Let’s talk about a topic that doesn’t always get the spotlight but is crucial for your overall well-being: stomach acid. Whether you’re dealing with bloating, heartburn, or just a general sense of discomfort, your stomach acid levels could be the culprit. It’s time to digest some hard truths – let’s figure out if you have high or low stomach acid and how you can balance it for a happier, healthier gut.

Why Should You Care About Stomach Acid Levels?

Stomach acid plays a crucial role in digestion. It helps break down food and absorb nutrients effectively. When your stomach acid levels are off balance, it can lead to various digestive issues. For example, if you often experience bloating and discomfort after meals or if you find yourself frequently reaching for antacids, your stomach acid levels might be to blame. Balancing these levels can make a significant difference in how you feel day-to-day and help you avoid discomfort and other health problems.

Low Stomach Acid (Hypochlorhydria): If your stomach acid levels are too low, your body struggles to properly digest food. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as:

• Bloating
• Belching
• Feeling overly full after eating
• Stomach discomfort or pain
• Indigestion and heartburn
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Increased risk of infections

Low stomach acid can also hinder your body’s ability to absorb important nutrients, which might lead to deficiencies and other health problems.

High Stomach Acid: Conversely, if you have too much stomach acid, it can irritate your stomach lining and cause:

• Heartburn and acid reflux
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite or unexplained weight loss

In both cases, maintaining the right level of stomach acid is key to feeling your best and ensuring your digestive system functions smoothly.

Testing Your Stomach Acid Levels: A Simple Home Test

Before you schedule an appointment with your doctor, why not start with a simple at-home test? Enter: the baking soda test. It’s a bit of a kitchen science experiment that can give you a rough idea of your stomach acid levels.

How to Do the Baking Soda Test for Stomach Acid:

1. Mix ¼ teaspoon of baking soda into 4 ounces of cold water.
2. Drink the solution on an empty stomach.
3. Time how long it takes for you to burp. (Don’t hold back those burps!)
4. If you don’t burp within 5 minutes, note it down as “no burp.”

The idea is that baking soda reacts with stomach acid to produce carbon dioxide, which makes you burp. If you don’t burp within five minutes, chances are that your stomach acid is on the low side. But remember, this test is more of a fun indicator than a definitive diagnosis. Also note that results may be skewed if you are taking a PPI, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, or if you have a gastric ulcer. If you’re experiencing severe problems and want more accurate results, consider a professional test like the Bravo Test, Esophageal pH test, or the Heidelberg pH test.

While there’s no real at home test for high levels of stomach acid, you can pay attention to how you feel. High stomach acid symptoms may include:

• Heartburn
• Regurgitation
• A sour taste in your mouth
• Nausea
• Problems swallowing
• Recurrent cough or hiccups
• Hoarse voice
• Pain in your upper abdomen

Supplements to Balance Stomach Acid

Whether your acid levels are too high or too low, balancing them can lead to significant improvements in your digestive health and overall well-being. Here are some gut health & digestion supplements that can help your stomach get back to its optimal pH:

For Low Stomach Acid:

• Betaine HCL: This dietary supplement contains betaine hydrochloride, pepsin, and a mix of bitter herbs that support digestion and nutrient absorption. It’s formulated to help the body break down food, promote balanced stomach acid levels, and provide relief from gastro discomfort.

For High Stomach Acid:

• Aloe Vera Gel Complex™: Known for their soothing properties, the combination of aloe vera gel and slippery elm bark can help calm an irritated stomach lining and promote reduced acid reflux symptoms.
• Ulcerex™: Ulcerex™ is a combination of chickweed herb, white oak bark, sangre de grado extract, and cayenne pepper fruit to support the digestive system and promote ulcer pain relief. Also available in liquid form!
• Ginger+™: Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory that has been used for centuries to promote digestive comfort. This combination includes Ginfort™ (a highly concentrated ginger extract with the greatest polyphenol content available) plus a proprietary blend of ginger root, ginger extract, and BioPerine®

For Overall Gut Health Balance:

• Probiotics™+: Probiotics can help balance your gut flora, which might assist in managing stomach acid levels. Probiotics+™ is formulated with 40 billion active microorganisms to promote optimal intestinal microflora health to aid with digestion, the immune system, and overall well-being.
• Digestan™: Twelve natural herbs come together in the digestion supplement to support digestive health and alleviate abdominal discomfort, bloating, and gas.
• Enzyme Complex™: This digestive supplement contains five enzymes essential to breaking down all types of food, especially, fats, proteins, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. It supports relief from bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort. Perfect to use as needed (think Thanksgiving or holiday meals!) or every day.

The Bottom Line

Balancing your stomach acid isn’t just about preventing discomfort—it’s about enhancing your overall health and vitality. By understanding your body’s needs and taking steps to address imbalances, you can enjoy better digestion, improved nutrient absorption, and a happier tummy. Whether you try the baking soda test or not, knowing and managing your stomach acid levels is a step toward a healthier, more vibrant you. Happy balancing!

Your Hispanic American Health Store

Health Hispanica® is a Hispanic-American health store specializing in supplements from Hispanic-American-owned brands such as Natura-Genics® and Yerba Farma®. We strive to provide quality and innovative supplements at fair prices and educate our clients and community on healthy living.

The statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.