How to determine the acidity of the stomach at home?

The acidity of the stomach depends on the production of hydrochloric acid, which ensures the digestion of food. There are three levels of acidity:

• normal;
• reduced;
• elevated.

Increase or decrease in the acidity of the stomach is a prerequisite for the development of many diseases of the digestive system or a serious sign that indicates the pathological processes taking place in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

People with persistent digestive problems are no doubt interested in the question of how to determine the acidity of the stomach at home. We offer several ways how to determine the acidity of the stomach.

Observing the body

Symptoms of increased and decreased acidity of the stomach can be determined independently, noting the reactions of the digestive system to various stimuli. A careful attitude to one's own organism allows us to identify the diseases associated with the change in the level of hydrochloric acid, at the initial stage. Signs of increased acidity are:

• heartburn;
• belching with sour taste;
• pain in the epigastric region;
• constipation;
• red tongue, coated with white bloom;
• general weakness.

Reduced acidity can be suspected on the basis of the following symptoms:

• indigestion;
• eructation with a rotten smell;
• decreased appetite;
• alternation of constipation and diarrhea;
• presence of undigested food residues in stool;
• nausea after eating;
• discomfort in the abdomen (grumbling, flatulence);
• pain in the umbilical zone;
• dry mouth;
• anemia ;
• deterioration of the skin, hair and nails.

Food preferences

An increased level of acid is observed in lovers of sour, fatty, spicy food. Often, gastritis caused by excessive production of hydrochloric acid, is diagnosed in smokers and alcohol abusers, as well as lovers of strong black coffee.

Testing with litmus paper

In case of the decision of a question how to learn or find out acidity of a stomach in house conditions, experts recommend to use litmus paper. Approximately one hour before a meal, a litmus slice is put on the tongue, after which the strip is removed and the acidity level is determined by its color, comparing with the attached scale. The results can be as follows:

1. The color of the paper remained unchanged or changed little (scores from 6.6 to 7.0) - the level of acidity is normal.
2. Paper colored in pink (red) color (indicators less than 6.0) - acidity increased.
3. The paper turned blue (more than 7.0) - the acidity of the stomach is lowered.

Attention! To obtain reliable information, the test procedure with a litmus strip should be repeated several times.

Testing with products

For a simple test, you need two products - lemon and baking soda:

1. In half a glass of water, dissolve 2.5 g of soda and in the morning drink the solution on an empty stomach. An eructation indicates that the acidity is normal. The absence of belching indicates a change in the level of acidity of the stomach.
2. Cut a slice of lemon, eat it. For those who have low acidity, the lemon seems pleasant to the taste, and people with high acidity feel the taste of citrus excessively acidic.

The elevated level of acidity is also signaled by:

• heartburn after taking millet porridge with butter;
• pain in the esophagus and metallic taste in the mouth , which appear after fasting sour juice, for example, apple juice.

Important! Do not get involved in self-diagnosis and self-treatment! If you have any health problems, contact a specialist for assistance.