Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Hi Terry, “I have been having major gas and indigestion issues. No matter what I eat, I often get very bloated and my waist line expands a few inches and I get diarrhea and once constipation. It is a lot of pain. I had a colonoscopy and was told by doctors I am fine. Can you recommend something?” —Nicholas M., Andover, MN A. Dear Nicholas, It may be that you are experiencing the beginnings of a condition called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS, sometimes called spastic colon, is a functional bowel disorder with symptoms of chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits in the absence of any detectable physiological cause. However, before we progress with a supplement protocol for this condition, there could be a much simpler explanation that we should explore first. We all should have a sufficient quantity of hydrochloric acid (HCL) in our stomachs to digest proteins and release all of our minerals for proper absorption. When we have an insufficient quantity of hydrochloric acid, we can have symptoms very similar to what you describe. Go to your health food store and buy Betaine Hydrochloride, 10 grain capsules, and start experimenting with the dosage that gives you the best results. Try 1 capsule with each meal and if that improves but does not entirely eliminate your problem, increase your dosage to 2 capsules with each meal. Continue this step ladder trial until you reach the dosage that eliminates the problem entirely. If you find at any time after taking the capsule that it causes a warm sensation in your stomach, drink a glass of water to flush out the contents and next time use a lower dosage. I would begin with this HCL trial as it is the most common deficiency. After several weeks, if you do not see a major change, write and I will suggest an alternative approach. Healthy regards! Terry . . . Naturally