Doctor's Best Betaine HCI Pepsin & Gentian Bitters, Digestive Enzymes for Protein Breakdown & Absorption, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, 120 Caps, Original Version (DRB-00163)

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  • BETAINE HCL/PEPSIN/GENTIAN BITTERS contains three nutritional factors that perform complementary functions designed to support the efficiency of the digestive process. Supplementing with Betaine HCl helps support the stomach’s digestive capacity. Pepsin is an enzyme produced by the body to digest protein-containing foods in the stomach.
  • Product Note: Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product. Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery
Discount 44% 4.5 ratings
Our Price $851 of 5 stars
Listed Price $15.19 4,922 reviews
Product Description
Betaine hci/pepsin/gentian bitters contains three nutritional factors that perform complementary functions designed to support the efficiency of the digestive process. supplementing with betaine hci may support the stomach's digestive capacity.* pepsin is an enzyme produced by the body to digest protein-containing foods in the stomach. pepsin works in conjunction with stomach acid to support protein digestion.* gentian is an herb used to optimize the digestive capacity and tonify the digestive tract. its bitter nature may help to stimulate the body's production of digestive enzymes.*for optimal digestive support, use this supplement in conjunction with best digestive enzymes - all vegetarian, a uniquely formulated, full-spectrum high potency digestive enzyme blend.

Top Reviews from the United States
    Great supplement (perhaps) being stopped by FDA, comments close 12.1.2019
    "I think this supplement is the reason I am no longer having heartburn and bloating from my food. I read several reviews here and found that my response is similar. I have been purchasing this for nearly a year and have seen much improvement in my stomach and mood due to less discomfort in my belly.

    So, when I found that my subscribe and save for this brand was not available, I came here to find out why. I saw that the price had more than doubled, perhaps due to popularity, perhaps due to availability. I found another brand that I like just as well. I also think the Gentian Bitters aren't that wonderful on my tummy. The new brand I now buy has the Betaine HCL and Pepsin, but no bitters... You determine for yourself.

    More and more people are discovering that instead of an anti-acid for their heartburn, what they need is more acid to combat the extra yeast in our system from all our processed food. Seems yeast can make you have heartburn as much as excess acid. Perhaps the real trick here is figuring out if you have a leaky gut. Lots of us do. No shame. If so, treat that.

    Not sure how you'll know, other than anecdotally, but you may have H Pylori in your body. It's in about 50 percent of the world's population. I figure I got it from my dad who was a big mouth kisser. He had stomach ulcers most of his life. Not even surgery cured him. He was left with about 1/3 of his stomach by the time they stopped their surgeries. The hernia surgery he needed desperately at the end (age 81) was denied him by the hospital because, they said, he didn't have enough protein in his blood and probably wouldn't survive the surgery. Never heard that much concern when he was younger and facing all those surgeries. But I've digressed to explaining why it's been so important to me to find cures, not just treatments. Dr Isabella Wentz will be a great key player in your health management if you're looking for a pharmacy doc, she's the one. Read her books. I have Hashimoto's and she's knowledgeable. She's also been a reference for the H Pylori cures.

    Right before I wrote the first version of this review, 2019, I got an email from the naturopath clinic I once went to all the time. They wrote that the FDA planned on stopping availability of some of our supplements.

    Perhaps this company isn't manufacturing as many because they're about to be stopped from selling. Who knows except them. If you have a story like me, you need to call your congressional rep and stress how important it is to keep supplements on the market that allow us to treat ourselves for our health troubles because our western medicine doesn't seek causes for us, but instead treat us with things that will keep them in a job. Sadly, that's become my opinion of the present health care system. Break a limb, they got answers... having a side effect from your medication, they many not figure that out till it's too late.

    Have a rib out of place? I did, for four years while they treated me with antibiotics for pneumonia which I didn't have. Now, it's a gluten free world for me because my guts were so abused. That had been on top of years of use of high doses of Ibuprofen. I won't continue on that vein, suffice it to say, I believe we are having our freedom to heal stomped on by the FDA who is going to use the excuse that we have some supplement companies who don't do Quality Control. I doubt they'd think of this ... but the QC of the ones who are using recycled plastic to make bottles are making a mistake. The new recycled plastic bottles smell like Tide detergent bottles. I'd say these are the Wrong kind of plastics to recycle into supplement bottles. If you get one of these, you'll know. Smell your bottles if they're white. The company denied that their product has detergent smell. I inquired and that's what they told me. They might as well have told me I was imagining it. Immediately stopped using all of their products. I will never, ever purchase another one of that brand. And, I used many of them. I haven't yet ruled out writing them a real, live paper letter enclosing some of my thoughts and some of the smelly supplement bottles I still have, but will never use. Smelly bottles and soiled supplements. I hate perfume in things I'm supposed to consume.

    We must watch what we take for ourselves. But, if this recent notice is an indication, the FDA is moving to limit our choices of some good products and this Betaine HCL may be one. NAC is another. I saw the notice that NAC is going and it's one of those that relieve your sinus congestion. I read it's by helping you to increase your glutithione I don't know how this FDA deal will play out, but the last time they wanted us to comment is 12.1.2019... and so, it's a tough one. I don't know if I can put the URL here so, here's a clue visit the naturopathic (dot) org and look for their Legislative Action Center... If you have a naturopath call them and ask what you can do... do it soon. Do it for all of us."
    Less bloating and headaches. More than one needed, hard to dose accurately
    "For digestion the acid it is important, but not the only thing. Timing protease and other enzymes are necessary.
    For me, this product works, but I have to use 1-2 or more pills, it depends how much food I am ingesting In one sitting. More pills risk heartburn though
    10 small meatballs with 4 pillow took me 7 hours to digest, out of stomach. I think it’s a lot but and improvement of 12 hours feeeling the meatballs in my stomach."
    Betaine HCL
    "My husband is a blood type A. They have the weakest stomach acid. He should be pescaterian (I know it's probably spelled wrong) fish and vegetables only. But, Mr. Hard-headed won't stop eating meat. I can as a type B, so when I have steak and lamb, he's right with me. Lol HCL saves him from having so much extra discomfort with digestion and bad stomach bacteria. This combined with oil of oregano and prebiotics, keep him functioning.
    If you have acid reflux (which is a low acid problem not too high), don't take that other mess from the doctor, get HCL and save yourself some suffering. Be blessed everyone."
More About This Item
  • PEPSIN works in conjunction with stomach acid to support protein digestion. Gentian is an herb used to optimize the digestive capacity and tonify the digestive tract. Its bitter nature may help to stimulate the body's production of digestive enzymes.
  • SUPPORTS DIGESTION Betaine HCL and Pepsin work together to break down food and help prevent occasional gas and bloating when taken before a meal.
  • During the summer months products may arrive warm but Amazon stores and ships products in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations, when provided.
Discount 44% 4.5 ratings
Our Price $851 of 5 stars
Listed Price $15.19 4,922 reviews

Manufacturer Information
Betaine HCI Pepsin Gentian Bitter stomach's digestive decreasing gastric pHBetaine HCI Pepsin Gentian Bitter stomach's digestive decreasing gastric pH

Betaine HCl/Pepsin/Gentian Bitters

Betaine HCI Pepsin Gentian Bitter stomach's digestive decreasing gastric pHBetaine HCI Pepsin Gentian Bitter stomach's digestive decreasing gastric pH

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product in not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Betaine HCl/Pepsin/Gentian Bitters contains three nutritional factors that perform complementary functions designed to support the effciency of the digestive process.* Supplementing with Betaine HCl may support the stomach’s digestive capacity.* Pepsin is an enzyme produced by the body to digest protein-containing foods in the stomach.

Pepsin works in conjunction with stomach acid to support protein digestion.* Gentian is an herb used to promote digestive capacity and tonify the digestive tract. Its bitter nature may help to stimulate the body’s production of digestive enzymes.*

Betaine HCI Pepsin Gentian Bitter stomach's digestive decreasing gastric pHBetaine HCI Pepsin Gentian Bitter stomach's digestive decreasing gastric pH

Betaine HCI Pepsin Gentian Bitter stomach's digestive decreasing gastric pHBetaine HCI Pepsin Gentian Bitter stomach's digestive decreasing gastric pH

Betaine HCI Pepsin Gentian Bitter stomach's digestive decreasing gastric pHBetaine HCI Pepsin Gentian Bitter stomach's digestive decreasing gastric pH

What are the benefits of Betaine HCl Pepsin & Gentian Bitters?

  • Supports the digestive process*
  • Helps with indigestion and bloating*
  • Optimizes digestive capacity*

Why take Betaine HCI Pepsin & Gentian Bitters?

  • Supports the stomach's digestive capacity by decreasing gastric pH. *
  • Pepsin works in conjunction with stomach acid to support protein digestion.*
  • Gentian bitter nature helps to stimulate the body's production of digestive enzymes.*

How does it work?

  • Potentially aids in the absorption of nutrients during a period of hypochlorhydria, or a lack of stomach acid.*
  • Gentian serves to stimulate digestive secretions in the stomach, priming it to digest the food that we eat, supplemental Betaine HCl and pepsin provide support to the body’s innate production of these digestive factors.*

Supports the Stomach and Optimizes digestive efficiency*

Betaine HCl Pepsin & Gentian Bitters contains three nutritional factors that perform complementary functions designed to support the efficiency of the digestive process. Research suggests that the efficiency of stomach acid production may be altered with the ageing process. Supplementing with Betaine HCl may support the stomach’s digestive capacity. Pepsin is an enzyme produced by the body to digest protein-containing foods in the stomach. Pepsin works in conjunction with stomach acid to support protein digestion. Gentian is an herb used traditionally in many cultures to optimize digestive capacity and tonify the digestive tract. Its bitter nature may help to stimulate the body’s production of digestive enzymes. For optimal digestive support, use Betaine HCl Pepsin & Gentian Bitters in conjunction with Best Digestive Enzymes, a uniquely formulated, full-spectrum high potency digestive enzyme blend.

Betaine HCl is a form of HCl used as a nutrient to supplement the stomach’s own production of HCl, or stomach acid. While occasional indigestion may be a result of acid irritating tissue in the structure above the stomach known as the esophagus, a line of research suggests that the cause of this irritation may actually be less than optimal stomach acid production.

Stomach acid is normally produced by the parietal cells of the stomach and the function of stomach acid is to break down food that enters the stomach into smaller fragments and nutrient components. These components move through the stomach into the small intestine where they are further broken down by digestive enzymes in the upper part of the small intestine. The individual nutrients that result from the digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates can then be absorbed and assimilated by the body and used for metabolism and growth. Optimal stomach acid production lessens the burden on the remainder of the digestive process, including enzyme production from the pancreas.

As mentioned earlier, the presence of optimal stomach acid is necessary for the digestion and absorption of critical nutrients. Amino acids and other peptides from proteins, minerals, vitamin B12 and folic acid are examples of nutrients that require proper levels of stomach acid for their absorption and usage. The presence of adequate acid in the stomach is also required for the conversion of the digestive enzyme pepsin. Pepsin is produced in the stomach from its precursor pepsinogen, which is secreted by cells known as chief cells, and functions to help with the digestion of proteins. Pepsin breaks proteins down into their amino acid components.

Ideal stomach acid production is also essential for maintaining a healthy bacterial balance in the intestines. Firstly, acid production in the stomach itself provides a protective barrier that keeps the stomach environment safe. Secondarily, appropriate levels of stomach acid lead to less remaining food fragments that may cause an imbalance in the growth of normal bacterial flora in the intestines. Achieving the correct balance of flora is a key to maintaining proper digestive function and overall health.

Achieving the correct balance of flora is a key to maintaining proper digestive and overall health

Research also suggests that the body’s capacity to produce stomach acid normally declines as we age. Moreover, stress and other factors may impact proper stomach acid production. Occasional heartburn, bloating, belching, discomfort, and a "sour stomach" may often result from this. Food that we eat enters the stomach through the esophagus, or food pipe. At the junction of the esophagus with the stomach is a muscular structure known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When food enters the stomach for digestion, the LES normally contracts, narrowing the passageway between the esophagus and the stomach and preventing the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. A major trigger for the process of tightening the sphincter is the presence of sufficient stomach acid. When sufficient stomach acid is sensed, the LES will close. Adequate stomach acid production is an essential criterion for the sphincter to function properly and prevent the backflow of stomach contents.1

A recent study assessed the incidence and causes of low vitamin B12 levels in elderly patients. The researchers suggest that the incidence of decreased vitamin B12 in the elderly, based on results of some epidemiological studies, is as high as 30-40%. When they looked at the possible causes of low B12 levels in 200 individuals that they followed, they found that lack of access to food-B12 accounted for 60-70% of the cases.2 In other words dietary B12 is bound to foods, generally animal proteins. The protein is normally broken down in conjunction with acid and pepsin in the stomach. Optimal production of stomach acid may therefore support the efficiency of this process by helping to release vitamin B12 that is bound to the protein source, leaving it available to be absorbed. The absorption of countless other nutrients may also be impacted by appropriate stomach acid and pepsin levels.

Gentian Root

Gentian is an herb that is native to parts of Europe and Asia. The root has been used extensively by traditional herbalists to support digestive function due in large part to its bitter constituents. Its present day use as a health-promoting herb dates back to the Romans and Greeks, and related species have even been used in the Indian Ayurvedic system. Various traditional texts classify gentian as a bitter tonic and digestive stimulant, due to its ability to promote the secretion of digestive enzymes. The German Commission E has approved the use of gentian for digestive support, which promotes secretion of saliva and digestive juices.3

Supplementation with the combination of nutrients and cofactors present in Betaine HCl Pepsin & Gentian supports the normal digestive function of the stomach and helps to ensure that the body maintains the efficiency of nutrient absorption from the foods that we eat. Gentian serves to stimulate digestive secretions in the stomach, priming it to digest the food that we eat, while supplemental Betaine HCl and pepsin provide support to the body’s innate production of these digestive factors.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Scientific References

1. Wright J, Lenard L. Why stomach acid is good for you: natural relief from heartburn, indigestions, reflux & GERD. Lanham, MD: M. Evans & Co.; 2001

2. Andres E, Loukili NH, Noel E, others. CMAJ 2004;171:251-9.

3. Blumenthal M, Ed. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

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