Among the nutrients that I use every day and recommend to everyone over 50 to delay muscle loss are essential amino acids (EAA), the amino acids that we can’t make ourselves. These are highest in the AAs that are used in muscle growth and repair: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. While the science shows that EAAs are beneficial, they can cause a serious issue: excess gas. As some of you have written to me about, it’s not just ordinary flatulence. Without being too rude, it’s the worst smelling gas one can imagine times 10.

I may have a solution—with the emphasis on may. In doing research for the new edition of Real-Life Detox, I found an article suggesting that the lack of stomach acid, called hypochlorhydria, may be the cause. Even though EAAs are in individual amino acids, they still must have enough stomach acid to chemically modify them for absorption. Fortunately, there appears to be a fix in the form of betaine hydrocholoride or betaine HCl for short.

I’ve used betaine HCl together with a digestive enzyme when I take my EAAs; I also take it when I’m going to eat meat in a meal. Even with a hiatal hernia, I haven’t had a problem with reflux since I’ve been doing it, and it reduced the gas production significantly.

I’ve got more research to do before I’m clear on amounts and timing, but for those of you who’ve had the gas issue with EAAs, help may be on the way. I know your inclination is to try something when it sounds helpful but, in this case, wait. There may be unintended consequences and as I said, this may be a solution—or it may not be. When I know more, so will you.

What are you prepared to do today?

        Dr. Chet

Reference: Integrative Medicine. 2020. 9(1):32-36.