Expert: karen clark stapleton - 10/12/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi Karen,

My name is Igor, and I've read about the benefits of both betaine HCl and digestive enzymes, and they seem to be used in very similar cases.

I'm trying to figure out the difference in application. Under which circumstances would you prefer betaine HCl over digestive enzymes? Alternately, under which circumstances would you prefer digestive enzymes over HCl?

I look forward to hearing from you,

Igor.

ANSWER: Firstly do you have low Ph values which have been thoroughly tested?

Do you suffer from the following?
Bloating or belching, especially after eating
Burning in the stomach, especially after eating
Fullness or heaviness in the stomach after eating
Nausea after eating or taking supplements
Intestinal gas
Indigestion
Bad breath
Diarrhea or constipation
Food allergies
Itching around the rectum
Weak or cracked fingernails
Dilated blood vessels in the cheeks or nose (in nonalcoholics)
Skin break-outs or acne
Iron deficiency
Chronic intestinal parasites
Undigested food in the stool
Chronic candida infection
Asthma
Diabetes
Osteoporosis
Arthritis
Hepatitis
Eczema
Acne rosacea
Psoriasis
Gallbladder disease
Herpes
Hives
Hyperthyroid
Hypothyroid
Thyrotoxicosis
Autoimmune disorders
Lupus erythematosus
Myasthenia gravis
Pernicious anemia
Celiac disease
Sjogren ’s Syndrome

because in reality unless you do then why would you wish to alter Ph levels which would indeed create more problems than would resolve .

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Karen,

Thank you very much for your answer.

Some of the symptoms on this list are present. But from what I understand most doctors don't have the Heidelberg pill for testing. How do you feel about the HCl challenge test? Is it an appropriate test to use?

Answer
Well yes I do support the test however not many offices have the ability to perform the test, I would personally recommend conducting a complete elimination diet for a period of 12 weeks to assess stomach acidity production , that can be too much or less being produced.Always monitor how your stomach feels pst eating, the human  body is a great machine and will usually tell us when something isnt quite right, hence we often have cravings for garlic when we require an antibiotic.You can also take a  Betaine Hydrochloride supplement that is used as a challenge substance, when eating, to see if digestive function improves with its use.
kaza