Stomach Acid Test/Challenge Using Betaine Hcl

Stomach Acid Test/Challenge using Betaine HCl

Day 1 – Take 1 capsule after a few bites of a meal and look for signs of warmth/burning in the stomach/upper abdomen; if this is experienced, discontinue use of the Betaine HCl immediately and do not continue with the testing on the next day; if no warmth/burning is experienced, proceed to Day 2

Day 2 – Take 2 capsules after a few bites of a meal and again look for signs of warmth/burning; if experienced, decrease intake to 1 capsule with each meal for a total of 2 capsules daily; if NO warmth/burning results proceed to Day 3

Day 3 – 3 capsules after a few bites of a meal and look for signs of warmth/burning

Continue proceeding with the testing until a maximum of 6 capsules/day has been achieved without burning. If this is achieved, take 1-2 capsules with each meal. At whatever dosage the warmth/burning sensation occurs, decrease the intake by 1 total capsule/day and spread the intake of the total # of capsules over the 3 meals of the day

CAUTION – Always take the Betaine HCl after you have started the meal. Taking it before the meal or between meals may cause burning in the stomach and ulceration of the mucous membranes in the gut

CONTRAINDICATIONS (Not to be used by people with the following health conditions) – pregnant, nursing, history of ulcers (peptic/stomach ulcers), people taking steroid/corticosteroid medications, people taking aspirin or other NSAID medication for pain (may cause ulceration of the stomach lining when combined with these medications)

Decrease the warmth/burning sensation using a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in water – rinse mouth and swallow to decrease burning sensation if experienced

NOTE – Over time, stimulation of the parietal cells (cells that make stomach acid) will lead to restoration of appropriate stomach acid production and you will note that it takes less capsules to create the same warmth/burning sensation than previously at this time. Start to decrease daily dosage by 1 capsule daily OR decrease intake with meals by 1 capsule with each meal should this occur over time

Contact the office – To let us know the dosage/# of capsules that created the warmth/burning sensation so that we can appropriately direct you in your treatment plan

Dr. Stephanie Jennings, Naturopathic Doctor Maple Shores Health Centre (519) 832-4500