The Truth About the Baking Soda Test for Acid Reflux

If you’ve ever had to deal with acid reflux or heartburn, chances are you’ve come across the “baking soda test.” It’s one of those home remedies that seems pretty straightforward: mix some baking soda with water, drink it on an empty stomach, and wait to see if you burp. If you do, the idea is that your stomach acid levels are fine; if not, it’s supposed to mean you have low stomach acid. But here’s the thing - this test isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

What’s Really Going On with Acid Reflux?

Let’s start by clearing up a big misconception: a lot of people think acid reflux happens because there’s too much stomach acid. But often, it’s the opposite, low stomach acid can actually be the problem.

Your stomach is supposed to produce a strong acid called hydrochloric acid (HCl). This acid helps break down your food and also sends a signal to a little valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to close up tight after food passes into your stomach. If you don’t have enough stomach acid, the LES might not get the message to close properly, which means even a small amount of acid can sneak back up into your esophagus, causing that uncomfortable burning sensation.

Why the Baking Soda Test Doesn’t Really Work

So, where does the baking soda test fit into all this? Well, it might seem like an easy way to figure out if you have low stomach acid, but it’s not exactly reliable. Here’s why:

1. It’s Unpredictable: Whether or not you burp can depend on a bunch of different things - how much air you swallow, what’s already in your stomach, and how your body happens to be working that day. It’s just not a consistent test.
2. It Doesn’t Measure Acid: The test isn’t actually measuring how much acid is in your stomach. It’s just measuring how quickly gas forms when the baking soda reacts with the acid. And this reaction can be influenced by other factors, not just the acid itself.
3. It Can Be Misleading: You might burp even if you have low stomach acid, which could make you think your acid levels are fine when they’re not. Or, you might not burp simply because your digestion is a little slow that day, not because your acid is low.

Let’s Talk About Low Stomach Acid

Since the baking soda test isn’t the best way to figure out what’s going on, it’s helpful to take a step back and understand the bigger picture. Low stomach acid can happen for lots of reasons, like getting older, being stressed, eating a poor diet, or taking certain medications. When your stomach isn’t producing enough acid, not only does your LES not close properly, but it also makes digestion harder, leading to issues like bloating, gas, and even nutrient deficiencies.

This is where our Heartburn Relief Kit comes in. Unlike quick fixes that just cover up symptoms, our kit actually helps boost your stomach’s natural acid production, which in turn helps your LES close properly and keeps acid from creeping back up where it doesn’t belong.

Why Our Heartburn Relief Kit Is a Better Option

Here’s why we think our Heartburn Relief Kit is a better way to tackle acid reflux:

1. It Tackles the Root Cause: Instead of just neutralizing the acid in your stomach, our kit helps bring your stomach acid levels back to where they should be, supporting your LES and improving your digestion overall.
2. It’s Natural and Gentle: We’ve put together a kit with natural ingredients that work with your body to support healthy acid levels and calm your digestive system.
3. You’ve Got Nothing to Lose: We’re so confident our kit will help you that we offer a 60-day refund guarantee. If it doesn’t work for you, just let us know, and we’ll give you your money back - no hard feelings.
4. It’s a Whole-Body Approach: Our kit is part of a larger plan that includes tips on diet and lifestyle to help you maintain good digestive health over the long haul.

The Bottom Line

The baking soda test might seem like an easy way to figure out what’s going on with your stomach acid, but it often leads to more confusion than clarity. Understanding that low stomach acid is often the underlying cause of acid reflux can really help you find the relief you’ve been looking for.

We created our Heartburn Relief Kit to help address this root cause naturally and effectively. It’s all about giving you the tools you need to support your digestive health in the long run. If you’re struggling with acid reflux and want to get to the bottom of it, get in touch with us a support@terrahealthessentials.com or on Facebook Messenger for a free consultation we’re here to help you on your journey to feeling better.