Gastric acid, or simply called stomach acid, is a digestive liquid that contains hydrochloric acid. Stomach acid works to digest foods you eat. At the same time, it also helps kill harmful bacteria that enter your system. While there needs to be an acidic environment in your stomach, too much acid in stomach can lead to hyperacidity. The condition decreases the pH level in your stomach and can cause several complications.
Excessive acid production encourages the production of gas that will accumulate in your stomach, causing issues such as flatulence and stomach pain. These symptoms may be mild but are usually serious enough to keep you uncomfortable all the time. Some other mild symptoms include belching, bloating, and heartburn.
Also called gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux refers to a condition in which the stomach acid moves up the esophagus. You are more likely to experience acid reflux when you have more acid and food content in your stomach. Symptoms include flatulence, bloating, abdominal pain, etc.
Be sure to seek medical attention because the acid can cause corrosion of the esophagus, which increases your risk of ulceration.
Too much acid in stomach can cause gastric ulcers. You get these ulcers when too much acid damages the lining of the stomach. If left untreated, these ulcers can lead to bleeding and perforation of the stomach. You may have to deal with life-threatening complications when the stomach content starts leaking into your abdominal cavity. Immediate medical attention is necessary in this case.
Note: Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any of the aforementioned symptoms and signs. Timely medical attention can help prevent serious complications.
Here are some of the most common causes:
When you have too much acid in your stomach, the best thing is to see your doctor for advice. You can also try some home remedies.
Eating bananas may help decrease stomach acid mainly because they are rich in potassium. Certain components in bananas can help produce mucus in your stomach, and this can protect your stomach linings.
Directions:
Simply get a ripe banana and eat it for relief. Opt for an overripe bananas to deal with a bad bout of acidity as they contain more potassium.
Eating clove helps limit the production of stomach acid mainly because it promotes the secretion of saliva which helps neutralize stomach acid. Clove also helps promote better digestion of food.
Directions:
Take a clove, bite on it, and let its juice stay in your mouth for a while. This will offer immediate relief.
Regular consumption of ginger keeps your digestive system in a perfect condition. It also helps absorb and assimilate essential nutrients. Ginger is especially beneficial against stomach ulcers as it promotes mucus secretion.
Directions:
Take a small piece of ginger and chew it for some time. You can also make a cup of ginger tea and drink it for relief.
Basil leaves have carminative and soothing effects on your system. This is the reason why they offer quick relief from gas, acidity, and nausea.
Directions:
Cinnamon is great for the health of your digestive system mainly because it acts as an antacid. It is extremely effective against bloating and flatulence.
Directions:
Take a cup of water and dissolve a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in it. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it steep for a few minutes. Drink it thrice a day for relief.
The presence of lactic acid makes buttermilk an effective home remedy for acidity.
Directions:
Simply drink plain buttermilk thrice a day until you get relief. You can also add a teaspoon of ground coriander leaves or a little black pepper to buttermilk for quick relief.