It seems that we never have a lack things to be concerned about with MS/CCSVI. Symptoms and vitamin & mineral deficiencies are certainly a big part of our responsibilities in self- health care. I've seen many articles lately about B-12 deficiency, Vitamin D, Magnesium and so forth. Eriks Is in one of the groups I belong to on Facebook. He often addresses this topic, and I think more people should hear about it. Hypochlorhydria, or low stomach acid is common in PwMS. Simply put, it is the stomach's inability to produce hydrochloric acid. It is also common in people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Myalgic Encephalomyelitus. Of course we already have many symptoms in common with these conditions also. It is also associated with child hood asthma and most doctors don't test for it on their own.
Hydrochloric (Stomach) acid is necessary to :
- Digest proteins
- Correctly empty the stomach (gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD develpos without it)
- Sterilize the stomach and kill bacteria and yeast
- Absorb calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper iron, selenium and boron
Food allergies, medications, and some medical conditions can cause low stomach acid. As we grow older, acid production decreases naturally. Mal absorption increases the risk of osteoporosis, as well as other signs of mal-nutrition. Vitamin D, B-12 and magnesium, which coincidently PwMS seem to lack, are three of the most common elements that are not absorbed properly. Antacid tablets and H2 blockers can cause low stomach acid also.
Trace elements are needed for the body to function correctly. If we don't have them, the risk of cancer, heart disease, and neuro-degenerative conditions increases at a younger age.
When there is not enough stomach acid to sterilize the contents of our stomach, we become more likely to develop gut infections like gastro-enteritis, and viruses like Epstein barr virus, Echovirus and Coxsackie virus. Overgrowth of bacteria and yeast will cause foods to ferment instead of being digested. Gas and bloating is the result. It is the bacteria and yeast that irritate the stomach lining and increase the cancer risk. Candida and iron deficiency can be caused by low stomach acid also.
Medications like Omeprozole which is prescribed for heart burn or GERD greatly reduces the absorption of B-12.B-12 deficiency is common for PwMS and causes a number of problems such as:
- Mental confusion
- Delusions
- Paranoia
- Headaches
- Depression
- Impulse Control
- Pins and needles in the extremities
- Balance issues
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Bloating
- Loss of Appetite
- Weight Loss
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Paleness
- Shortness of breath that results from only very light exertion
- White spots on the skin (typically the forearm) due to decreased melatonin
Hypochlorhydria can be treated with acid supplements like cider vinegar. (Not a good choice for some people because it contains some yeast.) High doses of vitamin C at mealtimes. My choice is Betaine HCL. It comes from beets , and is available in capsules. By correcting your diet and eating smaller meals, it is possible that the stomach will begin to produce enough acid on its own.
Betaine must be taken with meals. Start with one capsule a day and increase the amount until the issue is resolved.
Before my procedure and for sometime afterward, I suffered from Hypochlorhydria and had most of the symptoms. It was bad enough that I became very susceptible to yeast and staph infections. It's common enough that you should talk it over with your GP.