Before you begin this challenge, please remember that if you experience any discomfort or reactions, you should stop the challenge and consult a practitioner that can help guide you.
DO NOT attempt this test if you have an ulcer or if taking any proton pump inhibitor medication.
For information on low stomach acid symptoms, check out this article.
Here are the simple steps you can take, to test the level of your stomach acid:
Purchase Betaine HCL, with pepsin, in doses or 250 mg or less
On day one, take one capsule of Betaine HCL, about 2/3 into your biggest meal of the day. If you feel a warming sensation or slight burning in your stomach, within 30 minutes, it’s likely that you have enough stomach acid and do no need to supplement. If you don’t feel anything different, you can move to day two.
On day two, take two capsules of Betain HCL, about 2/3 into your biggest meal of the day. If you feel a warming sensation or slight burning in your stomach, within 30 minutes, it’s an indicator that your correct dosage, with full meals, is one capsule of HCL. If you don’t feel anything different, you can move to day three.
On day three, take three capsules of Betain HCL, about 2/3 into your biggest meal of the day. If you feel a warming sensation or slight burning in your stomach, within 30 minutes, it’s an indicator that your correct dosage, with full meals, is two capsules of HCL. If you don’t feel anything different, you can move to day four.
Repeat steps on day 4.
Repeat steps on day 5. If you still don’t feel anything different, I encourage you to find a holistic medical practitioner that can help guide you on your next steps. There are many factors that influence HCL production and you may benefit from adding other supplements to support digestion, along with HCL.
Notes:
If you have any of the low HCL symptoms and you feel burning within 5 minutes of the first dose, it is possible that you have some stomach lining damage, in which case, it is best to consult with your medical practitioner.
When you experience burning, you can take a few more bites of food or you can drink a solution made of 1 tsp baking soda, in 4 oz water, at room temperature.
Continue taking the same dose until you start feeling the warming or burning sensation. When that comes back, reduce by one dose and continue until the sensation returns. Then reduce again by one dose. Continue until no HCL is needed.
Working with a practitioner will help determine and possibly correct the reason why your body is not producing enough stomach acid, especially if you find yourself needing to take it for a long time.