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Gut health test: 1-minute test that can tell how healthy is your gut

Gut health test: 1-minute test that can tell how healthy is your gut

TOI Lifestyle Desk / etimes.in / Updated: Mar 16, 2025, 10:21 IST

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Digital creator Tanya Malik Chawla suggests a one-minute baking soda test to assess stomach acidity levels. She claims that low stomach acid, not excess acid, might cause food to remain undigested, leading to acid reflux and other gut issues. This method is a popular home test but not a standardized diagnostic tool.

Gut health test: 1-minute test that can tell how healthy is your gut

Your gut health is what makes or breaks your overall health. All diseases start in the gut. Therefore, taking care of the gut flora is essential to staying disease-free. While most of us believe that our gut is in its perfect shape, we often tend to oversee the indicators. But what if we introduce you to a gut health test to determine how well your gut is functioning? Try this 1-minute test that can tell how healthy is your gut

How to start the gut health test?

Digital creator and "biohacker" Tanya Malik Chawla proposed a one-minute baking soda test on Instagram to determine acidity levels, challenging the common belief that excess stomach acid causes acidity problems. She suggests the test involves mixing baking soda with water on an empty stomach, using the time taken to burp as an indicator of stomach acid levels. The baking soda test works by combining baking soda (an alkali) with stomach acid to produce carbon dioxide gas, which leads to burping. To determine if someone has low stomach acid, measure how long it takes them to burp. This test is a popular home method for assessing stomach acid production.

“The gut is at the center of our health. Healing your gut is the first step for optimising health and healthspan," said Chawla in her Instagram reel. Chawla claims that low stomach acid, rather than excess acid, causes food to remain undigested in the gut, leading to fermentation and acid reflux (GERD).

How does stomach acid react with soda?

Our stomach produces hydrochloric acid that breaks down food with other digestive enzymes. Many people experience acidity due to excess acid production, which is why antacids are commonly prescribed. However, insufficient stomach acid can also impact digestion and nutrient absorption, affecting gut health. Burping can occur for multiple reasons, including low or high stomach acid, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), eating too quickly, or swallowing too much air.

Is this gut health test accurate?

This is not a widely accepted, standardized diagnostic test. Some people with digestive issues burp even before eating, making it difficult to determine whether burping is caused by the baking soda or pre-existing conditions.

Stomach acid levels vary among individuals and fluctuate throughout the day, making it challenging to draw conclusions based solely on burping. Consulting a doctor about symptoms for determining stomach acid levels. Medical professionals may suggest tests like the Heidelberg pH test for accurate assessment.

Other signs of an unhealthy gut

While the baking soda test offers a quick way to gauge stomach acid levels, gut health issues often manifest in other ways. Symptoms like bloating, irregular bowel movements, persistent fatigue, skin problems, and unexplained food intolerances can all indicate an imbalance in gut flora. Stress, poor diet, frequent antibiotic use, and lack of sleep can negatively impact gut health, leading to digestive discomfort and weakened immunity. Addressing these concerns with a fiber-rich diet, probiotics, hydration, and mindful eating habits can significantly improve gut function and overall well-being.

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About the Author

TOI Lifestyle Desk

The TOI Lifestyle Desk is a dynamic team of dedicated journalists who, with unwavering passion and commitment, sift through the pulse of the nation to curate a vibrant tapestry of lifestyle news for The Times of India readers. At the TOI Lifestyle Desk, we go beyond the obvious, delving into the extraordinary. Consider us your lifestyle companion, providing a daily dose of inspiration and information. Whether you're seeking the latest fashion trends, travel escapades, culinary delights, or wellness tips, the TOI Lifestyle Desk is your one-stop destination for an enriching lifestyle experience.

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