Heartburn uncovered

Heartburn and acid reflux is a really common complaint and one I suffered from before I discovered Ayurveda. Traditionally we're told that it comes from too much stomach acid, but sometimes it comes from too LITTLE stomach acid. In these cases, due to the low amount of acid in the stomach, when you eat, the food and acid can linger there and irritate your stomach. How do you know if you suffer from too much or too little stomach acid?

TOO MUCH ACID: mix 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in a cup of water and drink before a meal. If you feel relief from the baking soda (which is extremely alkaline) then you have too much acid.

TOO LITTLE ACID: mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (preferably ACV with mother*) and drink it before a meal. If you feel relief, you have too little acid.

*the mother in ACV are strands of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria (and they also give the product a murky appearance)