How to Determine If You Have Low or Too Much Stomach Acid

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Many people believe that acid reflux is caused by excessive stomach acid, but did you know that the same symptoms can occur when your stomach is producing too little acid?

So, how can you tell whether your symptoms are due to low acid or high acid production?

Fortunately, there are key differences between the two, and several tests that can help you pinpoint the cause of your digestive discomfort.

Signs of Low Stomach Acid (Hypochlorhydria)

When your stomach isn’t producing enough acid, it can interfere with digestion and cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Bloating after meals

• Feeling overly full or sluggish even after eating small amounts

• Indigestion or the sensation that food is sitting in your stomach too long

• Heartburn or acid reflux, which may seem counterintuitive (low acid can also trigger reflux by causing the LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) to relax and allow acid to escape)

• Nausea after eating, especially after meals rich in protein

• Undigested food in your stool

Signs of Excess Stomach Acid (Hyperchlorhydria)

Excess stomach acid tends to cause more immediate and intense symptoms, such as:

• Heartburn or a burning sensation in your chest or throat

• Acid reflux, where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, often accompanied by regurgitation

• Frequent burping or burps that have a sour taste

• A sour or bitter taste in your mouth, particularly in the morning

• Stomach pain or discomfort, often felt in the upper abdomen

• Difficulty swallowing or the feeling that something is stuck in your throat

How to Test for Low or Excess Acid

If you suspect your symptoms are caused by stomach acid, there are a few methods you can use to get a better idea of what’s going on:

The Baking Soda Test (for Low Stomach Acid)

This simple, at-home test can give you a rough indication of whether you have low stomach acid. Here’s how it works:

• First thing in the morning, before eating or drinking anything, dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in a small glass of water and drink it.

• If you have normal or high stomach acid, you should burp within 2-3 minutes, as the baking soda reacts with stomach acid to produce gas.

• If you don’t burp within this time frame, it may indicate that you have low stomach acid.

Though this test can be a helpful starting point, it’s not entirely accurate and should be used as an initial indication rather than a final diagnosis.

The Betaine HCl Test (for Low Stomach Acid)

Another method for testing low stomach acid involves taking a betaine hydrochloride (HCl) supplement with a meal and observing the results. If you experience relief from digestive issues, it may suggest your stomach acid was low. However, this test should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure it’s safe for you.

The Heidelberg Stomach Acid Test (for Both Low and High Acid)

For a more accurate diagnosis, you can take the Heidelberg Stomach Acid Test, typically administered by a gastroenterologist. This involves swallowing a small capsule that measures the pH levels in your stomach. It provides clear, reliable information about whether your stomach acid levels are low, high, or normal.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing frequent or severe symptoms, or if home tests don’t give you clear answers, it’s time to consult with a healthcare provider. Conditions like GERD, ulcers, or other acid-related issues can require more specialized treatments. A doctor can perform tests to determine whether you have low or excessive stomach acid and recommend the most appropriate course of action.

Both low and high stomach acid can be managed with dietary changes, supplements, or medications. Identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms is crucial to finding the best treatment and preventing long-term issues.