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Hi Rich,
This is a question regarding possible betaine HCL supplementation. I have read about the burp test and so on and I have always been unable to burp (since childhood and always had trouble with overly fizzy/carbonated sodas) except for rare occasions. However I assumed that low stomach acid would go along with very few bowel movements and generally low gut motility and likely also the tendency to gain weight and none of that has been true for me (except for gaining weight easier as we age when the metabolism slows down but nothing dramatic). I have always usually had at least 2 BM per day and sometimes rather what's called a "nervous" stomach as opposed to a "lazy" stomach. So I never tried it, are my assumptions wrong? Can someone with low stomach acid still have high gut motility? I took acid reducers a long time ago against my gut-feeling bc one doc "just wanted me to try it" on it and it was a disaster (although h2 blockers were not that bad but the PPIs were horrible), then I read about the burping thing and that clicked with me. Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi Rich,Hi, mellster.
Based on what you have reported, my guess is that you must have a very tight gastroesophageal sphincter, based on inability to burp after drinking carbonated sodas. How about vomiting when you have been ill? Have you been able to do that, and if so, is it very difficult or painful? Also, do you have any difficulty in swallowing?
Your bad experience with acid reducing drugs suggests that you did have stomach acid when you tried them. Otherwise, I don't think these drugs would have had such negative effects on you.
Best regards,
Rich