The Riordan Clinic provides preventative programs and tools for better self-care. Click on your program of interest to view relevant information.
The digestive process takes place as food passes through the mouth, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. One of the most important parts of digestion occurs in the stomach, where gastric (stomach) acid helps break down proteins for further digestion in the small intestine.
A large number of people have very little or no hydrochloric acid in their stomachs. On the opposite end of the spectrum some people can have excessive amounts of hydrochloric acid in their stomachs. The presence of hydrochloric acid and pepsin in the stomach is essential to initiate digestion of foods that we eat. In either case too much/too little hydrochloric acid can cause problems such as mal-absorption and reduced immunity can result. The Heidelberg test is a unique gastrointestinal (GI) functional test that reveals the patient’s stomach acid at various points during the procedure.
Prior to the test you must be NPO (nothing by mouth) for 12 hours and must have not taken any pH blockers (such as Prilosec) for a minimum of 4 days prior to the test. You will be asked to swallow a tethered capsule. A telemetry medallion is then placed around your neck, resting over the stomach area, for the remainder of the test. The capsule is monitored via the medallion, and information is sent to the computer screen.
The test can take from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on your specific physiology. If you’re experiencing digestive problems that are interfering with your overall health and well-being fill out the patient application and make an appointment with a Riordan Clinic doctor today.
Patient Testimonial
While I have shown very slow but steady improvement since first coming to the Riordan Clinic in 1996, the information gained from the Heidelberg was key to my showing a leap of improvement. While my clinical picture points toward my gastric acid being alkaline, this relatively inexpensive test was well worth the minor inconvenience and discomfort as I am in part, markedly acidic. The treatment for my condition (taking an inexpensive alkaline solution) has been well worth it! My digestive problems showed rapid and clear improvement, plus my absorption of essential minerals has improved as well!” -Elaine
