This is a more formal way of testing for low stomach acids. Here are the steps:
Purchase HCL Betaine capsules or tablets, preferably 500 mg or 650 mg (10 grains).
Day One
Immediately upon waking, take one dose. Wait at least an hour before taking any other supplements, wait 30 minutes before eating breakfast. See if you experience burning pain within those 30 minutes. If you do not, go on to step two, day two. If you do, then you are not low in stomach acids and need only follow the digestive guidelines and perhaps use a tad bit of lemon or vinegar with your larger meals, take fiber shakes for a few days, and avoid sulphur veggies for a week (onions, cabbage, garlic).
If you feel pain but it is more than 30 minutes since you took the dose and you simply did not eat any breakfast, this pain does not count. You should eat breakfast or at least drink milk to counter-act the acids after 30 minutes or you may feel pain even if you are really deficient.
Day Two
Same as day before but take 2 doses this time. See if you experience burning pain. If you do, 1 pill is the proper dose for you. If you do not, go on to step 3, day 3.
Day Three
Same as before but now take 3 doses. See if you experience burning pain. If you do, 2 pills is your correct dose. Stop here, more than 3 pills is not a safe dose. See a physician for a more advanced test.
Do not do this test while taking antacids, aspirin, Aleve, ibuprofen, Midol. Tylenol is okay.
See also > How to Incrase Stomach Acid & Symptoms of Low Stomach Acids