Hypochlorhydria (Low Stomach Acid) Updated

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Does anyone know about Hypochlorhydria? It is thought to be involved in triggering Celiac and a host of other digestive issues like GERD. I just read this book: http://www.amazon.com/Why-Stomach-Acid-Good-You/dp/0871319314 This doctor is in my area and I am going to be tested for this. I have had ongoing GI issues even though I am GF. This Doc also has a couple of articles on it here: http://www.tahoma-clinic.com/aging.shtml and http://www.tahoma-clinic.com/aging2.shtml He makes a convincing argument. I showed this stuff to my regular Doc ( who diagnosed me Celiac) and he thinks I might be on to something. Anybody else dealt with this?

Thanks!
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"When you come to a fork in the road, take it." - YOGI BERRA

[aklap]

Hi Long,

Good to see you again!! Sorry to hear you are still having problems. I have see a little bit about hypochlorhydria. I ran into it when I was researching for my own GERD problems. I think it definitely worth checking into. It's seen often in older people [sorry...], because as we age stomach acid production decreases. It turns out that docs give these people PPI's [limits acid production], when in reality they need more!

Have they checked your B12 levels?? The acid helps breakdown the b12 for absorption - thus giving you a b12 deficiency.

I hope this is the answer you've been looking for! Please keep us updated.


edit: Oops guess I shoulda read your links 1st
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Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[aklap]

I'm not finding a lot of info that is directly connecting the two. I do find it interesting that there is also other autoimmune diseases assoc. with it. Hmmmm

http://www.leakygut.co.uk/Hypochlorhydria.htm
http://www.diet-and-health.net/Diseases/Hypochlorhydria.html
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Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

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Al,

It's good to be seen! I hope you are doing well. I thought you might find some interest on this. My B-12 levels test fine, but they still might not be right. A couple of Docs have mentioned that. I supplement with a high quality B complex, but low acid does not allow you to absorb them or a whole bunch of other nutrients. I might do a trail run of shots. That is part of the treatment that Dr. Wright's book talks about.

I've stumped the best doctor's in my area. My GI doc is out of ideas. My family doctor thinks this low acid stuff might be right on.

You take supplemental with Betaine HCI with the meal to correct the acid issue. I get tested on Monday the 30th. I'll keep you posted. Man, I hope this works!

A customer of mine who is Celiac, heard about all this on a TV show. That is what got me tracking this.....

I know I'm getting old........ trust me on that!
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"When you come to a fork in the road, take it." - YOGI BERRA

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So I got tested for low stomach acidity and failed the test quite badly. The doctor thinks I have had this for at least 13 years. (That is when I had my first H. Pylori infection) She also did a food allergy panel and it shows I am allergic to eggs, soy, dairy, garlic, green beans, nuts, peanuts and citrus. All that plus Gluten. That pretty much guts what I was eating at most meals (my favorite breakfast just bit the dust something fierce). So my diet gets yet another overhaul and she has put me on a serious supplement plan to rebuild my system. The doc says these sensitivities might not be permanent. We will see.

Once I have cleared my diet and done the supplementation, then I start the Betaine supplements during meals. The good news is my neurological symptoms have come way down since removing all artificial sweeteners (Splenda in particular) and starting the vitamins. The doc has me taking B-12 shots (even though I tested good on it), Vitamin A and Vitamin D. She gave me some studies that link deficiencies in those vitamins ( D in particular ) to auto-immunity and neurological issues. Basically, between the Hypochlorhydria and Celiac, she says I have not been able to process nutrients no matter how high quality my diet is. Says I am malnourished.

So I am off the PPI drugs and on to the next great food adventure........

Just in time for Thanksgiving! Have a happy one!
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"When you come to a fork in the road, take it." - YOGI BERRA

[aklap]

Hi Long,

Thanks for the update. Sorry to hear you have to ratchet down you diet some more

It sounds like your doc is doing well at checking all the vitamin levels [you don't always find that ].

Glad neuro sx's are lessening! I've heard that artificial sweeteners are neurotoxins. How true that is I don't know...

Keep up the good work and please keep us updated!

Rock on <flicking my lighter>
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Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

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Thanks Al!

The Neurologist had me meet with a dietician just to make double sure I was managing the Gluten Free diet. I kept a food diary for a week and she went over it with a fine tooth comb. She said "I have nothing to change in your diet." She did suggest removing Splenda as it causes neurological issues with some people. I was using it as part of my weight loss effort ( I'm down 75 pounds from my high point when this all started two years ago). Anyway, I did not act on it right away, but kept it in the back of my mind. Then, I stopped it and within a week of stopping the Spenda, my neuropathy came way down. Still have it some but no where near as bad. My feet bother me now more than the hands. Hoping the supplements and time correct that. I believe it will. Vitamin A and D is important along with the B-12 for the neurologic stuff.

I'm cool with retooling my diet. I am an old hand at it now. Just have to figure out what to buy and make within the new restrictions. I'll get it worked out. Losing Peanut Butter and eggs sucks! Soy too! Oh well, ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

I appreciate all you do around here. You have been an invaluable source of info for me. Rock on Dude!


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"When you come to a fork in the road, take it." - YOGI BERRA

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Al,

Another tidbit. My Naturopath has me taking a Zinc Carnosine supplement. In Japan, that is what they use to treat GERD naturally, without shutting down your stomach acid production. Zinc Carnosine is sold as "Natures Lining" and "PepZin GI" out on the market. I got one from Metagenics called "Zinlori 75" http://www.metagenics.com/products/detail.asp?pid=225 . It is Gluten Free and clean on all my other food issues too. Just thought this might be of use for you with your GERD issues.

Peace!
_________________
"When you come to a fork in the road, take it." - YOGI BERRA

[aklap]