How can I test my stomach acid levels at home?

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**1. Baking Soda Burp Test**

**How to Do It:**

* Before eating or drinking anything in the morning, mix **¼ tsp of baking soda** in **120–150 ml** (about half a glass) of room-temperature water.

* Drink it on an empty stomach.

**The Science:**

Baking soda reacts with stomach acid (HCl) to produce carbon dioxide gas, which should cause you to burp.

**What the Results Might Indicate:**

* **Burping within 2–3 minutes:** Likely normal stomach acid levels.

* **Burping after 3–5 minutes or mildly:** Possible low stomach acid.

* **No burping after 5 minutes:** May indicate low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria).

**Pros:** Easy, cheap, and non-invasive.

**Cons:** Unreliable—results can be influenced by swallowing air or individual digestion differences. Best viewed as anecdotal.