<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> I had all of the tests mentioned in Susan's posting which pointed to exactly the problem described--hypochlorhydria. With the addition of Betaine Hydrochloride and digestive enzymes to my meals, my diarrhea, gas, and bloating went away, I felt less hungry because the food wasn't passing through so fast, and I really felt like I was getting more out of my food. Luckily, my doctor is one of two in a nutrirional medicine group with the emphasis on nutrition. He told me that many people think that their problem with gas and bloating is TOO MUCH stomach acid and they take antacids for it (I DID!) but the problem is really TOO LITTLE acid. Thanks for the information, Susan! Nancy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - >Several wrote to ask me for more info on taking digestive enzymes versus >antacids, so I am sending along some info taken directly from a book by >Dr. Jonathan Wright (Dr. Wright's Book of Nutritional Therapy - Rodale >Press) that might be helpful. I have read very similar info in books by >other doctors; this is just the quickest one I can put my hands on. I >recommend the assistance of a nutritional-oriented doctor for >determining the need for hydrochloric acid; however, the digestive >enzymes I am taking now (Nature's Sunshine) are very safe and can be >tried without supervision. >Susan >[log in to unmask]