HomeHealth articleshyperacidityHyperacidity - a Common and Ignored Evil

Hyperacidity - a Common and Ignored Evil

Verified dataVerified data
0
Hyperacidity - a Common and Ignored Evil

4 min read

Share

The inflammation of the stomach lining by any bacterial infections or lifestyle habits is called hyperacidity. Read the below article to know more about it.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At May 29, 2020
Reviewed AtNovember 28, 2022

Introduction:

One of the most common and frequent complaints that most people encounter is acidity. Many patients get confused with the two words; common and normal. They are not the same. Though common, it is in no way normal and should never be taken lightly, as it is, in most cases, a root cause of major illnesses. Let's first understand the term.

What Is Hyperacidity?

The medical term for acidity is hyperchlorhydria or hyperacidity. In this condition, there is increased secretion of HCl (hydrochloric acid) in the stomach than the normal levels produced as a part of the digestive process. When the body requires energy, or when it is time for lunch or dinner, the stomach cells start secreting this HCl, causing hunger. But, in case of hyperacidity, the increased secretion of HCl irritates the stomach’s inner layer (mucous membrane) and regurgitates to the food pipe (esophagus). This regurgitation is called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). It is often called heartburn, as it irritates the region of the heart.

What Causes Hyperacidity?

The exact cause of hyperacidity is not known, but it is linked with some factors, such as:

  1. Stress.

  2. Tension.

  3. Irregular eating habits.

  4. The wrong type of diet.

  5. Sedentary lifestyle.

  6. Smoking.

  7. Alcohol.

  8. Highly spiced food.

  9. Infection with Helicobacter pylori.

There is also a slight hereditary predisposition to this condition.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Hyperacidity?

Regurgitation of the acid in the reverse direction leads to:

  • Burning in the chest, the stomach region, and sometimes the entire abdomen.

  • Sour taste in the mouth.

  • Sour eructation.

  • Bad breath.

  • Uneasiness, especially while lying down at night.

What Are the Complications of Hyperacidity?

The following are some conditions of acidity:

  • There are two extremes of complications: Patients who just have heartburn mistake it for a heart attack and keep visiting the hospital to get a check-up, and on the other end, those patients who actually need emergency cardiac support consider it just as heartburn and try to treat themselves with over-the-counter prescriptions of antacids.

  • In cases where there is no previous history of such symptoms, or when it lasts longer than usual, or when there are other associated complaints like the feeling of uneasiness, difficulty in breathing, chest palpitation, pain radiating to the other parts like to hands or lower jaws, etc., they can be indications of a heart attack. Also, when it is too frequent or causes considerable loss of productive hours, one must seek medical advice and refrain from experimenting with home remedies and over-the-counter medications.

  • Patients who suffer from GERD are at higher risk of developing cancer in the upper gastrointestinal tract. It is ranked as one of the highest reasons for mortality at an early age. Cancer is believed to be produced by a chronic injury to a part by any irritants like the reflux of the acids in the esophagus. Early treatment can save patients from it.

  • Chronic (long-term) hyperacidity can irritate the digestive tract, including the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. This can result in ulcers, which are a cause of severe pain on a daily basis. It is termed gastric and peptic ulcer or acid-peptic disease. However, this is not the end. If the ulcers are not taken care of, they can result in perforation also.

How Is Hyperacidity Treated?

Usually, patients suffering from hyperacidity have to take medicines for a longer time. Say three to four months, after which they can stop, only to have it resumed after a short time. Remaining dependent on medicines will not allow enjoying food and life. It is in no sense an enjoyment. In the next section, the preventive measures mentioned can help in avoiding the occurrence of hyperacidity.

What Are the Preventive Tips for Hyperacidity?

Most patients fail to appreciate the severity of the matter. So, here are some easy ways to escape this evil:

  • Regulate the Time Table - The human body’s physiology tends to adjust its biological clock according to the person’s regular routine. Most of them feel hungry at regular intervals because the body has been accustomed to such a manner. When people do not maintain that regularity in their diet, the biological clock goes haywire and produces acids excessively. If they do not take food while the stomach is filled with acids, the acids can damage the mucous membrane, ultimately leading to ulcer formation.

  • Take Moderately Spicy Food - Excess spices can irritate and aggravate the condition, but they may not be the cause.

  • Avoid Lying Down Just After Heavy Meals - As the stomach takes at least one to one and half hours to empty the contents after the meal, if people lie down during this time, it will cause regurgitation of the food in the food pipe and irritates them. Instead, take a ten-minute walk and then sit in an erect position. After one and a half or two hours of a meal, people can lie down in the right lateral position to facilitate emptying stomach contents into the intestines.

  • Avoid Taking Medicines as Soon as You Have Heartburn - Instead of taking medicines immediately, take lots of water to dilute the stomach acids. And make the necessary changes in their routine as suggested above.

  • The Psychological State of the Person - Stress, tension, anxiety, fear, sadness, and negative emotions can harm a person's psychological and physical health, is a scientifically proven fact. But advising an anxious or sad person does not solve the problem. If these are the results of some adverse conditions in life, the only solution is to correct them. It requires proper treatment if this is a part of a psychological illness.

  • Exercise Regularly - Regular practice of yoga or exercise helps improve physical and mental health.

  • Chronic Diseases - Patients who suffer from diseases like hypertension, diabetes, or other chronic conditions should get their routine check-ups and never underestimate the appearance of a new normal or common symptom.

Other than these tips, some homeopathic medicines like Nux Vomica, Robinia, Iris Versicolor, Natrum Phos, Carbo Veg, and Lycopodium are beneficial if matched correctly. Do not self-medicate, no matter how trivial the complaints are.

Conclusion:

Hyperacidity is one of the common conditions seen in society. It is seen in all classes, ages, and communities. Proper homeopathy treatment can treat the causes of hyperacidity and improve the acidity symptoms very effectively and rapidly than any other therapy. Moreover, it leads to an actual cure rather than a temporary suppression of symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

How Is Hyperacidity Presented?

Hyperacidity is a prevalent condition characterized by abdominal discomfort after eating food due to the excessive acid production inside the stomach. Nausea, vomiting, burning sensation in the breastbone area, blenching, gassiness, food aversion, and abdominal distention are the symptoms of hyperacidity.

2.

Can Milk Be Taken for Acidity?

Milk helps fight against acidity, and in specific, a glass of cold milk without any additives like sugar absorbs the acid formed in the stomach. It thereby alleviates the symptoms of hyperacidity like reflux or burning sensation.

3.

Can We Take Hot Water for Hyperacidity?

A cup of warm water helps clear out the toxins present in the body, break down the foods, and energize the digestive system. Therefore, a cup of warm water helps provide relief from hyperacidity.

4.

What Are the Foods That Cause Hyperacidity?

- Black pepper.
- Garlic.
- Alcohol and, in particular, red wine.
- Raw onions.
- Spicy foods.
- Citrus fruits.
- Chocolate.
- Coffee, tea, beverages, and carbonated drinks.
- Tomatoes,
- Peppermint.

5.

How Can We Diagnose Hyperacidity?

Upper abdominal pain, burning sensation in the stomach, chest, and throat, belching, nausea, vomiting, sour taste in the mouth, and abdominal bloating are the signs that help in diagnosing hyperacidity. In addition to this, the esophageal pH test helps analyze the acid level in the stomach over 24 hours.

6.

How Can Hyperacidity Be Cured?

Hyperacidity can be cured by following the below.
- Eat frequent small meals.
- Avoid foods that induce acid production and carbonated beverages.
- Do not have a nap after lunch.
- Avoid late-night snacking.
- Keep the head in a slightly raised position while sleeping.
- Lose weight.
- Avoid smoking.

7.

What Is the Primary Cause for Hyperacidity?

Poor and sedentary lifestyle, lying down soon after lunch, eating late at night, smoking, and eating heavy meals are the most common causes of hyperacidity.

8.

Which Medicine Best Treats Hyperacidity?

Proton-pump inhibitors like Esomeprazole, Omeprazole, and Lansoprazole and acid reducers like Cimetidine, Famotidine, and Nizatidine are the drugs that help treat hyperacidity.

9.

Can We Consume Lemon Water With Hyperacidity?

Despite being acidic, a small amount of lemon mixed with water has an alkalizing effect and helps in neutralizing the effect of acid in the stomach.

10.

How Can We Rapidly Treat Hyperacidity At Home?

Chewing two to three tulsi leaves, drinking ginger tea, having a glass of cold milk, cumin seeds, and a cup of mint tea help relieve hyperacidity at home.

11.

Which Is the Most Reliable Drink for Hyperacidity?

Coconut water, cold milk, herbal tea, water, fresh fruit juices, and smoothies help provide relief from hyperacidity.
Source Article IclonSourcesSource Article Arrow
Dr. Jayvirsinh Indrasinh Chauhan
Dr. Jayvirsinh Indrasinh Chauhan

Homeopathy

Tags:

hyperacidity
Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Source Article ArrowMost popular articles

Do you have a question on

hyperacidity

Ask a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: Native Care is not aimed to replace the services of your treating physician or allopathy medicines. Our site's information is to those who are willing to take responsibility for their health, being fully aware that the content published herein would not qualify as a prescription or specific medical advice. If users use the information and stop prescribed medication without their physician's consent, they bear full responsibility for their actions, and iCliniq-Native Care bears no responsibility for the same. Information on Native Care should not be misinterpreted as a cure for any illness, as our body is complex and everyone reacts differently.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy