Instead of the more common methods of stomach acid assessment that involve a visit to a doctor (Heidelberg test or taking Gastrocaps), I’ll show you a simpler, quicker and easier way for assessing the level of your stomach acid.

For the purpose of this test we will need baking soda and cold water. You would also need a watch.

First thing in the morning, before you put anything in your mouth, mix quarter teaspoon of baking soda in eight ounces of cold water, drink the solution and time 5 minutes. How did you do?

If you have belched once or several times within 3 minutes then your stomach is producing enough hydrochloric acid. If you belched repeatedly then you probably have excessive amounts of hydrochloric acid.

If you haven’t belched at all, within 5 minutes, then you probably don’t produce enough stomach acid.

Hypochlorhydria is a condition where hydrochloric acid is lacking.

Hypochlorhydria can result in malnutrition, immune responses and auto-immune diseases and many gastrointestinal disorders such as gastrointestinal infection, gas, indigestion, poor appetite, prolonged fullness after meals, bloating, constipation, acid reflux and diarrhea.

Hypochlorhydria, however, is more common among individuals over the age 65 because as we age we no longer produce the same amount of stomach acid.

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The post STOMACH ACID AND REFLUX: DO YOU PRODUCE ENOUGH? first appeared on Jeff Martin's Acid Reflux Blog.