In this article

‍

One of the more common symptomatic areas affected in autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism is the gastrointestinal (GI) system, with issues such as bloating, irregular bowel movements, and acid reflux. These GI issues are often seen in people with an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism because of hypochlorhydria, or low stomach acid, characteristic of an underactive thyroid.

Stomach acid breaks down food into essential nutrients, so a lack of this acid creates imbalances and other health issues, including nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Ahead, a look at how targeting this issue head-on with supplements may be a solution.

‍

It’s important first to understand how digestion occurs, which involves exploring the two ways digestion takes place: mechanically and chemically. We’ll break it down step by step:

1) When food enters the mouth, the mechanical action of chewing mixes food with saliva. Saliva is rich in mucus and salivary enzymes that, combined with chewing, create food you then swallow.

2) The food travels down the esophagus and into the stomach.

3) The stomach begins both a mechanical and chemical digestive process. Mechanically, it begins to squeeze and churn the food.  Chemically, the stomach secretes a mixture of compounds –  including water, mucus, hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and other enzymes – to help break down macronutrients such as protein, fat, and carbohydrates. 

4) Once everything has been processed, it’s on to the digestive tract, where food moves through the three areas of the small intestine – the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum. Food is broken down further in the small intestine by bile released by the liver and pancreatic enzymes.

5) Nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported where they need to go throughout the body.

6) Any undigested foods move into the large intestine (colon), forming stool that is eventually eliminated during bowel movements. 

Now that you better understand how the digestive process works let’s explain the role of betaine and pepsin.

‍

THYROID GUIDE

How To Maintain A Healthy Gut

Digestive issues like bloating, constipation, or gas can be resolved or improved with simple lifestyle changes

Thank you! Check your mailbox for your guide

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

‍

The combination of choline with another amino acid called glycine creates betaine, a chemical made in the body that helps to break down proteins, specifically homocysteine. Choline is an essential nutrient available in the human body and in many foods. Without choline, the body cannot produce enough betaine. Betaine is also involved in liver function, cellular reproduction, and in making carnitine, an amino acid and protein building block that plays a crucial role in energy production. Choline is found in beef liver, chicken liver, eggs, bacon, soybeans, and pork. Betaine is readily available in broccoli, seafood, spinach, and beets.

When the body cannot break down certain proteins, a buildup of homocysteine in the blood can develop. This inherited condition is known as homocystinuria, and can cause symptoms such as extreme fatigue, abnormal bone structure, weakened bones, blood clots, and weight loss. Betaine supplementation works by reducing the amount of homocysteine in the blood. Aside from the inherited condition, people can still develop high levels of homocysteine, and again, betaine can be useful to help lower those levels.

‍

Pepsin is a stomach enzyme that helps with the effective digestion of proteins in foods. Usually, gastric cells secrete pepsin in its initial form, called pepsinogen. Cells within the stomach lining, called parietal cells, secrete hydrochloric acid that helps lower the stomach’s pH, making it easier to begin digesting protein. Pepsin depends on that acidic environment for effective protein digestion. When there’s a lack of pepsin and stomach acid (called hydrochloric acid), several issues can develop, including bloating, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, and acid reflux. Low stomach acid can also result in inadequate absorption of nutrients.

‍

‍

Is supplementing with betaine and pepsin beneficial for those with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism? When looking at the benefits of both separately, the answer is yes! 

1) Betaine can help to support heart health

Hypothyroid patients are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Betaine can help reduce homocysteine levels, a factor directly related to lowering your risk of heart disease.  Supplementing with betaine could be helpful, and multiple research studies have shown how supplementing with betaine can help lower homocysteine levels.

2) Betaine has anti-inflammatory effects 

As most of us know, chronic inflammation is a common driver of autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s’. Betaine offers protection against inflammatory conditions.

3) Both betaine and pepsin help you normalize stomach acid levels 

Betaine helps promote the body’s ability to create hydrochloric acid. As we’ve discussed, your stomach needs adequate levels of stomach acid to break down food. Pepsin is also required to help digest and absorb nutrients and resolve poor protein digestion. 

4) Pepsin supports digestion

Digestion in thyroid patients is often slow. In one study, patients experiencing gastrointestinal disorders had an improvement in symptoms after six weeks of continuous use of pepsin supplements.

While betaine with pepsin won’t resolve Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism or heal a damaged thyroid gland, these supplements could help relieve residual GI symptoms in thyroid patients. If you are curious about supplementing with betaine with pepsin, please be sure you speak to a healthcare professional. Overdoing it can cause additional problems if you have other conditions, such as high cholesterol or kidney disease. That’s why checking in with your practitioner before beginning these supplements is smart.

‍

The essential step in resolving gastrointestinal issues with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism is the optimal treatment of your thyroid condition. Consider scheduling a virtual visit with one of our top Paloma Health practitioners. Our entire Paloma Care Team is ready to support you with cutting-edge hypothyroidism care, from testing, diagnosis, and treatment, to nutritional and lifestyle support for optimal wellness.

Dealing with Hypothyroidism?  Video chat with a thyroid doctor

Get answers and treatments in minutes without leaving home - anytime. Consult with a U.S. board certified doctor who only treats hypothyroidism via high-quality video. Insurance accepted.

Schedule