The Baking Soda Test For Stomach Acid Levels

What does the Baking Soda test measure?

The baking soda test is a simple at-home test that measures whether you might have

hypochlorhydria or hyperchlorhydria. This test does not harm the body in any way.

What is Hypochlorhydria?

Hypochlorhydria is the scientific name for low stomach acid. Many factors can contribute to low stomach acid. Some examples include pancreatic exhaustion, high levels

of stress, imbalance of the gut microbiome, and poor-nutrient diets. The most common cause of

this is chronic stress. Taking antacids without knowing if you have low stomach acid can

worsen the issue.

Symptoms of low stomach acid can include but are not limited to bloating, belching,

weak and peeling fingernails, acne, nausea after taking supplements, itching around the rectum,

nutrient and mineral deficiences (such as iron), diarrhea, constipation, hair loss in women.

What is Hyperchlorhydria?

Hyperchlorhydria is just the opposite of hypochlorhydria: excess levels of stomach acid.

This is commonly seen in persons with symptoms or diagnoses of H. pylori overgrowth, GERD

(or heartburn), peptic ulcers, and gastric cancers. These issues can arise from the overuse of

over-the-counter medications. Misuse of antacids can contribute to low stomach acid levels.

Symptoms of excess stomach acid can include but are not limited to: loss of appetite,

nausea, heartburn, indigestion, persistent cough.

Why do we need balanced stomach acid levels?

Our stomach acid helps to break down all the food into smaller components so that our

body can absorb the nutrients properly. When our stomach acid is low, the food is not broken

down sufficiently enough for the nutrients to be absorbed by the body. When our stomach acid is in

excess, it can cause ulceration of the stomach and esophageal tissue.

How to do the Baking Soda Test

It is important to do this test on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning. Repeat this test over 5-7 days to get the most accurate results.

You'll need:

Baking Soda

Water

A Timer

Somewhere to record your results

How to do the test:

1. Take ¼ of a teaspoon of baking soda and mix with 1 cup of cold water.

2. Drink and begin the timer.

3. Record how long it takes to burp for a maximum of 5 minutes. If a burp does not occur in 5 minutes, stop timing and record “No Burp”.

Please note that temporary diarrhea may be a side effect of this test.

What do the Results Mean?

30 Seconds or Frequent Burps:

If it takes less than 30 seconds to burp, or you are burping frequently in the 5-minute time frame you likely have high levels of stomach acid.

2 Minutes to Burp:

We want a burp - just not a lot of them! If it takes less than 2 minutes to burp, this likely indicates normal levels of stomach acid.

5 Minutes to Burp: 

If it takes 2-5 minutes to burp one time, this likely means you have low-normal levels of stomach acid.

More than 5 Minutes:

If it takes longer than 5 minutes to burp, you likely have low levels of stomach acid.

So, what now?

There's a lot to understand about stomach acid and how it affects digestion. Since the body works as a whole system, there can be many moving parts affecting your stomach acid levels. I recommend working with a practitioner who understands and uses supplements and nutrition to help you manage your stomach acid levels.

If you're interested in working together, you can book a free consultation here.