Betaine HCl (hydrochloride) is making headlines in the medical and nutritional journals for its potential to relieve heartburn and acid reflux without the negative impact on your overall nutrition caused by traditional antacid medications.
The authors of a 2020 journal article published in Integrative Medicine on the topic had this to say:
“It is well established that the inadequate intake of key nutrients can lead to nutrient deficiency-related phenomena. However, even when the intake of nutrients is sufficient, the inadequate digestion and/or absorption of macronutrients, micronutrients or other therapeutic compounds from the diet (i.e phytonutrients) can result in similar clinical consequences. Inadequate levels of stomach acid, pancreatic enzymes and/or bile acid secretion greatly contribute to an individual’s risk for maldigestion or malabsorption.”
Commonly prescribed for the relief of heartburn and symptoms associated with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), antacids like Tums, Zantac, and Prilosec—known as PPIs (proton pump inhibitors)—focus on making stomach acid less acidic. The relief you feel turns out to be somewhat harmful because this reduction in acidity hinders the stomach’s ability to digest food thoroughly. Specifically, your stomach is less able to digest proteins, and it sends weaker signals that instruct the gate between the esophagus and stomach to close properly. This can create a vicious cycle. You take acid-reducing medication to quell the heartburn, and even though the effectiveness of your stomach acid is reduced, your esophagus is exposed to it even longer. Now, you’re left with even more heartburn symptoms!
Moreover, you may have to pay in nutrition for relief if you use PPIs for more than a brief period of time. Harvard Health Publishing calls the use of common antacids a risk-benefit balancing act. The time is ripe for new answers to this important health dilemma, and Betaine HCl with pepsin shows itself to be a promising contender.
What Is Betaine HCl?
Betaine HCl with pepsin is reported to provide effective relief from heartburn while reducing the dependency on PPI medications and other anti-acid drugs.
A supplemental form of trimethylglycine, which is naturally present in foods like beets, spinach, and wheat, betaine HCl works by actually increasing stomach acid levels.
That sounds like a contradiction to many patients, but it helps alleviate heartburn and acid reflux symptoms by supporting the proper breakdown and digestion of food, preventing it from lingering in the stomach and likely triggering acid reflux.
The enzyme called pepsin, which is added to the mix, works synergistically with betaine HCl to support optimal digestion by facilitating the breakdown of proteins into peptides and amino acids.
Together, they improve digestion and often alleviate symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux, replacing antacids.
Early indications also show that betaine HCl with pepsin could also mitigate some side effects of semaglutide, a new method for weight control.
Are you interested in weight loss?
Proper Digestion Means Better Nutrition
In conclusion, proper digestion and an optimal stomach acid pH balance is crucial for the absorption of essential nutrients, and even some medications, by the body. Betaine HCl with pepsin is a viable alternative to PPIs and antacids for managing heartburn and acid reflux.
By promoting proper stomach acid production and improving nutrient absorption, this supplement addresses the underlying causes of these painful conditions rather than merely providing temporary relief. You also can avoid the health trade off brought on by the overuse of PPIs.
Like all medications, Betaine HCl with pepsin is not suitable for everyone, of course. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting supplementation. Individuals on certain medications or with specific health conditions should exercise caution, and professional guidance can ensure that the supplement is safe and appropriate for individual needs.