The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
General Feedback
Posted by Andrea (Kiel, Wi/usa) on 08/06/2011
Can anyone advise me as to whether or not there is an HCl that does not have pepsin in it? I have been taking it with pepsin for 2 years with great success, after being diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus. (My gastro has done 2 repeat endoscopies and says he can no longer find evidence of BE! ) I also have celiac disease and was not able to tolerate the drugs prescribed for BE. I have been using Betaine HCl, DGL, and powdered slippery elm mixed in warm water with great success. However, now I have a pork allergy and it is my understanding that gel-caps and pepsin are derived from pork. Will HCl be affective without the pepsin in it and is there a form other than capsules? If so, what brand? Thanks much for your help.
Andrea
General Feedback
Posted by Andrea (Kiel, Wi/usa) on 08/09/2011
Thanks, Mike, for your recommendation, however, I contacted Natural Factors and the Betaine HCl with Fenugreek gelatin capsule does contain pork. So glad I double-checked.
General Feedback
Posted by Mike (Montreal, Quebec) on 08/09/2011
Lets face it Andrea you will never be able to avoid pork in your whole lifetime since how many other food products do not list pork as one of their ingredient ? If the reason for avoiding pork is religious then you have to weigh religious belief against your own vital personal health. Mike
General Feedback
Posted by Tarahvale (Daniels, Wv) on 10/23/2011
Actually, Pharmax brand betaine HCL does not contain pepsin and is a vegetarian capsule. My son cannot take pepsin does better with vegetarian capsules.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Paul123 (New York) on 02/28/2011
Question for Bill from San Fernando, can you clarify from your posting regarding iodine, " 3 drops daily can lead to toxic symptoms" ? I saw this in the article from your link.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Dave (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) on 03/06/2012
Try taking transdermal magnesium oil. Magnesium activates the enzyme responsible for the production of stomach acid.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Gr0m1t (Magnetic Island, Queensland) on 04/05/2012
Hi, I've been wondering whether I have a stomach acid problem. But recently I started putting on weight after about 3 years of gradually losing weight. The change? Lugol's and (taken separately) Alkalizer. 3 whole months of at least 6 drops a day in water - often 12 drops sometime 18. I still have a white tongue, but my stomach is not so bulging AND I'm putting on weight. I've dabbled with MMS, but it's so unpleasant. Since taking Lugols for 3 months I can now comfortably take 13 drops of MMS. I take it in lemongrass tea which is almost pleasant. I don't know if the lemongrass is spoiling the efficasy of the MMS, but.
Anyhow, I'm pretty certain that my program of Lugol's and also powdered Alkalizer (with water makes a very pleasant drink) has helped heaps. Lugol's is supposed to kill parasites too.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Kk (Seattle, Wa) on 05/29/2012
To Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines, So if I keep taking Lugol's drops, should I stop ACV? Looks like ACV is not too good for the teeth. Thanks.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Victoria (Salisbury, Wiltshire Uk) on 04/17/2012
I too have found significant benefits in raising HCL levels. Betaine HCL is without a doubt the most convenient way for me. May I point out that while ACV (acetic acid) and lemon juice (ascorbic acid) are both excellent ways of stimulating the production of HCL in the stomach they are not composed of HCL themselves.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Kk (Seattle, Wa) on 05/29/2012
Hi, I understand the benefits of HCL acid. I've ordered probably the wrong vertion of it, it is liquid in drops. I have pills coming too in a week probably. Anybody knows how to take HCL acid drops correctly?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Pyroluriac (Alamogordo, Nm) on 06/08/2012
I got up as high as 20 HCl capsules per meal (only meals including protein) and not only my reflux went away, but my sleep apnea also went away. I am now down to 8 or 10. I think that shows that the stomach can re-learn how to produce its own acid with a little nudge.
I don't like to see dairy and soy advocated, but to each his own. Just do research before you eat dairy or soy.
Also Gavin: lemon juice is CITRIC acid, vinegar is ACETIC acid. What aids in digestion and provides all these other benefits to health is HYDROCHLORIC acid. Very different animal. You can go to the hardware store and buy it (muriatic -label covered with warnings) to clean the caliche (hard water buildup) out of your pipes and inside the washer and stuff like that, but if you drank it you would die. Just thought I'd mention that. I love lemon juice and vinegar, but it's not good for your teeth if not diluted. And I doubt it helps with digestion very much if at all.
Happy eating yall!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Elsaeasterly (Elsewhere, Ca) on 08/28/2012
Lisa, Do you buy Betaine HCL with pepsin or alone? I only seem to find it combined with pepsin.
Didn't you also say at one time that acupuncture helped you with bloating? Thanks.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 08/28/2012
Hi Elsaeasterly, I buy the betaine hcl with pepsin. It helps incredibly with bloating and that unending full feeling.
And yes, acupuncture has helped me with a myriad of issues, one of them being stomach issues. My acupuncturist says many problems begin in the stomach. I have had amazing results with acupuncture. Take care, Lisa
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sarah (England ) on 09/04/2012
Hi, I am new to this, so excuse me if I have posted in the wrong place.
I have been reading about hcl betaine and pepsin. I want to try this, but I do suffer with what I think is acid reflux (I don't get it all the time, more when I am under stress, which I am now). So I want to try with the hcl, but if I get burn without supplementation how do I know what level to go to, as I read you are supposed to go to the burn level, but I have that anyway. Sorry if I haven't explained that well any advice is appreciated.
Thank you, Sarah
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sarah (England ) on 09/04/2012
Thank you Lisa. So you didn't increase the dose just stuck at two? Yes that is helpful. Also some things say only take with protein meals and some say every meal, does seem a little confusing. Hopefully I will settle on something that works.
Thanks again....Sarah
Broad Benefits
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 09/05/2012
Hi Sarah, I usually take 3 betaine hcl with pepsin. Occassionally, only 2 but 3 seems to be the magic number for me. Just experiment. I started with just one and that didn't make a dent! Since 3 works, I just stay there. Try not to get too confused... Lisa
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sarah (England) on 09/05/2012
That is great, thanks again. I will experiment and see if I can find a dose that works.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Kassandra (Castro Valley, Ca/usa) on 09/06/2012
I have been having GERD with no heartburn, no burning, and my stools are fairly normal. I am 32 years old, and eat very healthy. I know that taking HCL with an ulcer is dangerous, and I'm wondering, would I know if I had an ulcer? Also has anyone cut out carbs, and sugar to help rid the stomach of bacteria? How, or how not has this helped?
I know I should see a doctor, but I have no insurance, AND all they want me to do is take Prilosec, which I read is bad because it drops your PH level in your stomach to 0!!! I just picked up HCL with Pepsin today, and I'm anxious to start taking it. I have also have had occasional bloating. Any advice would be greatly appreciated : )
Broad Benefits
Posted by Martin (Los Angeles, California) on 12/03/2012
The best way to learn if you have an ulcer is to get an upper GI scope (endoscopy). I was convinced I had an ulcer from my myriad of symptoms to learn after an endoscopy that there was nothing. What is helping me now until I can finish get doctor tests completed is ACV diluted in water (2 tsps) before each meal. It's not a cure yet but a band aid until I can figure out what is causing my chronic heartburn. Good luck to everyone!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mr. Ree (U.S.A.) on 11/23/2014
Drink 1/2 or full glass of Kefir before breakfast... Also use the Kefir WITH the fat in it. It will set up your body to absorb nutrients.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Cindy (, London, United Kingdom ) on 05/11/2015
Hi there, I have low b12, have positive parietal cell antibodies and am on b12 injections. My question is, would betaine hcl and pepsin help with digestion and absorption of b vitamins? Can hcl be harmful? Thanks
Side Effects
Posted by SWATI (India) on 06/26/2024
Are your heart palpitations gone? I had the same issue after taking it.
Side Effects
Posted by Sk (India) on 07/08/2024
Hi Please tell is your palpitations gone? What remedies you took
Side Effects
Posted by Victoria (United Kingdom) on 02/22/2018
Hello,
Can someone explain to me why when talking betaine HCI one would start belching after a meal and having headaches?
Thank you
Victoria
Side Effects
Posted by Bernardo (Brazil) on 10/15/2017
Hi, I was reading about betaine hcl side effects. I took omeprazole during several years which has caused me a lot of problems.
So I started taking betaine and I feel good now. Inittially I started with 150mg 3 times/day and my stomach was working too hard to digest. I took 300mg and it got better.
Obrigada month later I'm taking 300mg at lunch, 150mg in the afternoon with some light meal and 150mg during the dinner. I think it's going fine.
What I would like to know is: os that normal to feel some burn/blazing in my tongue and upper stomach and dry lips?
Thanks in advance.
General Feedback
Posted by Alicia (Berkeley, Ca) on 08/11/2011
Premier Research labs has a premier HCL that is Beet Derived hydrochloric acid and a vegetable capsule. AND there are plenty of supplements that you can take and STILL avoid pork. Look for V-caps or vergetable capsules or supplements made for vegetarians or vegans.
General Feedback
Posted by Pavel (Bv, Cz) on 04/20/2012
Hi Andrea, I just being diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus, could you tell me please dosage (number of pills) by meal/day and when to take HCL, many thanks in advance. I know it's individual, but I need to start somehow. Pavel.
General Feedback
Posted by Minah (Maryland) on 11/24/2013
Hi Andrea, I just being diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus, could you tell me about you mixture of slippery elm, DGL and HCL?
General Feedback
Posted by Andrea (Kiel, US) on 04/16/2015
Update:
After stopping the acid reflux drugs for Barrett's Esophagus because they caused asthma, I used the slippery elm powder to relieve any heartburn that I had. I put 1 tsp. of Slippery Elm powder in a pint jar, added 1 cup of very warm water and shook it until it is mixed, and then poured it back into a coffee mug to sip on. It works very well. In addition, I did not eat anything for 4 hours before lying down.
Since my original post, two other gals I know used Slippery Elm and were told that there was no evidence of Barrett's Esophagus after their next upper endoscopy. It is important to know that each one of us had been diagnosed with celiac disease at the same time as Barrett's and we all strictly adhere to a gluten-free diet, the only medically prescribed treatment for celiac disease. If you are having other digestive issues, in addition to heartburn (and even if you're not), consider getting tested for celiac disease because that could be your problem. Important: DO NOT start eating gluten-free until after testing is completed as it will affect your test results. Also, be aware that sometimes the blood test can be negative and the small bowel biopsy can still be positive, which is currently the gold standard of diagnosis.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Gavin (Manganui, Northland, New Zealand) on 04/01/2012
I put a capfull of ACV. In a glass of 5/1 dituted pure lemon juice sweetened with honey. and have been drinking it once a day for about three months. The lemon Juice is Hcl. Which is the same acid as stomach acid. The Acv is Acetic... But when it breaks down its an acaline ash so apparently does the honey which is used to sweeten it. So thats two natural cleaning fluids that go into the blood in small amounts over a long period the effects seem to be aculmulative.
The left ear was deaf for at least ten years probably more after a bad head cold where some small amount of blood and pus came out of it. When I started the ACV the ear seemed to try and come back in fits and starts, but with the lemon juice added it just got better and better, its slightly down on the other one but I think the right ear has improved as well. All the red patches on my hands have gone back to normal skin, and the liver spots have gone. I just have normal glasses to operate the computer where before I had to use reading glasses.. But i'm taking a spoonfull of blueberries a day as well which apparently helps the eyes. But the eyes improved before I started that. Im a bit weary of saying its a panacea but its the best thing ive tried so far. I also take 3mgs of Boron and a kelp tablet plus a zinc and potasium. Ive dropped most of the other supplements, as from trying them over a period im sure the synthetic ones are bad for the health as side of the mouth ulcers have appeared twice whilst on them.. and disapeared after I stopped.
The last batch I made up I put the zest in as well, by using a fine grater. Digestion is better, which is obvious by well formed stools. I could go on and on, but give it a try for a few weeks, the heart seems to strengthen up as well with not a hint of a palputation.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Eliza (Charlotte, US) on 11/23/2014
Thank you for your post. I have suffered with digestive issues, weight gain and atrophied muscles my whole life. I am going off gluten and dairy and just started taking HCL Betaine. I have gone up to 5 pills per meal so far with no burning. I will keep going and am trying it in combination with wheatgrass, moringa, multivitamins, concentrated red berry powder, phood, glucosamine methylated b12 methylfolate etc. Etc. I really appreciate your sharing and will try to keep you posted.
