Heidelberg pH Capsule Test

Do you have:

  • Heartburn or Acid Indigestion
  • Acid Reflux or Burping
  • GERD or Barrett's Esophagus
  • Excess Bloating or Difficulty Emptying Stomach
  • Abdominal Discomfort or Stomach Cramps
  • Excess Flatus or Gas
  • Difficulty Swallowing
  • Nausea, Diarrhea or Constipation
  • Change in Appetite or Weight Trouble
  • Fatique or Malaise
  • Ulcer Disease or H. Pylori Infection
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

....Then you need to know your Stomach pH

How does the Heidelberg pH Capsule System work?

The Heidelberg pH Capsule (measures 7.1 x 15.4 mm) is a high-frequency transmitter, encapsulated within a Polyacrylate (plastic) Capsule, which when activated with Saline and swallowed, instantly displays the pH.

The Heidelberg pH Capsule is NOT Radioactive. The miniature transmitter continuously transmits the pH values from the gastrointestinal tract, and are displayed on the computer screen.

The Heidelberg pH Capsule eliminates the need for the “Stomach Tube" to determine pH. It provides Dr Deol with vital pH data of your GI tract, as well stomach empting time.

The appropriate treatment, based on your gastric pH information (pH Gastrogram) can be instituted instead of blindly using an “Acid-Blocking Drug” forever.

IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING STOMACH PH

It is critical for your doctor to know the pH of your stomach. Mal-absorption, stomach gas, belching, bloating, flatulence and irritable bowels can be dealt with much easier by your doctor when he knows the pH levels of both your stomach and small intestine. The Heidelberg test provides this information and more.

Almost 30% people over the age of 60 have very little or no hydrochloric acid (Hypochlorhydria) in their stomachs.  Lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach interferes with digestion of proteins and sterilization of the food.

If the stomach pH is above 4.5, food is dumped out of stomach quickly resulting in incomplete digestion. Acid blocking medicines prevent the stomach from producing adequate acid and can cause long term digestive problems.

Stomach contents empty when the pH is raised to around 4.5 by the pancreatic juices. If there is excess acid in stomach or hyperacidity, then stomach emptying is delayed. This is a common problem.

Heidelberg test

This pH Gastrogram (after swallowing of pH Capsule) reveals a normal fasting-acid of 2.0. On giving an alkaline challenge (5 cc sodium bicarbonate), the pH rises to 7.0 to 8.0. It then returns to normal pH of 2.0 in ~ 20 minutes. Repeat challenge takes longer to return to baseline.

pH Capsule in Stomach
The GI Tract

The Importance of pH in Gastrointestinal Health

The sight and smell of food stimulates saliva in the mouth.  Saliva contains an enzyme, called amylase, which mixes with the food. All starches need to be split into simple sugars by amylase before being utilized by the body. More amylase is provided by the pancreas in the duodenum. Different enzymes are needed and produced in different part of the GI tract.

The esophagus (food pipe) is approximately 9 inches long tube, and empties into the stomach.

The stomach measures approximately 6 to 8 inches in length by 3 to 4 inches in width. Stomach contains hydrochloric acid, pepsin, mucin and the intrinsic factor, which is necessary to absorb Vitamin B-12.

The acid in stomach is essential to sterilize the food, and along with pepsin initiates digestion. Stomach acid helps in break down of meats, cheese, fish, other fats and proteins.  Acid helps pepsin to change proteins into amino acids. The normal pH of stomach is ~ 2.0 or less and is needed for proper digestion.

The duodenum is a segment of the small intestine, which extends 7 inches beyond the stomach. 

The small intestine of an adult is a muscular tube, which is approximately 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter, but it is 20 to 22 feet long! The normal pH of the small intestine is 7.0 (neutral) to 9.0 (alkaline). 

Bile from liver and pancreatin from the pancreas need this neutral-to-alkaline condition in order to work properly in the breakdown of fats and converting proteins to amino acids. The pancreatic juices secrete Sodium and Potassium Bicarbonate in 2:1 ratio to neutralize the acid in the stomach.

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