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Sam (Uk, London) on 07/17/2015
5 out of 5 stars

Yes, Betaine HCL works perfectly for GERD. Even 2 are enough in case you would have baseline stomach pH 7. However most people have lower pH 4-5 so taking even one capsule makes a difference between uncomfortable heartburn and good digestion.

Remember that taking antacid drugs lead to malabsorption and host of other problems caused by deficiencies. Calcium is just one crucial mineral you can not absorb if you shut down stomach acid production with PPI or similar drugs.

Magnesium is another one. Many people are deficient in it.

REPLY   9      

Replied By Pat (Grants, Nm) on 11/06/2015

Betaine HCL for IBS-D: I have found at least 4 different dosages for Bethaine HCL: 250,350,600 and 648. What dosages are people using in their comments?
REPLY   4      

Replied By Pay It Forward (PNW) on 01/29/2024

* If you do experience any negative or uncomfortable symptoms, you can neutralize the acid by taking 1 tsp of baking soda dissolved in water or milk. * Do not take more than 3000mg of betaine HCl Begin by taking 1 capsule containing 350–750mg of betaine HCl with the start of a meal containing a palm-sized (4-6oz) serving of protein. Please ensure this is part of a sufficient sized meal. ~500 calories are best. If there is no discomfort or burning sensation experienced, increase your dose to 2 pills of betaine HCl during the next day's meal. Ensure meal size is similar for each test. If there are still no noticeable reactions to the betaine after two days of supplementing, increase the dose to 3 capsules. Continue to increase the number of capsules every two days (if necessary) until a dose results in tingling, burning, or any other type of discomfort. At this point, decrease your dose by one capsule per meal. This is your effective dose. Once your dose is established, continue at this dose during meal times. With smaller meals, less betaine will be needed. You can lower your dose accordingly. *If you notice burning even at one capsule, it is likely that you have thinning of the stomach lining, and should avoid HCL until you have taken steps to heal this to some extent. People with thinning of the stomach lining (atrophic gastritis) can usually tolerate digestive bitters tincture, apple cider vinegar in water, or lemon juice in water before meals, and these will all naturally help increase stomach acid in a more gentle way.

Replied By Hollyhock (America ) on 01/29/2024

I have had IBS-D for about 17 years. I started intermittent fasting last August and it's helped a lot. But I also now take diatomaceous earth food grade 1 teaspoon each night and believe it to helping as well.