So use Betaine HCL as a “substitute” for apple-cider-vinegar or lemon juice? I’ve been doing the apple cider vinegar and lemon juice and was wondering if I needed to also purchase the HCL also.
@@sanctifiedbytruth6048 Hi there, no, not as a substitute. I will usually start my clients with lemon or ACV, and if it seems like we need a more concentrated dose, or more stomach acid, then I would move to trying betaine HCL. Thanks for your question and thanks for watching!
Thank you for the excellent information, is their a way to know if you have H polyri infection ,without going to a doctor, is there some signs that can tell me ,that I have a H polyri infection, I am taking avc before my meal with DGL ,and it is helping me tremendously with acid reflux. I am 73 years old ,and been having acid reflux for 3 years, the doctor put me on acid blocker (pantoprazole), I have decided to get off this drug, and just started on avc(apple vinegar cyder) and it has been 7 days send I start and so far I am doing very well. I am going to try the acid test that you mentioned with 1/4 of tea spoon of baking soda and one glass of water. To see if I am low on acid in my stomach, thank you for the excellent inf. Ferdinand
@@ferdinandbellavance5045 Hi Ferdinand, there isn't a way to know for sure about h pylori without testing, you can ask your doctor about that, it's quite easy, but if you're responding well to the ACV and DGL, then that sounds like a good way to continue. THanks for watching, and take care!
I love your channel ! I have gerd and suffer from bloating, stomach discomfort & bleaching constantly no matter what I eat & it last for 5 plus hours. I rarely get heartburn & have a fairly good diet. I just started using betaine HCL with pepsin & gentian bitter & I love them. I take 1 before I eat & I feel so much better! Thank you for all you do. I’ll be in touch soon. Thanks again ❤️
Hi Pamela, thank you so much for your compliment! I'm glad that it seems like you've found some solutions that are moving you toward where you want to be. If you'd like to learn more about what I can do for you, head over to confluencenutrition.com/contact and schedule a short appointment with me to discuss. Take care!
I'm glad you found me, too Chantelle, nice to meet you! I just shared my link to my reflux video for you in response to your previous question. Thanks so much for watching!
I took 2 betaine HCL supplements last night with dinner, and for the first time in weeks, I didn't have to use Pepto. Mind you, I'm dealing with a rare medical issue and will be undergoing surgery for it, and that is the main reason I've been struggling. But these supplements really helped and I hate taking antacids so it was awesome.
my wife is Asian over 50, 5ft. tall and weighs 100 lbs.has been experiencing pain and swelling at the diaphragm area and down into her stomach. Her stools are pale colored and broken, or she has diarrhea .She can't sleep and feels pain all day.She has been on 40mg.omeprazole pills and sucralfate cararate 20mg.a day for years. She recently had an esophagus scope and dilation. She is diagnosed with Acid Reflux, Gerd, and Barrett's Esophagus. we have been watching your video's , and started doing what you talk about. When she did the baking soda in water first thing in the morning, she did not burp for about 35 minutes. We elevated the head of the bed to help her sleep. My wife believes what you say will help and has stopped taking the omeprazole and sucrate cararate now. Our Family Doctor seems perplexed by her symptoms and has had her under go ct scan, the esophagus scope, and this week she is getting an ultra sound. Any feed back from You would be greatly appreciated. Suggestions on care or where to get extended help. Please e-mail jobcoe@gmail.com
Few years ago I started taking beatine HCL with pepsin. 4 capsules was my threshold. When I took 5 I got the burning sensation that everyone is talking about. Fast forward few years I now have H pylori and after 8 capsules of the same HCL I feel no burning sensation… so I believe that the body reacts as it should to the supplement but when someone has a very low stomach acid then they just need to take way more
I wonder how many people treat low stomach acid as having too much. I was eating tums and ppi’s to no avail. If a supplement isn’t working, then maybe the issue isn’t being addressed properly. My symptoms matched low acid to a T. Bloating, belching and food just sitting in my gut undigested for hours. I had a hip replacement last year. NSAIDS killed my gut flora and mucosal lining. I stopped taking them because I’d rather have bone pain than stomach pain. I eat a WFPB diet. It’s what works best for me. All foods need acid to break it down into energy and sustenance. I steer clear of inflammatory foods like sugar, dairy and trans fats. It definitely helps with conditions like arthritis. I started taking betain hcl with pepsin and gentian bitters recently. I also add another food enzymes pill. It has changed the gut game for me completely! I put my body thru its paces with many modes of exercise. As a triple certified trainer specializing in rehab regimes, I know how to maximize my effort at the gym. Gotta get the body moving if you want your digestive tract to keep moving efficiently. Good luck to everyone.
Fantastic information, thank you! I’m curious about the notion that lemon alkalizes the blood. I drink lemon water and a tablespoon of ACV daily to help with digestion, but my doctor has noticed that my blood ph trends toward high alkalinity. Should I avoid the lemon/ACV until things return to balance? Can I take the Betaine HCL as an alternative?
Hi Lisa, I'm not sure that lemon and ACV could have such a profound effect on blood pH, it's effect is more about altering the pH of the digestive tract. I would be more concerned with levels and intake of alkaline minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, for example. But yes, you could try Betaine HCL as an alternative and see if that makes a difference. Thanks for watching!
Yes, Rahul, we do need that stomach acid for protein digestion, and slow protein digestion can be a sign of low stomach acid. BUt we still need to confirm that by observing what happens if we increase stomach acid. Thanks for watching!
@@ConfluenceNutrition thank you for the reply! What I've noticed is that I tend to get reflux when I have a relatively protein dense meal (chicken) as compared to a non protein dense meal. So this got me to thinking that my body struggles to digest proteins.
Hi there, you can take them at the same time. If you have reflux, I would suggest right before you start eating. If no reflux, maybe 10-15 minutes before you eat. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for your helpful videos....i have just started taking betaine hcl with pepsin for acid reflux and experiencing burpings not long after taking it during my meal...does this mean it's working or not?Thanks.
It's hard to say...sometimes, bodies do weird things as the adjust to something new and then it smooths out, while other times it can be an ongoing side effect. It if doesn't resolve after a short while, I would likely consider it a negative side effect and stop.
Thanks for the video, valuable information, I have a question I started taking Bragg apple cider vinegar but still have bloating, sleep after eating, gas, constipation this means that I have to take Betaine HCl? Can you tell me a good brand for betaine HCl with pepsin but without porcine? How much time should I take betaine HCl?
Hi Salma, it's worth a trial to see if it improves things for you. If you try it and don't notice any improvement after a week or two, stomach acid likely isn't part of your problem, and you need to develop a new hypothesis. I'm not sure about a brand of betaine with pepsin that isn't porcine. I believe all pepsin is porcine? I think you can get betaine HCL without the pepsin and maybe that is the right way to go for you (I assume for religious/spiritual reasons?) Thanks for watching!
@@ConfluenceNutrition Thanks alot for you reply ,yes i can not take it with porcine, if I started taking the betaine without pepsin and for instance felt good after 4 or 5 days should I take betaine hcl for a month or what?
@@Ward2000ward I would start there. After that time, you can try tapering off and see if you continue your improvement. If you do well with less or none, then great! If your symptoms return, then you would work to find the minimum effective dose and stay there, and repeat that process periodically. Great question!
With most supplements, I suggest starting wtih a trial period of about a month. If it's helping and you love it, continue, or you can try reducing or stopping and see if you maintain your success. If not, you keep going. In my mind, continued use depends on whether you're getting benefit or not. Does your gut need that supplement to keep it's healthy function? It depends, and your use should depend on how you are responding. Does that help?
@@ConfluenceNutrition It does! I'm on day 3 staying with 2 capsules along with the variety enzyme with each meal. I can't tell whether to proceed to 3 per meal I might be confusing esophageal discomfort and persistent acid-reflux. Thank you so much for the response. Love your videos!
@@SUSU-iq5qx You're so welcome, glad I could help :) And if these kinds of things are concerns on an ongoing basis, I've just opened doors for my new online program, The Calm Digestion Method. Let me know if you'd like to learn more!
Hi Rafy, thanks for watching and for your comment! I'm currently interviewing people with a lot of digestive or food sensitivity symptoms as research for a new program I'm creating, would you be interested in meeting with me sometime? let me know and I'll send you a scheduling link.
Awesome 🤩, It was s long journey as a holistic lover and student.... I believe I found out what was my issue and connected all the dots... with your video a closed the circle ⭕️
What causes not absorbing vitamin B12 orally?And I have hemoglobin low and what is your suggestion for me to absorb vitamin B12? Please and thank you!!!
One of the main things to help absorb B12 is stomach acid. Here's a video where I discuss how to improve your stomach acid: th-cam.com/video/zh28pEB6eiU/w-d-xo.html THanks for watching and for your question!
No matter what, if something makes your symptoms worse, this is usually something to avoid! Here is a different video I made to help those with reflux: th-cam.com/video/80JudNO2V4A/w-d-xo.html Thanks for watching!
I would prefer not to use a powder for betaine HCL, I would put it into a capsule to prevent any burning/damage to your esophagus. You can buy empty capsules at most health food stores, and pack your own dosage into them.
Well, whatever it's indicating, it's a clear sign from your body that it's not appropriate at this time. I've recently learned that betaine can aggravate hydrogen or hydrogen sulfide SIBO...bloating can definitely be a sign of that condition...have you been evaluted for SIBO? That's one possibility, but there are others. Helping people sort out these kinds of answers is exactly what I help with inside my new online program, the Calm Digestion Method. You can learn more about that here: confluencenutrition.com/calm-digestion-method
Hello , can I take betaine hcl more than 3 months , i became better after taking it, i started reducing it, every 2 weeks but when i decreased from 5 to 4 capsules a day , mu stool became small , so this means i have to take 5 capsules a day once more , and this will be save as i habe been taking betaine hcl for 3 months?
Hi Noor Noor, it sounds like your digestion is saying the stomach acid is helping, and to continue, but you can continue trying to reduce and see if you can maintain your results with less. If not, it's ok to continue taking for awhile, as long as you don't develop a burning sensation in your stomach or intestines.
Hi Amanda , I have Sibo I have tried everything, I have not done the Betain HCL , I would like to have an appointment the free 45. mns , but no one answered when I call , can you let me know how I reach you to set up an appointment with you? . Thank you 🙏
It may, the best path is to do some careful trials to make sure you tolerate and it feels good. If not, abandon ship! A lot of people got into the celery juicing craze (myself included) when the Medical Medium's book came out. However, celery juice can be a problem for some people. Be careful what you learn from others, and always measure it against how your body responds. Typically, I suggest apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or betaine as a gentle option.
I used HCl with Pepsin for several weeks and it was great for my reflux. Then, it turned into LPR or silent reflux and now I am struggling with that. Should I keep taking this supplement or is this a sign my acid levels are fine? Thanks,
@@ConfluenceNutrition sorry, I just saw you responded. I only suffered from normal reflux symptoms at times. After using HCL and Pepsin, I began feeling burning in my throat and mouth, asthma-type symptoms (I have never had that), a lump in the throat, and thick mucous.
@@danglass6355 it sounds pretty clear that the HCL with pepsin isn't working well for you and is making your symptoms worse. In my video on reflux, i discuss a few products that can help minimize reflux symptoms: th-cam.com/video/80JudNO2V4A/w-d-xo.html
Most peoples problems seems to be the lack of an official diagnosis. I'm 6mo into the GERD symptoms. I'm undiagnosed and just took 600mg of betaine HCL w/pepsin. My hot tummy immediately neutralized. What does this mean?
True, Robert, many people lack a clear diagnosis, and this is frustrating and challenging...betaine HCL, for some people, can help encourage the lower esophageal sphincter to stay closed. Basically, it suggests your stomach has been deficient in stomach acid, but you'll have to tinker with this to find your ideal dose and whether the effect continues...Thanks for watching!
I don't know if you have covered this, but is it normal to feel abit worse at first when taking Betaine hcl, i don't have burning or pain just discomfort.
Generally, you should feel improvement from adding a supplement. The exception to this is antimicrobials, which can cause die off symptoms. If you're experiencing discomfort from HCL or any other supplement, this is usually a sign it's not right for you right now.
Most people experience a worsening of their reflux and heartburn while discontinuing PPIs, and so betaine HCL can make things worse. I suggest a number of options to reduce reflux, and also generally recommend slowly tapering off PPIs. Suggestions for reflux are here: th-cam.com/video/80JudNO2V4A/w-d-xo.html
I have a huge issue of swallowing pills and I was wondering can I open the HCL Pepsin Capsules and mix it with apple sauce after I eat? I realized I’ve been kind of burning my tongue by just opening it & putting it on my tongue then drinking water... 😞😞
Hi Symphony, I wouldn't recommend opening the capsules, for the very reason you describe. It can burn your mouth or esophagus. Have you tried drinking a little apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in water before meals? THis may be a better option for you. Thanks so much for your question and for watching!
@@ConfluenceNutrition I have but I don’t think it’s strong enough...or can it be? How long does it take for my acid to be back to normal ? I’ve been having low stomach acid for 3 months now and started doing stuff to help it for 2 Months or so.. and I’m a type 1 diabetic...
A lot of people who stop cold turkey have acid rebound and feel a lot worse. I'm not a doctor or qualified to give advice about medications, but you could ask your doctor about tapering slowly off. Thanks for your question!
Hi Bill, cigarettes don't really have a direct effect, except maybe a slight laxative effect for the uninitiated ( 😅), but coffee is known to trigger the gastro-colic reflex and lead to bowel movements. It can also be acidic and trigger reflux and heartburn, as well as deplete your adrenals if used excessively. On the other hand, coffee is a positive source of antioxidants. I like to support people in doing small scale experiements to see if they can identify the triggers of their symptoms. So a simple option would be to try keeping your coffee to just the morning (maybe slowly reducing that afternoon coffee), and see if it makes a difference with whatever is going on with your guts. If so, then you have key informatoin that can help you make decisions. If not, then you would want to look for other culprits, maybe the cigarettes, maybe foods you eat at lunch time, etc. I hope that helps, and thanks so much for watching!
@@ConfluenceNutrition thank you. that all makes perfect sense. however, recently I stopped all coffee amd caffeine, and went to vaping instead of cigarettes. still have all stomach pain. thinking ulcer or diverticulitis
@@JohnQPublic345 Well, perhaps! But before leaping to that conclusion, have you considered that there may be particular foods bothering your gut? Or eating practices that bother your digestion? For example, do you eat while stressed or in a big hurry? Sometimes, some basic housekeeping and simple changes can make a big difference.
@@JohnQPublic345 Indeed, most of us do...see what happens from taking some time to chew a little more thoroughly and relax a little while you're eating...and keep me posted!
I see many ppl having increased reflux symptoms after starting HCL treatment. My hypothesis is that they start to get some acid production (from having none) and thats why symptoms come back as the Ph returns to optimal but its not yet enought to have the cardias closed to avoid reflux. Any other thought on that?
Hi, I'm at 2 HCl (Betaine HCl with pepsin) with my meals. I can only eat small meals right now. I have no "warming" sensations with 2 pills. The problem is I feel okay during and right after my meals. Except about 1/2 to 1-1/2 hours after I eat I'll get indigestion. What does that mean? Should I go to 3 pills and keep increasing it? Thanks!
Hi there, thanks so much for watching, and for your question. You could try increasing your acid, but if you don't see a shift, the problem is likely not to do with your stomach acid. Keep the acid, but move on to testing digestive enzymes or probiotics. Aare you also working on removing potentially inflammatory foods? Sometimes, all these things need to happen together. Good luck!
I am at about 13 HCL pills, and finally felt discomfort, so I dropped to 12. Ive been having gas, gas pains in the lower left abdoman, and deficient in zinc,copper, vitamin b2 and Vitamin A. So I started HCL 2 weeks ago, and feel less episodes of stomach pains and cramping. How long until my acid builds up again and back to normal? Will it ever be? Im 29 yrs old. In great shape for the most part. But when my stomach pains come up it keeps me from sleeping.
Hi Mirzas, I'm glad you're starting to see some relief. For clients who ask similar questions, I usually suggest using the supplement for at least a month or two, and then reducing the dose back to the level where you can maintain symptom relief. It might be a slow process. You can replace the pills with acid supportive foods, like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice before meals, or digestive bitters, to encourage your own natural acid secretion. Good luck, and thanks for watching!
@@KevDogg683 you are right, alcohol and caffeine can definitely be triggers for heartburn and reflux, and other digestive problems, as well as blood sugar problems. Thanks for watching!
I am bloated the majority of the day (years now) but mainly after ANY meal. I started with 1 betaine hcl tab (650mg with pepsin) with my protein meal, but am now up to 8 tabs and still am bloated without any warming in my stomach. I’m concerned about taking too many tabs, but want to keep going. Your thoughts? Also, I’ve been taking them as I eat the meal based on other research. Should I take a couple before starting the meal? Would very much appreciate your advice. Thank you.
Hi Kyle, thanks for watching and reaching out. It sounds to me like the supplemental HCL isn't providing any noticeable benefit, and isn't the root cause of your bloating. It's probably still helpful, but I would back off the dosage to the amount recommended on the bottle, and pivot your attention to other aspects. The solutions you're looking for are rarely just one thing. If you're not seeing results within 1-3 weeks (depending on the intervention) from something you're trying, it's time to work on another possibility. If you need support with this process, please reach out about working together.
Thank you! I’m thinking that the stomach acid may not be the culprit and it’s more SIBO. Possible? I tried a capsule of oil of oregano each day for 3 days and that shredded by stomach (constipation, cramping, bloating...). I REALLY appreciate your info. So knowledgeable!
@@kylewilkin Yes, SIBO is a possibility, but as you found out, not everyone tolerates the herbals. Since I don't know your whole history, it's hard to say what I really think is going on. There can be a lot of different reasons for the bloating. Have you incorporated the Low FODMAP diet yet? If you'd like more personalized direction and advice, you can schedule some time to connect wtih me to find out about working one-on-one with me.
Just started exploring the low Fodmap route to quell the symptoms, but I know that’s just a piece of the puzzle. I may be reaching out to you soon for one on one support. Much appreciated!
@@kylewilkin FODMAP is definitely something to give some serious attention to as a first step. If you don't respond, that is very good information, because it would mean the mechanism of the problem is likely not bacterial. Good luck, and I'll hope to hear from you.
Hi Miguel, it's possible, but not certain that ACV can help with your LPR. It's a relatively simple trial you can take. If it helps, continue. If not, you may need to focus on other areas first. In this video, I discuss how to use ACV: th-cam.com/video/zh28pEB6eiU/w-d-xo.html
Hi, I have GERD for a decade now. I am using PPI. ACV doesn’t work for me. Betaine HCL works well only when I use it while having Protein food. Confused whether I have low acid or high acid issue. I have food allergies. Understand it is related to stomach acid.
@@Pramod_Kumar_Bathal Hi Pramod, if you're regularly using PPIs, you likely have low acid, but this may not have been the root cause of the GERD. If you have chronic reflux, it's a good idea to work on preventing the reflux first, before supporting stomach acid. Does that help?
Hi I had one this morning and I felt great. My stomach felt soft and flabby not hard like it always is. I also felt abit of warmth in my lower left side of my stomach. I havent taken anymore because I feel that was enough however come in the evening after second and third meal I am bloated and my stomach is hard. Do you think I should try 1 tablet before each meal even though I felt the sensation after breakfast?
HI Abdul, there are so many layers to why your belly is bloated and hard, but I encourage you to experiment with the HCL to see what makes a difference... use your body as your guide! Thanks for watching!
Hi Temi, it's really hard to say...it could be a coincidence, it could be that you reacted to the HCL or the dose, and it could be that you react to other ingredients in the supplement. If you try again, and it happens again, not coincidence! You can always work to find the ideal dose of things by taking less, or using less frequently, or trying a different brand. THanks for watching!
I have low stomach acid. I'm having some issues with taking Betaine HCL with pepsin though (620mg HCL + 180mg pepsin). I'm having a hard time determining how many capsules I should be taking because I have not experienced the warming/burning sensation yet immediately after taking. Instead, this happens. I will take 2 or 3 capsules with a high protein meal and I do notice an improvement in digestion. However, 2-3 hours later I get acid reflux. Why is this happening?
Hi there, thanks for watching...sometimes, pepsin can be irritating for the stomach and intestine, so I might see if HCL wihtout pepsin is better. Many people don't experience the warming sensation, so that doesn't necessarily mean it's not working. It's possible there are particluar foods that are aggravating the situation. I also generally recommend that people get screened for h. pylori if they have persistent reflux or heartburn. If you do have h. pylori, stomach acid support like HCL will make things worse.
@@ConfluenceNutrition Thank you for the reply! It was very helpful! I will try just HCL and ask my GI doctor for a h pylori test. As a hypothetical reference point, If I did get the warming/burning in my stomach with just HCL should I expect to experience it immediately after taking? During the meal? Or 30+ minutes after the meal?
![BOWKYLION - วิงวอน (ex-change) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLdnZWDaO-w/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for watching! Do you have a question about stomach acid I didn't answer? Ask it here, I'll get back to you!
So use Betaine HCL as a “substitute” for apple-cider-vinegar or lemon juice?
I’ve been doing the apple cider vinegar and lemon juice and was wondering if I needed to also purchase the HCL also.
@@sanctifiedbytruth6048 Hi there, no, not as a substitute. I will usually start my clients with lemon or ACV, and if it seems like we need a more concentrated dose, or more stomach acid, then I would move to trying betaine HCL. Thanks for your question and thanks for watching!
Thank you for the excellent information, is their a way to know if you have H polyri infection ,without going to a doctor, is there some signs that can tell me ,that I have a H polyri infection, I am taking avc before my meal with DGL ,and it is helping me tremendously with acid reflux. I am 73 years old ,and been having acid reflux for 3 years, the doctor put me on acid blocker (pantoprazole), I have decided to get off this drug, and just started on avc(apple vinegar cyder) and it has been 7 days send I start and so far I am doing very well. I am going to try the acid test that you mentioned with 1/4 of tea spoon of baking soda and one glass of water. To see if I am low on acid in my stomach, thank you for the excellent inf. Ferdinand
@@ferdinandbellavance5045 Hi Ferdinand, there isn't a way to know for sure about h pylori without testing, you can ask your doctor about that, it's quite easy, but if you're responding well to the ACV and DGL, then that sounds like a good way to continue. THanks for watching, and take care!
I was diagnose wit LPR. Should I drink Apple cider vinegar?
I love your channel ! I have gerd and suffer from bloating, stomach discomfort & bleaching constantly no matter what I eat & it last for 5 plus hours. I rarely get heartburn & have a fairly good diet. I just started using betaine HCL with pepsin & gentian bitter & I love them. I take 1 before I eat & I feel so much better! Thank you for all you do. I’ll be in touch soon. Thanks again ❤️
Hi Pamela, thank you so much for your compliment! I'm glad that it seems like you've found some solutions that are moving you toward where you want to be. If you'd like to learn more about what I can do for you, head over to confluencenutrition.com/contact and schedule a short appointment with me to discuss. Take care!
Thank you so much for your extremely clear and specific instructions.
I am so glad I have come across your channel. Will be watching more videos. Suffering from lpr for 2 years now. Need all the advice I can get.
I'm glad you found me, too Chantelle, nice to meet you! I just shared my link to my reflux video for you in response to your previous question. Thanks so much for watching!
I took 2 betaine HCL supplements last night with dinner, and for the first time in weeks, I didn't have to use Pepto. Mind you, I'm dealing with a rare medical issue and will be undergoing surgery for it, and that is the main reason I've been struggling. But these supplements really helped and I hate taking antacids so it was awesome.
Thanks for watching, Leilani, I'm glad it's helped. That's fantastic you got such immediate results. Keep it up!
my wife is Asian over 50, 5ft. tall and weighs 100 lbs.has been experiencing pain and swelling at the diaphragm area and down into her stomach. Her stools are pale colored and broken, or she has diarrhea .She can't sleep and feels pain all day.She has been on 40mg.omeprazole pills and sucralfate cararate 20mg.a day for years. She recently had an esophagus scope and dilation. She is diagnosed with Acid Reflux, Gerd, and Barrett's Esophagus.
we have been watching your video's , and started doing what you talk about.
When she did the baking soda in water first thing in the morning, she did not burp for about 35 minutes.
We elevated the head of the bed to help her sleep.
My wife believes what you say will help and has stopped taking the omeprazole and sucrate cararate now.
Our Family Doctor seems perplexed by her symptoms and has had her under go ct scan, the esophagus scope, and this week she is getting an ultra sound.
Any feed back from You would be greatly appreciated. Suggestions on care or where to get extended help. Please e-mail jobcoe@gmail.com
Thank you for watching, I sent you a private reply. If you don't see it, check your junk email box. Take good care!
Few years ago I started taking beatine HCL with pepsin. 4 capsules was my threshold. When I took 5 I got the burning sensation that everyone is talking about. Fast forward few years I now have H pylori and after 8 capsules of the same HCL I feel no burning sensation… so I believe that the body reacts as it should to the supplement but when someone has a very low stomach acid then they just need to take way more
I wonder how many people treat low stomach acid as having too much. I was eating tums and ppi’s to no avail. If a supplement isn’t working, then maybe the issue isn’t being addressed properly. My symptoms matched low acid to a T. Bloating, belching and food just sitting in my gut undigested for hours. I had a hip replacement last year. NSAIDS killed my gut flora and mucosal lining. I stopped taking them because I’d rather have bone pain than stomach pain. I eat a WFPB diet. It’s what works best for me. All foods need acid to break it down into energy and sustenance. I steer clear of inflammatory foods like sugar, dairy and trans fats. It definitely helps with conditions like arthritis. I started taking betain hcl with pepsin and gentian bitters recently. I also add another food enzymes pill. It has changed the gut game for me completely! I put my body thru its paces with many modes of exercise. As a triple certified trainer specializing in rehab regimes, I know how to maximize my effort at the gym. Gotta get the body moving if you want your digestive tract to keep moving efficiently. Good luck to everyone.
So glad that you figured out your unique digestive puzzle. Keep up the good work, and thanks for watching :)
Love your work ,you are very good person 🙂👏👏
Awww, thank you so much! I'm glad it feels like my videos are helpful! THanks so much for watching :)
Fantastic information, thank you!
I’m curious about the notion that lemon alkalizes the blood. I drink lemon water and a tablespoon of ACV daily to help with digestion, but my doctor has noticed that my blood ph trends toward high alkalinity.
Should I avoid the lemon/ACV until things return to balance? Can I take the Betaine HCL as an alternative?
Hi Lisa, I'm not sure that lemon and ACV could have such a profound effect on blood pH, it's effect is more about altering the pH of the digestive tract. I would be more concerned with levels and intake of alkaline minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, for example. But yes, you could try Betaine HCL as an alternative and see if that makes a difference. Thanks for watching!
thank you for info. A question I have - does poor/slow digestion of protein as compared to other foods a sign of low stomach acid?
Yes, Rahul, we do need that stomach acid for protein digestion, and slow protein digestion can be a sign of low stomach acid. BUt we still need to confirm that by observing what happens if we increase stomach acid. Thanks for watching!
@@ConfluenceNutrition thank you for the reply! What I've noticed is that I tend to get reflux when I have a relatively protein dense meal (chicken) as compared to a non protein dense meal. So this got me to thinking that my body struggles to digest proteins.
@@rahulkashyap29 Ah, yes, that's a wise inference, given what you've observed. Test out some stomach acid support and see what happens!
Thank you for the video, it was very helpful! :) What if I also take enzymes? Should I take them before or after HCL?
Hi there, you can take them at the same time. If you have reflux, I would suggest right before you start eating. If no reflux, maybe 10-15 minutes before you eat. Thanks for watching!
@@ConfluenceNutrition Thanks!
@@lensal8372 you're welcome :)
Thanks for your helpful videos....i have just started taking betaine hcl with pepsin for acid reflux and experiencing burpings not long after taking it during my meal...does this mean it's working or not?Thanks.
It's hard to say...sometimes, bodies do weird things as the adjust to something new and then it smooths out, while other times it can be an ongoing side effect. It if doesn't resolve after a short while, I would likely consider it a negative side effect and stop.
Celery juice works amazingly for alot of people.
Thanks for the video, valuable information, I have a question I started taking Bragg apple cider vinegar but still have bloating, sleep after eating, gas, constipation this means that I have to take Betaine HCl? Can you tell me a good brand for betaine HCl with pepsin but without porcine? How much time should I take betaine HCl?
Hi Salma, it's worth a trial to see if it improves things for you. If you try it and don't notice any improvement after a week or two, stomach acid likely isn't part of your problem, and you need to develop a new hypothesis. I'm not sure about a brand of betaine with pepsin that isn't porcine. I believe all pepsin is porcine? I think you can get betaine HCL without the pepsin and maybe that is the right way to go for you (I assume for religious/spiritual reasons?) Thanks for watching!
@@ConfluenceNutrition Thanks alot for you reply ,yes i can not take it with porcine, if I started taking the betaine without pepsin and for instance felt good after 4 or 5 days
should I take betaine hcl for a month or what?
@@Ward2000ward I would start there. After that time, you can try tapering off and see if you continue your improvement. If you do well with less or none, then great! If your symptoms return, then you would work to find the minimum effective dose and stay there, and repeat that process periodically. Great question!
@@ConfluenceNutrition From the bottom of my heart, thank you
@@Ward2000ward You're very welcome :)
Hi, Maybe I missed this part. How long do you take HCL pepsin & enzymes or does this require continued use?
With most supplements, I suggest starting wtih a trial period of about a month. If it's helping and you love it, continue, or you can try reducing or stopping and see if you maintain your success. If not, you keep going. In my mind, continued use depends on whether you're getting benefit or not. Does your gut need that supplement to keep it's healthy function? It depends, and your use should depend on how you are responding. Does that help?
@@ConfluenceNutrition It does! I'm on day 3 staying with 2 capsules along with the variety enzyme with each meal. I can't tell whether to proceed to 3 per meal I might be confusing esophageal discomfort and persistent acid-reflux. Thank you so much for the response. Love your videos!
@@SUSU-iq5qx You're so welcome, glad I could help :) And if these kinds of things are concerns on an ongoing basis, I've just opened doors for my new online program, The Calm Digestion Method. Let me know if you'd like to learn more!
I get to send you an email to tell you my whole journey with my health... Your video described exactly what I have in 9 min... much love ❤️
Hi Rafy, thanks for watching and for your comment! I'm currently interviewing people with a lot of digestive or food sensitivity symptoms as research for a new program I'm creating, would you be interested in meeting with me sometime? let me know and I'll send you a scheduling link.
Awesome 🤩, It was s long journey as a holistic lover and student.... I believe I found out what was my issue and connected all the dots... with your video a closed the circle ⭕️
What causes not absorbing vitamin B12 orally?And I have hemoglobin low and what is your suggestion for me to absorb vitamin B12? Please and thank you!!!
One of the main things to help absorb B12 is stomach acid. Here's a video where I discuss how to improve your stomach acid: th-cam.com/video/zh28pEB6eiU/w-d-xo.html THanks for watching and for your question!
I have too much LPR symptoms to increase acid but I know that it is low. Tricky situation
Indeed. this is why I suggest getting the reflux under control and then trying to carefully increase. See my reflux video on my channel for more.
Thanks for sharing!! I tried betain hcl makes my reflux worse .please advice.
No matter what, if something makes your symptoms worse, this is usually something to avoid! Here is a different video I made to help those with reflux: th-cam.com/video/80JudNO2V4A/w-d-xo.html Thanks for watching!
@@ConfluenceNutrition Thank you so much for your response!!
@@soniasingh5559 You're very welcome ❤
Are digestive bitters a good option?
Yes, bitters can be quite helpful, as long as they feel good when you use them!
Maam how do I consume Betaine hcl powder should is dilute it in water or take powder as it is or mix it with food
I would prefer not to use a powder for betaine HCL, I would put it into a capsule to prevent any burning/damage to your esophagus. You can buy empty capsules at most health food stores, and pack your own dosage into them.
Betaine 700 mg is making me bloat/short of breath because of bloating. Is this an indicator that it’s too high? Thanks for your help
Well, whatever it's indicating, it's a clear sign from your body that it's not appropriate at this time. I've recently learned that betaine can aggravate hydrogen or hydrogen sulfide SIBO...bloating can definitely be a sign of that condition...have you been evaluted for SIBO? That's one possibility, but there are others. Helping people sort out these kinds of answers is exactly what I help with inside my new online program, the Calm Digestion Method. You can learn more about that here: confluencenutrition.com/calm-digestion-method
Hello , can I take betaine hcl more than 3 months , i became better after taking it, i started reducing it, every 2 weeks but when i decreased from 5 to 4 capsules a day , mu stool became small , so this means i have to take 5 capsules a day once more , and this will be save as i habe been taking betaine hcl for 3 months?
Hi Noor Noor, it sounds like your digestion is saying the stomach acid is helping, and to continue, but you can continue trying to reduce and see if you can maintain your results with less. If not, it's ok to continue taking for awhile, as long as you don't develop a burning sensation in your stomach or intestines.
Hi Amanda , I have Sibo I have tried everything, I have not done the Betain HCL , I would like to have an appointment the free 45. mns , but no one answered when I call , can you let me know how I reach you to set up an appointment with you? . Thank you 🙏
Hi Noema, I replied via email this morning, if you don't see my message, check your spam folder!
I look forward to connecting, A
Hi, wil celery juice help despite the gastritis in building up HCL.
It may, the best path is to do some careful trials to make sure you tolerate and it feels good. If not, abandon ship! A lot of people got into the celery juicing craze (myself included) when the Medical Medium's book came out. However, celery juice can be a problem for some people. Be careful what you learn from others, and always measure it against how your body responds. Typically, I suggest apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or betaine as a gentle option.
I used HCl with Pepsin for several weeks and it was great for my reflux. Then, it turned into LPR or silent reflux and now I am struggling with that. Should I keep taking this supplement or is this a sign my acid levels are fine? Thanks,
Hi Dan, what changed when you say it turned into LPR? symptoms?
@@ConfluenceNutrition sorry, I just saw you responded. I only suffered from normal reflux symptoms at times. After using HCL and Pepsin, I began feeling burning in my throat and mouth, asthma-type symptoms (I have never had that), a lump in the throat, and thick mucous.
@@danglass6355 it sounds pretty clear that the HCL with pepsin isn't working well for you and is making your symptoms worse. In my video on reflux, i discuss a few products that can help minimize reflux symptoms: th-cam.com/video/80JudNO2V4A/w-d-xo.html
@@danglass6355 LPR mainly occurs from pepsin. Maybe just take HCL only
Most peoples problems seems to be the lack of an official diagnosis. I'm 6mo into the GERD symptoms. I'm undiagnosed and just took 600mg of betaine HCL w/pepsin. My hot tummy immediately neutralized. What does this mean?
True, Robert, many people lack a clear diagnosis, and this is frustrating and challenging...betaine HCL, for some people, can help encourage the lower esophageal sphincter to stay closed. Basically, it suggests your stomach has been deficient in stomach acid, but you'll have to tinker with this to find your ideal dose and whether the effect continues...Thanks for watching!
What brand of hcl do you use?
I use Pure Encapsulations betaine HCl, I beleive they are 500 mg capsules.
@@ConfluenceNutrition thank you😀I watched several of your videos last night and I feel excited this can help me.
@@laurenbryan4121 Great, keep me posted!
I have mild gastritis can I still increase my stomach acid?
Most likely, if you trial this, it will irritate your stomach further.
I don't know if you have covered this, but is it normal to feel abit worse at first when taking Betaine hcl, i don't have burning or pain just discomfort.
Generally, you should feel improvement from adding a supplement. The exception to this is antimicrobials, which can cause die off symptoms. If you're experiencing discomfort from HCL or any other supplement, this is usually a sign it's not right for you right now.
Can you take BHC while coming off PPIs like pantaprazole?
Most people experience a worsening of their reflux and heartburn while discontinuing PPIs, and so betaine HCL can make things worse. I suggest a number of options to reduce reflux, and also generally recommend slowly tapering off PPIs. Suggestions for reflux are here: th-cam.com/video/80JudNO2V4A/w-d-xo.html
I have a huge issue of swallowing pills and I was wondering can I open the HCL Pepsin Capsules and mix it with apple sauce after I eat? I realized I’ve been kind of burning my tongue by just opening it & putting it on my tongue then drinking water... 😞😞
Hi Symphony, I wouldn't recommend opening the capsules, for the very reason you describe. It can burn your mouth or esophagus. Have you tried drinking a little apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in water before meals? THis may be a better option for you. Thanks so much for your question and for watching!
@@ConfluenceNutrition I have but I don’t think it’s strong enough...or can it be? How long does it take for my acid to be back to normal ? I’ve been having low stomach acid for 3 months now and started doing stuff to help it for 2
Months or so.. and I’m a type 1 diabetic...
Want to get off proton pump inhibitors. Only been on 3 months. Can I go off immediately?
A lot of people who stop cold turkey have acid rebound and feel a lot worse. I'm not a doctor or qualified to give advice about medications, but you could ask your doctor about tapering slowly off. Thanks for your question!
What effect on digestion does cigarettes and coffee have? This is my goto after lunch, and over the years, my stomach is really bad.
Hi Bill, cigarettes don't really have a direct effect, except maybe a slight laxative effect for the uninitiated ( 😅), but coffee is known to trigger the gastro-colic reflex and lead to bowel movements. It can also be acidic and trigger reflux and heartburn, as well as deplete your adrenals if used excessively. On the other hand, coffee is a positive source of antioxidants. I like to support people in doing small scale experiements to see if they can identify the triggers of their symptoms. So a simple option would be to try keeping your coffee to just the morning (maybe slowly reducing that afternoon coffee), and see if it makes a difference with whatever is going on with your guts. If so, then you have key informatoin that can help you make decisions. If not, then you would want to look for other culprits, maybe the cigarettes, maybe foods you eat at lunch time, etc. I hope that helps, and thanks so much for watching!
@@ConfluenceNutrition thank you. that all makes perfect sense. however, recently I stopped all coffee amd caffeine, and went to vaping instead of cigarettes. still have all stomach pain. thinking ulcer or diverticulitis
@@JohnQPublic345 Well, perhaps! But before leaping to that conclusion, have you considered that there may be particular foods bothering your gut? Or eating practices that bother your digestion? For example, do you eat while stressed or in a big hurry? Sometimes, some basic housekeeping and simple changes can make a big difference.
@@ConfluenceNutrition yes, always ate fast. Even at work, id be chewing last bite and already started working again
@@JohnQPublic345 Indeed, most of us do...see what happens from taking some time to chew a little more thoroughly and relax a little while you're eating...and keep me posted!
Can you take hcl on a empty stomach?
Yes, you can, and this is the ideal time, but just shortly before a meal. Too long before and it can irritate the stomach. Thanks for watching!
I see many ppl having increased reflux symptoms after starting HCL treatment. My hypothesis is that they start to get some acid production (from having none) and thats why symptoms come back as the Ph returns to optimal but its not yet enought to have the cardias closed to avoid reflux. Any other thought on that?
See my answer on your other post. :)
Hi, I'm at 2 HCl (Betaine HCl with pepsin) with my meals. I can only eat small meals right now. I have no "warming" sensations with 2 pills. The problem is I feel okay during and right after my meals. Except about 1/2 to 1-1/2 hours after I eat I'll get indigestion. What does that mean? Should I go to 3 pills and keep increasing it? Thanks!
Hi there, thanks so much for watching, and for your question. You could try increasing your acid, but if you don't see a shift, the problem is likely not to do with your stomach acid. Keep the acid, but move on to testing digestive enzymes or probiotics. Aare you also working on removing potentially inflammatory foods? Sometimes, all these things need to happen together. Good luck!
I am at about 13 HCL pills, and finally felt discomfort, so I dropped to 12. Ive been having gas, gas pains in the lower left abdoman, and deficient in zinc,copper, vitamin b2 and Vitamin A. So I started HCL 2 weeks ago, and feel less episodes of stomach pains and cramping. How long until my acid builds up again and back to normal? Will it ever be? Im 29 yrs old. In great shape for the most part. But when my stomach pains come up it keeps me from sleeping.
Hi Mirzas, I'm glad you're starting to see some relief. For clients who ask similar questions, I usually suggest using the supplement for at least a month or two, and then reducing the dose back to the level where you can maintain symptom relief. It might be a slow process. You can replace the pills with acid supportive foods, like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice before meals, or digestive bitters, to encourage your own natural acid secretion. Good luck, and thanks for watching!
If you have any alcohol or caffeine, definitely them out as they cause stomach issues. Doctors will never tell you this.
@@KevDogg683 you are right, alcohol and caffeine can definitely be triggers for heartburn and reflux, and other digestive problems, as well as blood sugar problems. Thanks for watching!
I am bloated the majority of the day (years now) but mainly after ANY meal. I started with 1 betaine hcl tab (650mg with pepsin) with my protein meal, but am now up to 8 tabs and still am bloated without any warming in my stomach. I’m concerned about taking too many tabs, but want to keep going. Your thoughts? Also, I’ve been taking them as I eat the meal based on other research. Should I take a couple before starting the meal? Would very much appreciate your advice. Thank you.
Hi Kyle, thanks for watching and reaching out. It sounds to me like the supplemental HCL isn't providing any noticeable benefit, and isn't the root cause of your bloating. It's probably still helpful, but I would back off the dosage to the amount recommended on the bottle, and pivot your attention to other aspects. The solutions you're looking for are rarely just one thing. If you're not seeing results within 1-3 weeks (depending on the intervention) from something you're trying, it's time to work on another possibility. If you need support with this process, please reach out about working together.
Thank you!
I’m thinking that the stomach acid may not be the culprit and it’s more SIBO. Possible? I tried a capsule of oil of oregano each day for 3 days and that shredded by stomach (constipation, cramping, bloating...). I REALLY appreciate your info. So knowledgeable!
@@kylewilkin Yes, SIBO is a possibility, but as you found out, not everyone tolerates the herbals. Since I don't know your whole history, it's hard to say what I really think is going on. There can be a lot of different reasons for the bloating. Have you incorporated the Low FODMAP diet yet?
If you'd like more personalized direction and advice, you can schedule some time to connect wtih me to find out about working one-on-one with me.
Just started exploring the low Fodmap route to quell the symptoms, but I know that’s just a piece of the puzzle. I may be reaching out to you soon for one on one support. Much appreciated!
@@kylewilkin FODMAP is definitely something to give some serious attention to as a first step. If you don't respond, that is very good information, because it would mean the mechanism of the problem is likely not bacterial. Good luck, and I'll hope to hear from you.
I was diagnose wit LPR. Should I drink Apple cider vinegar?
Hi Miguel, it's possible, but not certain that ACV can help with your LPR. It's a relatively simple trial you can take. If it helps, continue. If not, you may need to focus on other areas first. In this video, I discuss how to use ACV: th-cam.com/video/zh28pEB6eiU/w-d-xo.html
Hi, I have GERD for a decade now. I am using PPI. ACV doesn’t work for me. Betaine HCL works well only when I use it while having Protein food.
Confused whether I have low acid or high acid issue. I have food allergies. Understand it is related to stomach acid.
@@Pramod_Kumar_Bathal Hi Pramod, if you're regularly using PPIs, you likely have low acid, but this may not have been the root cause of the GERD. If you have chronic reflux, it's a good idea to work on preventing the reflux first, before supporting stomach acid. Does that help?
Hi, how to prevent reflux without using PPIs.
@@Pramod_Kumar_Bathal I discuss options in this video: th-cam.com/video/80JudNO2V4A/w-d-xo.html
Hi I had one this morning and I felt great. My stomach felt soft and flabby not hard like it always is. I also felt abit of warmth in my lower left side of my stomach. I havent taken anymore because I feel that was enough however come in the evening after second and third meal I am bloated and my stomach is hard. Do you think I should try 1 tablet before each meal even though I felt the sensation after breakfast?
HI Abdul, there are so many layers to why your belly is bloated and hard, but I encourage you to experiment with the HCL to see what makes a difference... use your body as your guide! Thanks for watching!
Love you doc:)
Aw, love you too! Thanks for watching :)
Can low stomach acid give you palpitations
Maybe indirectly...
Hello, I took HCL 600mg with pepsin during my meal and develop a really bad headache. Any reason why I got a headache.
Hi Temi, it's really hard to say...it could be a coincidence, it could be that you reacted to the HCL or the dose, and it could be that you react to other ingredients in the supplement. If you try again, and it happens again, not coincidence! You can always work to find the ideal dose of things by taking less, or using less frequently, or trying a different brand. THanks for watching!
I can't find betaine HCL from online
Hi i'm having headaches too after taking Betaine HCL with pepsin....which brand are u on?
I have low stomach acid. I'm having some issues with taking Betaine HCL with pepsin though (620mg HCL + 180mg pepsin). I'm having a hard time determining how many capsules I should be taking because I have not experienced the warming/burning sensation yet immediately after taking. Instead, this happens. I will take 2 or 3 capsules with a high protein meal and I do notice an improvement in digestion. However, 2-3 hours later I get acid reflux. Why is this happening?
Hi there, thanks for watching...sometimes, pepsin can be irritating for the stomach and intestine, so I might see if HCL wihtout pepsin is better. Many people don't experience the warming sensation, so that doesn't necessarily mean it's not working. It's possible there are particluar foods that are aggravating the situation. I also generally recommend that people get screened for h. pylori if they have persistent reflux or heartburn. If you do have h. pylori, stomach acid support like HCL will make things worse.
@@ConfluenceNutrition Thank you for the reply! It was very helpful! I will try just HCL and ask my GI doctor for a h pylori test. As a hypothetical reference point, If I did get the warming/burning in my stomach with just HCL should I expect to experience it immediately after taking? During the meal? Or 30+ minutes after the meal?
@@NJ1117 As for most situations, it varies from person to person. But I would expect within 1-2 hours of taking the HCL.
@@ConfluenceNutrition Thank you for your help! This has been very helpful!
@@NJ1117 You're welcome, let me know how else I can help
Some people have to go up to 20 tablets😳 that was meee😵