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Try these home tests to help identify low levels of stomach acid
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Low stomach acid should be diagnosed by your doctor; however, our expert Ali Cullen discusses simple home tests which could give you some idea as to what might be going on.
There are some simple tests you can carry out at home which can help determine if you aren’t producing enough stomach acid. These tests are not absolute and it is best to get low stomach acid diagnosed by your doctor – but they can be a useful indicator.
Dissolve a quarter teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in a little water and drink this in an empty stomach. If you have adequate levels of stomach acid, the bicarbonate of soda is neutralised and converted into gas – this means you should experience belching within 5 – 10 minutes after drinking the solution. If no belching occurs, this suggests there may be insufficient acid present.
This may seem a bit scary but it can be very useful. One option is to take a tablespoon of lemon juice when you are experiencing an episode of pain. If it helps relieve the discomfort it suggests you may not have enough stomach acid. If the pain is made worse you may in fact have too much.
Hydrochloric acid acts in a similar way to the lemon juice but will have a more pronounced effect; you should try the lemon juice test first to ensure your pain isn’t made any worse.
Take a hydrochloric acid supplement at the end of a large, protein rich meal. If you notice no effect this suggests you may not have enough stomach acid. If you notice a very mild warm sensation this suggests you probably have sufficient stomach acid and if you feel a significant burning sensation or pain it signals you may have too much.
If you don’t experience any sensation after taking one capsule you can gradually increase the dose on subsequent days using the same method until you achieve the desired warm feeling.
Please note, if the test produces an outcome suggesting you have too much acid, you are likely to experience similar symptoms to those of a flare up – indigestion for example. So don’t panic, the feeling will pass. Don’t try the acid tests if you suspect you have a gastric ulcer, or are using anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, other NSAIDs or corticosteroids.
Want to improve your digestion? Get involved as our Digestion Advisor Ali Cullen takes you through her 5 step plan to improve your digestion and get problem symptoms, from bloating to acid reflux, under control.
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Hello. My name is Alison Cullen and I am an experienced nutritional therapist with a clinic in Ayrshire, Scotland. I currently combine running my clinic with the role of Education Manager for A Vogel. I lecture, train and write extensively on health issues, which I find endlessly fascinating.
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Here’s what I recommend
As the A.Vogel Digestion advisor, I recommend Digestisan with extracts of Artichoke and Peppermint, to help support your digestion.
Learn moreDid you know?
Low stomach acid and high stomach acid share many of the same symptoms, including acid reflux, heartburn and nausea. If you are in any doubt it might be worth trying a home remedy to ascertain if the origin of your symptoms is low stomach acid or high stomach acid.
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Marie Caplin — 31.01.2018 20:02
Not sure what I have.Diagnosed with IBS but I have a tight band under my boobs( one of thousands from my research)and developed a reaction to a range of foods including fruit.
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Ali — 01.02.2018 09:50
Hi Marie,
As we can't diagnose I'd suggest that you consult a nutritional practitioner locally, as they can examine you and take a detailed medical history to see what the cause might be. They can also ensure that you have a diet that provides sufficient nutrients despite restrictions. Go to www.bant.org.uk to find your nearest practitioner.
Best Wishes,
Ali
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Frederick Luther — 18.12.2017 13:22
Thanks for your reply, i'v changed me eating habits, I'm a vegetarian anyway, and keen sports man! The confusing thing is? I do get syptems of acid reflux, no indigestion, no heart burn, I get the bitter taste in my mouth and the throat clearing. Martin.
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Ali — 19.12.2017 07:52
Reflux can be 'silent', in that it doesn't display all the symptoms that usually accompany it. It can be a very practical and structural issue - posture, running around too much after meals, eating on the run, drinking (anything) with meals - all of these can contribute.
Best Wishes,
Ali
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Frederick Martin and — 18.12.2017 11:58
Thanks for the reply, still confused, I saw a respiratory specialist, he upped the PPI dose to 80mg of omeprazole, no change, so i'v gone the other way of low stomach acid! Taking an Enzyme, HCI, in theory it should get worse? But no, better if anything, got an appointment in February!!!!!! To see the respiratory specialist. Still throat clearing. F M luther.
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Ali — 18.12.2017 13:54
Hi Frederick,
Why don't you try a regime of the lifestyle advice and eating habits advised in my free booklet - download here - http://www.avogel.co.uk/information-download/digestion-booklet-avi.pdf - and see if it helps to reduce your throat discomfort. It should promote good, balanced production of stomach acid, making supplements and PPIs unnecessary. It really doesn't sound as if the PPI is doing anything helpful for you...
Best Wishes,
Ali
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