Today I’m going to cover the best tests for low stomach acid and what to do for a deficiency in stomach acid.

The best tests for a stomach acid deficiency:

1. Riddler’s gastric acid reflux point test

Press on your rib cage one inch below your breastbone and one inch to the left. If the area is tender, you may lack stomach acid.

2. The baking soda test

Dissolve 1/4 tsp. of baking soda in eight ounces of water and drink it in the morning before eating. If you don’t have enough acid in your stomach, you may start burping within one to five minutes.

3. The betaine hydrochloride test

Take one betaine hydrochloride supplement before eating, and add more with each meal. If you have low stomach acid, your symptoms will be relieved.

Symptoms of low stomach acid (low hydrochloric acid):

• Indigestion

• Gas

• Bloating

• Acid reflux

• GERD

Another common problem people experience as they age is called atrophic gastritis.

Symptoms of atrophic gastritis:

• Mucosal atrophy

• Low hydrochloric acid

• Low B12 or folate

• Low iron

• Intolerance of red meat

• Indigestion

• Gas

• Cognitive decline

• Brittle nails

• Restless legs

• Thinning hair

• Acid reflux

• Muscle cramps or muscle twitches

• Rosacea

• Bad breath

Common causes of atrophic gastritis:

1. H. pylori

What to do:

• Consume sulforaphane

2. Low hydrochloric acid

What to do:

• Take betaine hydrochloride

• Take methylcobalamin and methylfolate

In some cases, you may need to fix the inflammation in your gut before you increase your stomach acid. You can do this by consuming cabbage juice, wheatgrass juice powder with water, zinc, and probiotics. It’s also important to get on a Healthy Keto® diet.