If you suspect that you have low stomach acid, then follow the below steps to determine if Betaine is right for you:
* If you do experience any negative or uncomfortable symptoms, you can neutralize the acid by taking 1 tsp of baking soda dissolved in water or milk.
* Do not take more than 3000mg of Betaine HCI per day
- Begin by taking 1 capsule containing 350-750mg of Betaine HCl with a meal containing a palm-sized (4oz) serving of protein. Please ensure this is part of a sufficient sized meal. ~500 calories are best.
- If there is no discomfort or burning sensation experienced, increase your dose to 2 pills of Betaine HCl during the next day’s meal. Ensure meal size is similar for each test (as per above).
- If there are still no noticeable reactions to the Betaine after two days of supplementing then increase the dose to 3 capsules.
- Continue to increase the number of capsules every two days (if necessary) until a dose results in tingling, burning, or any other type of discomfort.
At this point, decrease your dose by one capsule per meal. This is now your effective dose
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Once your dose is established, continue at this dose during meal times.
With smaller meals, less Betaine will be needed. You can lower your dose accordingly.
Precautions:
Do not take Betaine HCl if you have Peptic Ulcer Disease.
HCl can irritate sensitive tissue and be corrosive to teeth
NSAIDs and Corticosteroids increase the chances of ulcers in the stomach and, together with Betaine HCL, increase the risk of Gastritis.
