betaine hcl Archives - Dr. Nikolas Hedberg, D.C.

How to Increase Stomach Acid Naturally

Dr. Nikolas Hedberg Digestion May 10, 2021achlorhydria, betaine hcl, herbal bitters, hydrochloric acid, hypochlorhydria, stomach acid

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Functional medicine practitioners often take a “Foods First” approach, recommending dietary modifications to improve health. However, for those with low stomach acid, diet alone may not be enough to ensure adequate nutrition. Low stomach acid can impair digestive ability, causing nutritional deficiencies even in those individuals consuming an optimal diet.

This article will focus on the main digestive chemical associated with the stomach, hydrochloric acid. The causes of low stomach acid and the associated symptoms will be covered. In addition, natural treatment options for low stomach acid, such as betaine HCL and herbal bitters will be discussed.

How to Choose the Best Diet for Gut Health

Dr. Nikolas Hedberg Digestion September 14, 2020autoimmune paleo diet, betaine hcl, elimination diet, histamine, low FODMAP diet, paleo diet, pancreatic elastase, simple carbohydrate diet

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In this episode of Functional Medicine Research, I interview Dr. Liz Lipski in a discussion about how to choose the best therapeutic diet for gut health. We discussed the low FODMAP diet, comprehensive elimination diet, Simple Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), GAPS diet, Paleo diet, histamine, pancreatic elastase and low HCL levels. Liz discussed why we would choose each one of these diets for an individual and what each diet entails. I use all of these diets in my practice so it was nice to have an overview of each diet from one of the top experts in gut health.

The Best Digestive Enzyme Supplements

Dr. Nikolas Hedberg Digestion March 23, 2020betaine hcl, digestive enzymes, dysbiosis, H. pylori, hydrochloric acid, hypochlorhydria, pancreatin, SIBO

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There are many digestive enzyme supplements out there but which ones are the best and what is the best way to use them? In this article, I’ll be covering my 3 favorite digestive enzyme supplements and the way I use them in my practice. I’ll also dispel some of the myths and misconceptions about digestive enzyme supplements.

Digestive enzymes are an important part of my practice because most of my patients have gut issues that are connected to their thyroid and autoimmune problems. I have found them to be a vital part of my gut healing protocols. Let’s jump in and cover the details of each product I recommend.

How to Improve Digestion Naturally

Dr. Nikolas Hedberg Digestion November 25, 2019November 25, 2019betaine hcl, Digestion, digestive enzymes, food sensitivities, Hashimoto's disease, helicobacter pylori, herbal bitters, hypothyroidism, leaky gut syndrome, pancreatic enzymes, probiotics

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“All disease begins in the gut.” –Hippocrates

Was Hippocrates right over 2,000 years ago? I would have to agree with him a majority of the time when it comes to chronic diseases. A healthy digestive system begins with excellent digestion so let’s go over some tips to help you improve your digestion naturally. Firstly, I’d like to briefly cover the reason why your digestion may be out of balance.

What causes bad digestion?

Eating very quickly while on the run and not completely focusing on your meal will result in poor digestion. You must be in a parasympathetic dominant state which is your “rest and digest” branch of your nervous system. Many people are sympathetic dominant when they eat which is the “fight or flight” branch of your nervous system.