why are you taking HCL if you have a reflux. dont they increase acid production?

As for constipation, my doc said alot of PPIs cause constipation but eating the proper food may help.

Buy some benefiber and mix it with your food and drink everyday. I just use two tsp a day and it helps me.

Hi endlessga,
I did not realise that the HCL meant acid at the time and wanted to take some digestive enzymes to help me digest my food because I was worried about the acid suppression stopping it. When I found out I stopped taking it and got constipation. I do try to eat better but it is still a struggle.

Hi MAGICpill,
Thanks for the tip. I do not know what that is though. I live in the UK and have not come across it before. Do you know what is in it so that I could buy the equivalent across the pond?

You actually need HCL as acid reflux is where your body doesn't make enough and it forces the stomach muscle open thus you taste the acid. The meds take it out and then you don't absorb your nutrients and food and they deplete your body of vitamins and minerals thus can cause constipation. Meds can cause constipation and more symptoms. I took Prevacid for 4 years and messed up my body otherwise. Check in with a natural path. You were doing the right thing by having HCL added to your diet. It helps close the stomach muscle. As we age our bodies don't product enough to digest food and then it opens the muscle thus creating the problem. The doctors have it backwards and make everything think they need a med for it. Best to you!

Hello Summerrai
Thank you for responding and being so thorough. I appreciate it. I did not know all of this. How did you solve your problem? I have been trying to research this but it is such a maze and confusing.

Here is a link for bene fiber, maybe you can compare it with products you have in the UK Good luck,

Thanks. I will look into it. I can do with the extra help!

Digestive enzymes, bragg apple cider vinegar, probiotic daily, and watching what I eat is what I do. I also do other natural nutritional supplements that are helping heal as well.

Summerrai
Thanks for the advice. I will look into this. What other nutritional supplements would you recommend?

Hi KimsMom,
I am sorry that you have this too.
Do you take anything to help with it?

I take a supplement that is a liquid drink and you get it through a distributorship. Also take a product that you get the same way and it helps raise your serotonin and thus creating better mood and easing the digestion symptoms.

I think this is what I was prescribed a few weeks ago, for the first time. I didn't 'go' for over a week so stopped taking it before I'd finished the course. I'm back to run-of-the-mill ant-acids again now.

I am on Prilosec, bad constipation. But after reading about how organic Apple cider vinegar added to water helps many with GERD, I gave it a try. Oh my goodness, chest pain gone as are other symptoms. Apparently it replaces stomach acid we need. Sounds weird, but look it up. Working for me.

This post is from 2012.....