://heal-thyself.ning.com/profiles/blogs/gerd


Pat

[Kelly B]

I love, love, love apple cider vinegar for this.  One that is raw, organic, and with the "mother" is preferred.