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has anyone done the bicarb test for low acid?

Posted , 4 users are following.

Abracadabra0
Abracadabra0

Hi all, I've been wondering recently whether I actually have reflux caused by low acid rather than high. The PPI's aren't helping at all and if anything I actually have more of a feeling that acid is coming up. Normal Gaviscon doesn't do anything but gaviscon advanced that doesn't reduce acid but keep everything down, does help. I heard about the bicarb test (drinking it in water on an empty stomach and timing how long it takes for it to react and produce gas) but I don't know of this actually works. I did it this morning and it took nearly 5minutes which is supposed to be a sign of very low acid but I would like some info from other people that have tried it before I believe it! Xx

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • joyclyn13783
    joyclyn13783 Abracadabra0

    Posted

    Hi again I have done this test also and like you 5 mins before any reaction. Gaviscon advanced did work in the beginning but now it does nothing to help. Ginger slightly eased the nausea and coconut water sits better than bottled water I also think the alkaline water is a myth. Hope you feel better as the day goes on .

  • martin_F
    martin_F Abracadabra0

    Posted

    I have theory, much of acid reflux is caused by low acid, my wife suffers from acid reflux, but quiet awhile ago started drinking milk kefir a strong probiotic and about 3 on the PH scale, and also having more salt the Himalayan pink salt type and has totally reduced the reflux to were she no longer needs antacids.
    • Abracadabra0
      Abracadabra0 martin_F

      Posted

      Thanks for your response. I have been doing a lot of reading and given my type of symptoms I wouldn't be surprised if mine was due to low acid. I find things that reduce acid (PPI's, normal Gaviscon etc) are doing very little if anything but meds that hold down the liquid are helping a bit. I have 2 1/2 weeks left on my new PPI at which point they'll refer me to an ENT. If they don't give me anything else to try at this stage I might suggest to them that I try something to increase acid instead. I don't want to cause further problems but if they're open to the idea of this (and maybe take Gaviscon advanced to help keep it down a bit still while giving my body time to settle) I will try it. I know I could have a long wait for the ENT so I want to understand this as much as I can in the meantime. funnily enough, although food high in acid is uncomfortable to eat at the time (probably due to my sore throat) immediately after I feel a little better before feeling worse again. Maybe this is increasing my stomach acid temporarily, helping to cause the muscle to close but then its coming back with a vengeance once the acid level drops again. I'll speak to the doctor at my next appointment because I willing to give it a try but also don't want to do anything that will cause more issues!

  • martin_F
    martin_F Abracadabra0

    Posted

    Yes I did that test with bicarb and it didn't react much so I reckon I have low stomach acid, but I don't suffer with reflux my problem is IBS which is different issue, reflux is my wifes problem.

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