Hydrochloric acid is an important acid secreted by the stomach, necessary for digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Hydrochloric acid also destroys bacteria, yeasts and parasites, making it an important defense mechanism for the body. Occasionally, the stomach will produce too much or too little hydrochloric acid. Normally, the stomach should have a fasting pH of between 1 and 2, which means it is highly acidic. To determine how much acid your stomach is producing, there are a variety of tests that can be done.

Stomach Acid Tests

The Heidelberg capsule test measures the stomach's ability to produce gastric acid through radio telemetry, using a small plastic capsule that contains electronic monitoring equipment: a small pH meter and a radio transmitter. After drinking a solution of water and bicarbonate of soda, the patient swallows the capsule. The monitoring equipment measures the pH of the stomach, small intestine and large intestine and sends a signal back an antenna worn on the patient's stomach. The patient needs to recline for 30 to 40 minutes as the fluctuations in the stomach's pH are plotted on a graph. After the test, the patient can either have the capsule removed by an attached string or simply pass it through the digestive tract with a bowel movement. The gastro string test is similar, but much less expensive and advanced. A small gel capsule containing a pH test string is swallowed. The patient holds on to one end of the string and swallows the capsule. Once it reaches the stomach, the capsule dissolves and the string inside unfolds. After about 10 to 15 minutes, the string will have properly tested for the pH. The string is then slowly pulled out of the stomach through the mouth and compared to a pH color key. Occasionally, a stomach acid test will involve inserting a tube into the stomach and removing the contents. The patient is not allowed to drink or eat for four to six hours before the stomach acid test. A small tube is then passed through the nose or mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach. The fluid in the stomach is removed through the tube and its contents are analyzed. This stomach acid test is used mainly to measure the quantity and acidity of the contents of the stomach. If you need to test whether your stomach is producing enough hydrochloric acid for digestion, there is a simple and inexpensive test you can do at home. Mix together a solution of one-quarter teaspoon of baking soda and eight ounces of cold water. Drink this solution soon after waking up and before eating or drinking. After drinking the solution, time how long it takes before you belch. If you belch within two to three minutes, your stomach is producing enough hydrochloric acid. If you belch sooner than this or if you continue to belch, you are likely producing too much stomach acid. And if you do not belch within five minutes, your stomach is likely not producing enough.

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Test Your Stomach Acid

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Stomach Acid Test: Overview