I have such acid right now. A friend took me to a chiropractor today. She definitely feels the stomach is my main issue, even with my knee because I have so much inflammation throughout.
Thanks
MeSci. I think about death and want it, but I am seriously hoping that this passes.
I hesitate to suggest trying/adding another supplement, but although this doesn't seem to be included in most/any leaky gut protocols I have seen, I wonder whether sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) might help reduce your acidity. I have been taking it daily for over a year, and it seems to benefit me. I tried stopping it on one occasion this year when my gut worsened, but it got even worse, and improved again when I restarted. I ignore the advice below about consulting the doctor as my doctors are so clueless, but you may want to speak to yours. They may be better where you are than where I am!
I have not had any adverse effects.
Someone on one of the forums said that a way to tell whether sodium bicarbonate is suitable for you is whether you belch after taking it. I don't know whether it's correct, but I certainly belch!
Here's some info I saved when I was working out how much to take:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601241/DSECTION=proper-use
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
For sodium bicarbonate powder:
To relieve heartburn or sour stomach:
Adults and teenagers—One-half teaspoonful in a glass of water every two hours. Your doctor may change the dose if needed.
Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
To make the urine more alkaline (less acidic):
Adults and teenagers—One teaspoonful in a glass of water every four hours. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 4 teaspoonfuls a day.
from
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682001.html
If you are using sodium bicarbonate as an antacid, it should be taken 1 to 2 hours after meals, with a full glass of water. If you are using sodium bicarbonate for another reason, it may be taken with or without food. Do not take sodium bicarbonate on an overly full stomach.
Do not use sodium bicarbonate for longer than 2 weeks unless your doctor tells you to.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other antacids, aspirin or aspirin-like medicines, benzodiazepines, flecainide (Tambocor), iron, ketoconazole (Nizoral), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), methenamine (Hiprex, Urex), methotrexate, quinidine, sulfa-containing antibiotics, tetracycline (Sumycin), or vitamins. Take sodium bicarbonate at least 2 hours apart from other medicines.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or kidney disease or if you have recently had bleeding in your stomach or intestine.
Sodium bicarbonate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
increased thirst
stomach cramps
gas
If you have any of the following symptoms, stop taking sodium bicarbonate and call your doctor immediately:
severe headache
nausea
vomit that resembles coffee grounds
loss of appetite
irritability
weakness
frequent urge to urinate
slow breathing
swelling of feet or lower legs
bloody, black, or tarry stools
blood in your urine