Checking the stomach’s reaction to certain foods is one of the most common household methods to assess potential digestive disorders. One such home test suggests observing how one feels after having a breakfast of millet porridge with a small amount of butter or ghee.
This method is not intended for precise acidity diagnosis but is sometimes used as a guideline.
The essence of the test
The test is conducted on an empty stomach. It is recommended to prepare a small portion of millet porridge and add a piece of butter or ghee to it.
After such a breakfast, it is important to note whether heartburn or other discomfort occurs in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
The occurrence of heartburn after such a breakfast is interpreted as a sign of increased acidity.
It is believed that the combination of millet porridge and fats stimulates the secretion of gastric juice. If acidity is elevated, such foods can cause burning or discomfort due to acid entering the esophagus.
Why this test does not work
Heartburn does not reflect the level of acidity. Heartburn is a result of the contents of the stomach being thrown back into the esophagus. It occurs due to a weak sphincter, increased pressure in the stomach, inflammation of the mucosa, and other factors.
Even with low acidity, reflux can occur, which will feel like heartburn.
Fats relax the esophageal sphincter. Butter and ghee can temporarily lower the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter. This increases the likelihood of heartburn regardless of the level of hydrochloric acid.
Millet porridge is hard to digest. Millet contains coarse fiber and complex carbohydrates that can cause heaviness and fermentation. This leads to increased pressure in the stomach and contributes to the contents being pushed upwards.
Individual sensitivity of the gastrointestinal tract. In cases of gastritis, biliary dyskinesia, delayed gastric motility, or changes in microbiota, the reaction to porridge with butter will differ and is not directly related to acidity.
What this test may indicate
The test may only make sense as an observation: if the reaction occurs regularly and is associated with other symptoms — heaviness, bloating, bad breath, protein digestion issues.
In this case, one might suspect problems with motility, inflammation of the stomach, or sphincter function — but not draw conclusions about acidity.
