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Indicators of excessive formation of gastric juice and a change in the natural acid-base environment of the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract - this is what the increased acidity of the stomach is, normal indicators of which depend on the neutralization of hydrochloric acid with alkaline protective compounds and are determined in a pH value from 7.2 to 8.

The normal release of hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin ensures complete digestion, breakdown of food, and has a bactericidal effect in the gastrointestinal tract.

Pain in the abdomen, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, heartburn and belching are the first characteristic signs of high acidity, which lead to pathological changes, serious consequences such as gastritis, pancreatitis, anorexia, the development of bacteria, viruses, diabetes mellitus, reflux esophagitis, problems of the biliary system ...

Most often, obvious problems associated with dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract are found in young people, as well as in pregnant women.

What provokes a change in the normal indicator of gastric juice, and what are the main causes of increased acidity of the stomach are observed:

1. improper nutrition. Too spicy seasonings and sauces, fatty foods, sour foods, canned foods and marinades;
2. medications;
3. Helicobacter pylori, Helicobacter pylori;
4. food poisoning;
5. gastritis;
6. duodenal ulcer;
7. endocrine system disorders;
8. cardiovascular disease, rheumatism;
9. oncological neoplasms, cancer;
10. alcohol and smoking;
11. hereditary predisposition.

Do not forget about the environmental situation and the penetration of low-quality food products with GMO mark on the shelves of stores, supermarkets and markets, in the manufacture of which genetically modified organisms were used.

How to tell if your stomach is acidic

You can independently find out that there are digestive problems without a doctor, at home.

Especially characteristic symptoms of high acidity clearly manifest themselves after eating:

• belching with bitterness;
• heartburn;
• intestinal obstruction and constipation;
• loose frequent stools, diarrhea;
• bloating, flatulence;
• a feeling of heaviness in the stomach;
• bouts of acute pain and tingling in the abdomen;
• nausea, vomiting.

All these unpleasant indicators of high acidity provoke a decrease in appetite or its complete absence in the future, which will lead to a decrease in body weight, nervous disorders and apathy, and general weakness. In rare cases, anorexia.

Acidification foods

To avoid digestive problems, you need to constantly monitor your diet.

A large number of foods that we eat every day can provoke and increase the intensity of the production of gastric juice and hydrochloric acid:

1. Tea coffee;
2. garlic, onions, vinegar, spices, seasonings;
3. apples;
4. black bread;
5. citrus;
6. fried, smoked foods;
7. carbonated sweet drinks;
8. raw vegetables;
9. fast food.

The result of the habitual ingestion of the above ingredients is a high excess acidity of the stomach. Tasty, but unhealthy food in large quantities impairs the work of the gastrointestinal tract and biliary system.

Diet with high acidity

It is not worthwhile to completely abandon the usual daily food, to observe a strict dietary restriction. There are many acceptable foods that can help normalize and support the digestive system.

The high acidity of your stomach requires monitoring and a special, specialized menu for a week.

Monday:

• breakfast. Rice porridge cooked in milk. Tea with sugar;
• snack. Avocado or soft-boiled egg;
• dinner. Oatmeal soup, steamed cutlets, compote;
• dinner. Steamed fish. Kissel.

• breakfast. Buckwheat in milk, weak tea;
• snack. Rusks, boiled milk;
• dinner. Vegetable soup, cottage cheese pancakes;
• dinner. Vareniki. Kissel

• breakfast. Hercules porridge, a glass of kefir;
• snack. Oven baked apple;
• dinner. Barley porridge, boiled veal with vegetables, carrot juice;
• dinner. Rosehip tea, boiled potatoes.

• breakfast. Low-fat cottage cheese with sour cream, compote;
• snack. Pear, marshmallow, weak tea with sugar;
• dinner. Steamed fish, cauliflower soup;
• dinner. Pasta, compote.

• breakfast. Hard-boiled egg, bread;
• snack. Apple soufflé;
• dinner. Rice milk soup, steamed chicken cutlets;
• dinner. Beef meatballs.

• breakfast. Tea with honey, cottage cheese casserole;
• snack. Fruit jelly, jelly;
• dinner. Cucumber salad, mashed potatoes;
• dinner. Lazy dumplings, fresh compote.

Sunday:

• breakfast. Semolina porridge, weak coffee with milk;
• snack. Banana, marshmallow;
• Dinner. Oatmeal with natural honey. Herbal tea
• Dinner. Boiled or steamed skinless chicken breast, vegetable puree.

If you adhere to an approximately compiled menu, the level of gastric juice in the stomach will not increase. This is the most gentle nutritious diet available to everyone.

Treatment of gastritis with high acidity

Drug therapy with the use of active ingredients acting directly on the production and maintenance of normal acidity should be carried out and prescribed only by a specialist. It is very important to follow the exact instructions for the dosage of medicines and the duration of the course of administration.

If the acidity of the stomach is increased, it is necessary to use drugs:

• "Ranitidine". Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Reduces the symptoms characteristic of duodenal ulcers, prevents the increased acidity of gastric juice from entering the respiratory tract. The daily dosage is from 150 to 300 mg at night. The duration of the course is 4-8 weeks;
• Omeprazole. Reduces acid production. In case of ulcerative lesions of the duodenum, it normalizes the pH level for 17 hours after taking the drug. Resists the activity of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. One-time daily intake - 20 - 40 mg;
• Almagel. Changes the pH level to the alkaline side. Daily intake - 1-2 scoops 3-4 times. When the condition improves, the amount is reduced to 1 scoop 3 times a day;
• "Motilium". Blocks unpleasant sensations such as hiccups, belching, flatulence, heartburn, vomiting and nausea caused by disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract. Reception per day should not exceed 10 - 20 mg before meals. The maximum reception is 3-4 times;
• Maalox. Eliminates symptoms like heartburn, belching, an effective remedy for ulcerative lesions of the duodenum. Dosage per day is not more than 6 sachets. Recommended for use at the onset of symptoms and at bedtime;
• "Phosphalugel". Prescribed for disorders of digestion, diarrhea caused by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and intoxication with acids, ethanol and alkalis. Daily intake - 1-2 packages 3 times;
• "Kvamatel". Has an active effect on indigestion. Eliminates nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn. Prevents hyperacidity of gastric juice, acidity increase. With exacerbations, the dosage per day is from 0.8 to 0.16 grams before bedtime;
• "Gastal". Sorbent, anesthetic drug. Reduces the activity of the production of gastric juice. An effective remedy for gastritis, pancreatitis, duodenal ulcer. Daily intake - 1-2 tablets. Recommended to be taken 2 hours after meals and before bedtime. The maximum single dosage is 3-4 tablets.

It is possible to change the amount of daily prescription of active ingredients. During treatment, it is necessary to avoid stressful situations, bad habits and negative factors.

Alternative treatment of high acidity

You can supplement drug therapy with folk remedies.

Homeopathic treatment is widely used with the use of medicinal plants and herbs for increased gastric acidity:

• sage. Prepared from 2-3 tablespoons of dry composition and 2 glasses of boiling water. Take ½ glass 4 times a day;
• aloe. Squeeze a teaspoon of juice into a glass of warm water and drink. Acts instantly and eliminates heartburn;
• mint leaves. Pour a small pinch of dry composition into ½ cup boiling water. Cool to room temperature. Daily intake - 2-3 teaspoons 3 times;
• chamomile. Dry plant - 2 teaspoons, a glass of boiling water. Cool, strain and drink 25 minutes before the intended meal;
• sea ​​buckthorn oil. It is advisable to drink a tablespoon in the morning;
• celery. Take fresh pounded root in a tablespoon before meals;
• oregano A tablespoon of a dry plant is insisted in a glass of hot boiled water
• Brew a glass of dry composition in 0.5 liters of milk. Take cooked porridge for breakfast.

It is very important to first consult with the treating specialist. With a combination of certain drugs and tinctures, an acidity-increasing reverse effect or allergic reactions is possible.

How to lower stomach acidity at home

Common ingredients from the refrigerator will be safe to help normalize gastric acid production.

In addition to diet, acid-lowering foods and combinations of food additives can be used daily:

1. carrot, cabbage, potato juice. Drink freshly prepared nectar ½ cup daily. Course duration - 10 days;
2. mummy and milk. Boil and cool the dairy product in advance, add 1 gram of medicine. Reception per day - 3 times, 200 ml. Course duration - 1 month;
3. honey. Prepare a composition of 100 grams of natural honey and 0.5 liters of warm water. It is advisable to take a glass before meals. Recommended for people with diseases such as gastritis and gastric ulcer;
4. pumpkin. Use in food to lower the acidity of the stomach in a boiled or baked form. Daily dosage - half an hour before breakfast, lunch and dinner from 30 to 150 grams;
5. mineral water. In case of an exacerbation, it is enough to drink a glass;
6. plums. The daily amount should not exceed 200 grams;
7. baking soda. Pour ¼ teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of warm boiled water. Drink in one gulp. Use only for severe bouts of heartburn. You can't drink often.

Observe the correct regimen of food intake - at least 6 times a day, chew well, take your time. Be sure to monitor the condition of the gastrointestinal tract and your feelings. If necessary, consult a specialist gastroenterologist.

The composition of the gastric juice of a person certainly includes hydrochloric acid. Thanks to her, a full-fledged process of food digestion takes place. But sometimes its amount rises sharply, which leads to the appearance of diseases such as gastritis or ulcers. Therefore, as soon as you notice symptoms of increased gastric acidity, you must immediately begin treatment.

Causes of the appearance of increased acidity of the stomach

Experts managed to identify several main reasons for the appearance of such a disease:

• Bad habits. An increase in the concentration of acid in the composition of gastric juice is often provoked by smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Improper nutrition. The presence of a large number of spicy, fatty or overly hot foods in the diet can provoke the appearance of the disease. Often, people who eat fast food and smoked foods suffer from increased stomach acidity.
• Long-term use of certain medications. As a rule, an increase in acid concentration is caused by many hormonal drugs, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin and some others.
• The presence of endocrine diseases.
• Hereditary factor.
• Frequent stress and nervous strain.

How to recognize this disease?

Symptoms of increased stomach acidity include:

1. Pain in the stomach, which is observed after eating certain foods, such as ice cream, jam and others.
2. A strong burning sensation in the esophagus, which is called heartburn.
3. Belching.
4. Feeling of bloating, even after eating a small amount of food.
5. Frequent constipation or diarrhea.
6. Decreased or unhealthy increase in appetite.
7. Irritability, mood swings.

If you notice such symptoms in yourself, you should immediately consult a doctor and undergo a medical examination. This is the only way you can prevent the occurrence of serious diseases.

What foods can trigger an increase in gastric acid concentration?

People who suffer from this disease should know the full list of foods that cause stomach acidity and try to avoid them:

1. All kinds of citrus fruits.

2. Products of animal origin with high fat content.

3. Chocolate and coffee.

4. Dishes with the addition of vinegar.

5. Sour varieties of apples.

6. Tomatoes.

7. Spices.

8. Garlic and onions.

9. Fried foods.

Basic rules of nutrition with increased acidity of the stomach

It will not be possible to get rid of this disease without correcting the diet. Most likely, you will have to completely revise the daily diet and exclude all unhealthy foods from it. In order to normalize the acidity of the stomach, you should adhere to the recommendations:

1. You can only eat warm food. Excessively cold or hot meals are strictly contraindicated.

2. It is necessary to completely exclude from the diet all sour, spicy and excessively fatty foods.

3. It is imperative to eat a variety of soups cooked without frying. It is best if they are vegetable. Puree soups are an excellent option. Meat and fish dishes are best prepared with a double boiler. An ideal breakfast would be oatmeal cooked in water.

4. Occasionally, you can eat cottage cheese and eggs in limited quantities.

5. Completely give up coffee and any carbonated drinks. It is better to give preference to herbal teas or compote made from dried fruits.

Traditional methods of treating high acidity of the stomach

Remember that treatment for this disease can only be started after a complete medical examination and consultation with your doctor. Along with the prescribed drug treatment, alternative methods can also be used:

1. Carrot juice. One glass of this healing drink a day will help to significantly reduce the concentration of acid in gastric juice.

2. Potato juice. It should be drunk in small amounts on an empty stomach or at bedtime. Juice obtained from raw fresh potatoes can be consumed for no more than ten days. You can drink such a drink exclusively freshly prepared, it cannot be stored.

3. Mineral water. It is quite possible to lower the acidity of the stomach by regularly consuming mineral water. To do this, it must be drunk half a glass before each meal. The course of such treatment should ideally be at least 4 weeks. If after eating you still feel the symptoms of the disease, then you can drink another glass of water. It is best to drink mineral water in a slightly warmed state.

4. Honey. Dissolve one hundred grams of bee honey in half a liter of clean warm water. This composition should be taken orally in small amounts before each meal. It should be treated in this way for at least two months. This remedy is especially useful for those who suffer from gastritis and ulcers.

5. Plum. In order to significantly reduce the acidity of the stomach, it is enough to consume 200 grams of fresh plums every day. A similar result is obtained by drinking plum juice.

6. Shilajit. This remedy can now be freely purchased at any pharmacy. It is harmless and at the same time has a lot of useful properties. Dissolve one gram of mummy in a glass of boiled warm milk. Such a remedy must be drunk three times a day half an hour before the next meal. The course of treatment should be four weeks. Then you should take a break for at least ten days. If necessary, the course can be repeated.

7. Sea buckthorn oil. Before using the sea buckthorn oil, it is necessary to place it in cold water for a while and pour this mixture into a hermetically sealed container. Shake the container vigorously for three minutes. Then open the container and collect all the oil from the surface of the water. Sea buckthorn oil prepared in this way should be consumed in a dessert spoon twenty-five minutes before meals three times a day.

8. Cinnamon. Eat two grams of cinnamon twice a day before meals. In addition to reducing acidity, this remedy will help cleanse the kidneys.

You can get rid of this disease with the help of decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants. There are many different recipes, the most effective of which are:

1. Two glasses of boiling water must be poured into four tablespoons of sea buckthorn berries. Let the mixture sit for a while. The prepared broth should be drunk during the day, dividing it into four servings. If the taste of such a decoction seems unpleasant to you, you can add a little honey.

2. Mix the dried cinquefoil, calendula flowers and yarrow in equal amounts. Pour a glass of boiling water over three tablespoons of the prepared composition. Put the mixture on fire and heat. After the composition boils, keep it on fire for another five minutes. Then it should be cooled and filtered. This broth is recommended to be consumed four times a day in small quantities. It is better to warm it up a little before use.

3. Take one tablespoon of yarrow, peppermint and St. John's wort each. Pour the mixture with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for about three hours. This infusion must be consumed in small quantities before meals.

4. A decoction made from yarrow and dill seeds will help to reduce the concentration of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

5. Mix equal amounts of St. John's wort, tansy flowers, valerian, chopped orange peels and marsh cinnamon. Pour one hundred grams of this mixture with a liter of red wine. Insist for three weeks in a dark, warm place. This remedy should be taken two teaspoons before bed.

Using fairly simple and affordable means, you can solve the problem of increased gastric acidity. But remember that self-medication can be dangerous, so be sure to consult with a specialist.

The increase in acidity is called the disease of the XXI century. This is a common human disease. Stressful lifestyles, erratic diets, and irregular eating patterns contribute to increased stomach acidity. High acidity of the stomach is, of course, a serious human disease that needs proper treatment. Below we will consider the causes of acidity, the signs accompanying it and the methods of treatment.

Stress can increase the acidity of your stomach.

Causes of high acidity

Let's find out what normal human acidity means and why it can be disturbed. When you eat, food is broken down to help the body absorb nutrients, which aids the digestion process. Digestion is the process of digesting food in the acidic and alkaline environment of the gastrointestinal tract. The activity of the digestion process depends primarily on the level of acidity in it. At the same time, the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid, which is necessary for the digestion of food. It acts as a stimulatory catalyst such as pepsin and trypsin.

When food enters the digestive tract, the smooth muscles in the stomach contract, preventing the secreted acid from entering the esophagus. In case of violation of effective muscle contraction, acidic gastric juice enters the esophagus, turning the process of digesting food into an aggressive one. This is how hypersecretion of the stomach manifests itself. That is why heartburn, burning sensation, a sore stomach, and an unpleasant aftertaste appear.

There is such a definition as decreased, decreased secretory insufficiency of the stomach. When the stomach, on the contrary, produces an insufficient amount of gastric juice necessary for digestion, the occurrence of secretory (decreased, decreased) gastric insufficiency occurs. Low acidity is dangerous for the body, since low levels of gastric juice do not support the digestion process.

Hypersecretion of the stomach can be caused by a number of reasons. Generally, the causes of increased stomach acidity are divided into two categories. External factors, among them:

• constant stress;
• eating fast foods, fatty heavy foods, irregular meals;
• overeating and snacking;
• smoking;
• alcohol abuse;
• there is a side effect of taking certain medications. Some non-steroidal and hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs ("Analgin", "Ibuprofen") cause excessive secretion of gastric juice and destroy its mucous membrane;
• the consequences of the diet.

Internal, such as:

• chronic diseases of the stomach: with ulcers, gastritis, cancer;
• metabolic disease;
• can often occur in pregnant women.

Diseases with increased acidity of the stomach

An increase in gastric acidity can be an accompanying symptom for the following diseases:

• stomach ulcer;
• gastritis;
• syndrome (cardiac pulp);
• diabetes;
• inflammation of the antrum of the stomach (upper part);
• obesity;
• stones in the kidneys;

Symptoms

The pH of the stomach if the acidity of the stomach is increased, the symptoms are as follows:

• nausea and vomiting after eating;
• dyspnea;
• persistent, prolonged heartburn (especially acutely felt during pregnancy and in children);
• chest pain;
• bloating;
• joint pain;
• dizziness;
• there is a decrease in appetite;
• sometimes there is a persistent feeling of hunger (feeling of unsaturation);
• the occurrence of metabolic disorders;
• stomach pain after eating;
• disruptions of hormonal levels;
• high excitability;
• nervous syndromes;
• there is heaviness in the stomach;
• decreased vitality;
• sour belching that tastes like just eaten food;
• stool disorders;
• aching burning sensation in the stomach.

Treatment

To diagnose the disease, a special outpatient pH-measurement of the esophagus is performed. A pH meter is a test to measure the amount of acid in the esophagus. At a normal acidity level, the pH-metric rate of the stomach is from 7.2 to 8.0. In addition to a pH meter, diagnosis sometimes requires an x-ray of the esophagus, gastrointestinal manometry, endoscopy, and biopsy.

To treat the syndrome and normalize the digestive process, a set of measures is taken that are necessary to neutralize and lower the concentration of gastric juice, including taking medications, pills, special food, and a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes, if the disease progresses and no improvement is observed, increased therapy is required. If you find signs of high acidity in yourself, do not ignore them and, in order to cure them, see your doctor immediately!

Drugs

For enhanced therapy of the syndrome, treatment with antacids and proton pump blockers, which include magnesium, calcium and aluminum, is used. These medications are designed to neutralize large amounts of hydrochloric acid secretion in the esophagus and to treat the accompanying symptoms.

Be careful with medications. Not every medicine can be taken during pregnancy (especially pills).

To reduce the level of secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and bring digestive functions back to normal, the following drugs are prescribed:

• Famotidine;
• Omeprazole (omez);
• Konralok;
• Pantoprazole;
• "Ranitidine".

Although these drugs have neutralizing effects, they are designed to fight acidity, however, these drugs are contraindicated for long-term use, since they have a negative effect on hormones. And the more effectively a drug that reduces acidity heals, the stronger the side effects. In addition, not all products can be taken by pregnant women and children (especially when it comes to pills).

With inflammation of the stomach and in order to secure admission and normalize the amount of secretion of hydrochloric acid, the following drugs and tablets are prescribed:

• Almagel;
• "Phosphalugel";
• "Gastal";
• "Maalox".

In order to normalize the direction of gastric juice and treat pain in the stomach caused by pathology, the following drugs are used:

• "Motilium";
• "Domidon".

Proper nutrition

The basis for the treatment of high acidity in the body, of course, is a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, which will result in the normalization of the digestive process:

• do not eat spicy foods high in spices;
• eat lots of fruits and vegetables. They remove toxins and neutralize and reduce mineral salts;
• food should be fractional and, of course, regular with increased acidity of the stomach;
• the last meal should be a few hours before bedtime.

The diet

Excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid requires the following dietary rules:

• eat regularly, in small portions 5-6 times a day for stomach inflammation;
• do not eat later than 4 hours before bedtime;
• do not eat heavily digested food with increased acidity of the stomach;
• chew food well;
• do not go to bed on a full stomach. Lying down right after a meal can cause stomach acid to move back up the tract instead of going down. As a result, this only contributes to the fact that there is a stimulation of the increase in the level of acidity.

Diet

The food used for gastric acidity is based on food that is sparing for the functions of the gastrointestinal tract. During such a diet, fatty and spicy foods, sausages, pickles, pickles, carbonated drinks, fast foods are excluded from consumption. The basis of the diet is made up of foods that reduce acidity. This can significantly improve the situation:

• Dishes that are high in calcium provide immediate relief from acidity and accompanying pain;
• Drinking small amounts of cold milk after meals can help reduce acidity and overcome heartburn. Hydrochloric acid will be excreted from the body when milk is consumed;
• A pinch of baking soda added to a glass of water provides immediate relief and stimulation to fight heartburn and acidity;
• Sour spices, sauces, vinegar, marinades should be removed from the diet;
• Completely eliminate fast foods, fatty and heavy foods. They can increase acidity as well;
• Eat a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits with increased acidity of the stomach and accompanying pains, ulcers, in order to get rid of heartburn, you can make mashed potatoes and salads from them;
• Avoid vegetables and fruits that increase the secretion of hydrochloric acid; onions, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, citrus fruits. Because of them, as a rule, an increase in acidity occurs;

• The use of mint is useful. It effectively helps to cope with high acidity secretion and heartburn. Its use is especially useful for pregnant women and children;
• Cereal-based cereals, which perform an enveloping function, are perfect: rice, barley, corn, oatmeal;
• The use of honey will be useful. It stimulates the normalization of the gastrointestinal tract, brings it back to normal, and, in addition, honey helps to get rid of irritation of the gastric mucosa. It stimulates the activity of removing acids;
• Bananas are high in potassium. By consuming them daily, you can relieve the symptoms of stomach acidity, signs of illness, and even get rid of them completely;
• Ginger is beneficial in treating digestive problems. However, it is not recommended to use ginger for stomach ulcers;
• It is necessary to remove alcohol, tobacco, carbonated drinks and caffeine from the diet. They irritate the walls of the stomach and contribute to the fact that the concentration of gastric juice increases and even an ulcer appears;
• Food should be at a lower temperature (not hot) while lowering the pH of the body;
• It is necessary to remove from the use of chocolate and pastries;
• Finely grated soups and mashed potatoes that do not cause heartburn and are delicate for the gastrointestinal tract;
• A little (up to 2 tbsp. L.) Vegetable (preferably olive) oil is allowed;
• Opt for low-fat meats to lower the pH;

• Dairy products. Dairy products such as butter, processed cheese, and ice cream are acidic in nature and tend to stimulate acidity. Replace butter with olive oil, exclude cheese products, and replace ice cream with pudding;
• Legumes. The beans are sour in nature. Lentils and olives contribute to the acidity in the stomach. They are especially useful during pregnancy and for children;
• Fruits. Most berries, plums, prunes, currants are acidic in nature and should be avoided if you suffer from stomach acidity and accompanying pain;
• Eat lots of fish and seafood. They are able to normalize the process and functions of digestion;
• And, finally, you need to drink mineral water in case of increased acidity of the human stomach and accompanying pains. It is necessary to drink mineral water about 8-10 glasses a day (the daily norm of water for an adult is about two liters). The benefits of mineral water are invaluable. Ordinary mineral water helps to stimulate the body's fight against pathologies and infections. Take mineral water with you to work and drink it instead of coffee. Mineral water is able to remove toxins and neutralizes mineral salts in the body, has a normalizing effect. However, do not drink it during meals or immediately after meals. In this case, the mineral water will dilute the gastric juice, hinder the normal activity of digestion and eradicate pain in the stomach.

Correct assimilation of food is the key to good health of the body as a whole. For the normal process of digestion, gastric secretion, acidity and composition of gastric juice play a fundamental role. Often, some people are faced with an increase in the production of acid in the stomach, which can manifest itself in the form of heartburn, epigastric pain, "sour" belching. Increased acidity of the stomach: what you need to know about this phenomenon? In this article, we will try to answer as much as possible all the questions that arise about increased acidity in the stomach.

ICD-10 code

K26 Duodenal ulcer

K29 Gastritis and duodenitis

Epidemiology

Increased acidity of the stomach is most often diagnosed in young patients, and in men, the disease is found twice as often as in women.

The incidence rate increases in the autumn-winter period, as well as during adolescence and pregnancy. In elderly people, increased acidity is rarely found: for this age, inflammatory lesions of the gastric mucosa with a low content of hydrochloric acid are more characteristic.

Causes of increased acidity of the stomach

Risk factors

As with any other disease, cases associated with certain risk factors lead to its appearance. So, in the presence of at least one of the listed factors, the risk of increased gastric acidity increases significantly.

You should be especially careful about your stomach health if you:

• eat wrong, often eat dry food, while running;
• drink too much coffee (especially instant coffee), strong tea, alcoholic drinks, soda;
• smoke;
• overeat often;
• taking medications from time to time, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal contraceptives, or antibiotics;
• do not consume enough vitamins;
• are often stressed.

In addition, those who have already had similar cases of stomach problems in their family are more at risk of acidity. So, if your direct relatives suffer from stomach diseases, then you are also at risk.

Pathogenesis

The acidity of the stomach environment depends on the level of hydrochloric acid in its secretion, which is measured by the pH indicator. The normal is an indicator of 1.5-2 pH on an empty stomach, and directly on the mucous membrane, it can be slightly higher - about 2 pH, and deeper in the epithelial layer - even up to 7 pH.

Hydrochloric acid is secreted by the fundic glands of the mucous tissues, which are localized in sufficient quantities in the area of ​​the fundus and body of the stomach.

Excessive release of hydrochloric acid with an increase in acidity may be a consequence of an increase in the number of glandular structures, or a disorder in the synthesis of alkaline components of gastric juice.

Since acid must be released synchronously for normal secretion of the fundic glands, any violation of this process can provoke an increase in acidity.

An increased acidity index, in turn, gives rise to painful changes in the surface of the mucous tissue in the stomach, which leads to the development of various diseases of the stomach, duodenum 12, pancreas.

Symptoms of increased gastric acidity

The increased acidity of the stomach leads to irritation of the mucous membrane, which is manifested by a series of characteristic symptoms.

The main symptom of high acidity is heartburn, which can occur for no reason - at night, in the morning on an empty stomach, but most often its appearance is associated with the consumption of food, such as pastries, sweets, fried foods. Heartburn can be mild or excruciating and difficult to pass.

In addition to heartburn, other first signs of acidity may appear:

• feeling of heaviness and fullness of the stomach;
• the discomfort;
• belching "sour";
• constipation (regular or episodic);
• sometimes - bloating, digestive disorders;
• general malaise, deterioration in performance;
• decreased appetite;
• irritability, bad mood.

The severity of symptoms depends on how long a person has had high acidity, as well as on the presence of concomitant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Cough from increased stomach acidity

Cough is considered one of the signs of diseases of the respiratory system, but it can also occur with diseases of the digestive system. In this case, cough is an additional symptom against the background of other symptoms of stomach damage.

With increased acidity of the stomach, the cough can be constant, even painful, which is not eliminated by conventional antitussives. The reason for this phenomenon is acid irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory system, along with similar irritation of the stomach and esophagus.

With the development of esophagitis, the closure of the gastric sphincters worsens, which allows food particles and acidic secretions to fall back into the cavity of the esophageal tube. The mucous membrane of the esophagus is irritated, followed by irritation of the throat, which triggers the cough reflex.

As a rule, after solving the problem with high acidity, the cough disappears.

Increased acidity of the stomach in children

In childhood, increased stomach acidity is not uncommon. The causes of the disease at such an early age can be:

• hobby for "wrong food" (chips, crackers, snacks, etc.);
• frequent consumption of soda (Coca-Cola, Pepsi, etc.);
• food "on the run", passion for fast food;
• stress and mental stress;
• lack of diet.
• Signs of increased acidity in children are almost the same as in adults:
• sour belching;
• digestive disorders (constipation can be replaced by diarrhea);
• heartburn;
• intermittent unreasonable temperature of about 37 ° C.

With timely initiation of treatment, as well as with adherence to the diet and exercise, it is possible to prevent the development of more complex diseases of the stomach. The main thing is to stabilize the acidity in time even before the pathological changes in the mucous membrane begin.

Increased stomach acidity during pregnancy

Discomfort and digestive problems during pregnancy occur in almost every woman. The main reason for this phenomenon can be considered the compression of the growing uterus of internal organs (especially in the third trimester). During pregnancy, the following symptoms may occur:

• heartburn (regardless of food intake, or after it);
• nausea;
• heaviness in the stomach, even after eating a small amount of food;
• difficulty swallowing;
• feeling of general discomfort;
• belching acid.

During pregnancy, the doctor is unlikely to resort to complex treatment. Most often, he prescribes adherence to the daily regimen and nutrition. If during pregnancy you eat right and little by little, then after childbirth the condition usually returns to normal and the acidity returns to normal.

Complications and consequences

High acidity is an intermediate condition, which does not always mean the presence of a disease of the digestive system. That is, if you carefully follow the doctor's recommendations regarding nutrition and lifestyle, then the increased acidity of the stomach can soon return to normal without any complications.

If you ignore the doctor's prescriptions and not follow the diet, then the problem can change for the worse.

The most common consequences of increased stomach acidity are:

• chronic gastritis;
• stomach ulcer;
• duodenal ulcer;
• chronic esophagitis.

Diagnostics of the increased acidity of the stomach

One of the most informative methods for diagnosing high acidity is the procedure for intragastric pH-metry. This procedure causes less uncomfortable sensations than gastric intubation, and allows you to assess the degree of acidity of the secretion directly inside the stomach. For this, special sensors are installed - acidogastrometers.

Measurement of acidity using the pH meter method takes no more than 5 minutes. During this time, readings are taken from several sections of the stomach cavity and duodenum 12. If there is a need to monitor the acidity indicators at different times of the day, then the procedure in this case is carried out longer than usual, up to a day.

Blood and urine tests may be prescribed additionally to exclude the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.

Instrumental diagnostics can include:

• gastroduodenoscopy;
• Ultrasound of internal organs;
• X-ray examination (often - contrast).

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is carried out with other diseases of the digestive system. For example, symptoms of high acidity can manifest such pathologies as stomach ulcer, chronic gastritis, duodenitis, chronic pancreatitis. With increased acidity, so-called functional dyspepsia, a disorder associated with functional malfunctions of the digestive system, can also occur. Functional dyspepsia is temporary and resolves after stabilization of the stomach.

Treatment of high acidity of the stomach

You can lower acidity with the help of special medications. You can symptomatically relieve the discomfort from increased acidity by taking Rennie's pill, Secrepat Forte, Gastal, Altacid or Agiflux suspension. If we approach the problem globally, then it is necessary to undergo treatment aimed at eliminating the cause of excess acid in the stomach. First you need to undergo diagnostics and determine the concomitant diseases of the digestive tract. If the doctor detects gastritis, he may prescribe antibiotic therapy aimed at destroying the Helicobacter bacteria in the stomach. For this purpose, the drug De-Nol, based on bismuth, is perfect.

Other drugs that lower the production of hydrochloric acid are divided into two groups.

• drugs that block histamine receptors (Kvamatel, Ranitidine);
• drugs that inhibit the synthesis of hydrochloric acid (Omeprazole, Omez, Contraloc).

Additionally, agents that protect the walls of the stomach from irritation, such as Almagel, Maalox, can be prescribed.

Drugs such as Hilak forte or Pancreatin are not used with increased acidity. Hilak forte can be prescribed for gastrointestinal disorders, which are accompanied by diarrhea and indigestion. If there is an insufficient exocrine function of the pancreas, then in this case, the appointment of enzyme preparations (Pancreatin) is appropriate, provided that the patient does not have acute pancreatitis.

• Almagel is taken orally in 1-3 scoops up to 4 times a day, 30 minutes before meals and at night. It is undesirable to take the drug during pregnancy. If you use high doses of Almagel, you may experience drowsiness and constipation.
• Omez in the form of capsules is taken orally as a whole, 20 mg daily for several days to 2 weeks. It is advisable to take the drug in the morning on an empty stomach. Occasionally, after taking Omez, abdominal pain, dry mouth and muscle weakness are possible.
• Omeprazole is taken in the morning before breakfast, in the amount of 0.02 g. Usually, the drug is well tolerated, only occasionally disorders of taste, abdominal pain, joint and muscle pain are possible.
• De Nol in the form of tablets is taken half an hour before meals, 1 pc. up to 4 times a day. You can take 2 tablets twice a day. De Nol is not prescribed during pregnancy. Sometimes taking the drug may be accompanied by frequent bowel movements, nausea, or allergic reactions.

Vitamins

In case of high acidity, attention should be paid to vitamins such as niacin, folic acid, retinol and vitamins B¹ and B².

Retinol (Vit. A) accelerates the regeneration of the mucous membrane and helps to resist infectious processes.

Nicotinic acid improves blood circulation in the stomach area, helps to eliminate inflammation, and normalizes the composition of gastric juice.

B vitamins are involved in all metabolic processes in the body.

Folic acid protects the gastric mucosa from irritating factors, serves as a good prevention of gastroenteritis.

Separately, it should be said about such a vitamin as S-methylmethionine - it is also vitamin U. This drug is often prescribed for various digestive problems, because it has a pronounced antiulcer effect, helping to preserve the integrity of the mucous tissues of the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin U can be taken in tablets, 0.1 three times a day, or in its natural form: the vitamin is contained in the juice of white cabbage.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy is successfully used for additional therapeutic effects in case of increased gastric acidity.

To eliminate pain, electrophoresis with novocaine, platyphyllin is used, as well as applications of paraffin, ozokerite, and therapeutic mud.

To normalize the activity of the glands, sinusoidal simulated currents and electromagnetic decimeter waves are prescribed.

At the stage of remission, spa treatment is recommended. Shown are hydrocarbonate mineral waters between meals (Borjomi, Mirgorod, Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk). It is advisable to drink water at room temperature or warm, still.

Traditional treatment

In addition to medication treatment, with increased acidity, you can use traditional medicine recipes. For example, honey has long been considered a simple and natural remedy for excess stomach acid. Its medicinal properties are known to everyone. It will help with an increase in acidity, and with disorders of the digestive function. And it is recommended to use it as follows:

• mix a small amount of honey with food (honey goes well with dairy products, cereals);
• add a spoonful of honey to tea (it is desirable that the drink has a temperature of no more than + 45 ° C;
• honey should be consumed three times a day, daily, for 1.5-2 months.

From additional traditional medicine we can recommend the following recipes:

• drink on an empty stomach (preferably in the morning) freshly squeezed carrot juice;
• before each meal, drink 40-50 ml of juice squeezed from raw potatoes;
• use pumpkin pulp in different versions (boiled, baked).

Many people recommend drinking a soda solution to eliminate symptoms of acidity. Let's put it bluntly - this method works only at first, and later the process is aggravated. After all, soda irritates the stomach lining no less than acid. As a result of such treatment, stomach ulcers and chronic gastritis may develop.

Herbal treatment

In addition to the above methods for normalizing acidity in the stomach, there are other methods using medicinal plants. For example, to normalize digestion against a background of high acidity, it is recommended to use infusions based on herbs such as coltsfoot, dandelion, calendula, plantain, chamomile, etc.

Collecting herbs will undoubtedly have a more pronounced effect than monotherapy. For example, many successfully use these recipes to lower acidity:

• a mixture of St. John's wort, plantain leaves and chamomile flowers (5 g each) pour 250 ml of boiling water, insist and take a quarter of a glass before meals;
• mix 100 ml of cranberry juice and the same amount of agave juice (aloe), add 200 ml of hot boiled water, season with a spoonful of honey. If such a medicine is taken daily, three times a day, 25 ml each, then you can forget about heartburn and sour belching for a long time.
• 100 g of an equivalent mixture of St. John's wort, yarrow and mint leaves are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water, insisted in a thermos for about 6 hours, filtered. They drink 100 ml in the morning.

A fairly large number of medicinal plants are known that help with high acidity. Such plants can be brewed separately and drunk like tea, or used in medicinal mixtures.

• Wormwood - stabilizes and stimulates the work of the glandular apparatus of the stomach, enhances the secretion of bile, improves all stages of the digestive process. Has a slight anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and fungicidal effect.
• Flaxseed - has an enveloping effect, as it contains a large amount of mucus and a specific substance linamarin. Regular intake of seeds helps to eliminate inflammation, pain in the stomach, and also restores acid-damaged mucous tissues.
• Chaga (birch mushroom) is an antimicrobial agent that has been used for a long time to treat and prevent gastritis, stomach ulcers, and cancerous tumors. Chaga is famous for its anti-inflammatory, choleretic, healing and restorative effects on the body.
• Golden mustache - this plant contains substances that, with increased acidity of the stomach, neutralize the aggressive effect of acidic secretion, and with reduced acidity, they replenish the missing acid.
• Chamomile is a good remedy for gastritis associated with high acidity. It is especially useful to drink an infusion in which chamomile is combined with St. John's wort or yarrow.
• Propolis - cures inflammation of the mucous membrane, eliminates spasms of smooth muscles, relieves symptoms of heartburn and sour belching well. Propolis can help even when ulcers and erosion begin to form on the irritated stomach lining.
• St. John's wort is used as part of medicinal preparations, as it has a pronounced astringent and bactericidal effect. In addition, St. John's wort can stop diarrhea and flush out toxic substances with minor food poisoning.
• Aloe - the juice of this plant is usually used in combination with honey. Firstly, it significantly enhances the effect of the treatment, and secondly, it smoothes out the bitter and unpleasant aftertaste of the agave. For the treatment of increased acidity, it is better to use juice from the leaves of a plant of 3-5 years old - its properties are most valuable.
• Mint is a part of gastric preparations, since the properties of this plant - soothing, antispasmodic, bactericidal, choleretic, analgesic, astringent - help to establish digestion and restore the function of the secretory glands.
• Calendula is a plant with high pharmacological activity, which is used to treat many diseases, including the digestive system. The properties of the plant are astringent, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic - they can be used for high acidity associated with gastritis or functional digestive disorders.
• The herb crushed milk - has an anti-inflammatory, astringent, antibacterial effect. Plant-based medicines are used to treat peptic ulcer disease, since the dried cassis not only normalizes the pH of the gastric environment, but also has a reparative effect.

Plants such as ginger, rosehip and plantain are not used with increased acidity, since they contain substances that aggravate irritation of the gastric mucosa.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies can help relieve a burning sensation and pain in the stomach, unpleasant belching and heartburn. Experts allow the following drugs to be used with increased acidity:

• Potassium bichromicum 3, 6 - stabilizes the level of acidity, eliminates pain in the stomach;
• Hydrastis 6, 30 - effective for acidity associated with peptic ulcer disease;
• Calcarea carbonica (calcium carbonate obtained from oysters) 3, 6, 12, 30 - helps in eliminating flatulence and stomach pain. Take 8 drops of the drug up to 4 times a day;
• Acidum sulfuricum 6, 30 - will help with belching with acid, with a burning sensation in the esophagus and stomach;
• Natrium phosphoricum 6 stabilizes acidity when the powder is taken 2-3 times a day;
• Argentum nitricum (lapis) 3, 6 - helps with stomach pain and unstable acidity.

The listed funds have no contraindications, they rarely cause allergic reactions and can be used as an additional treatment while taking medications.

Operative treatment

Since the increased acidity of the stomach is not yet a disease, but only a symptom of incipient malfunctions, the operation in this condition is not indicated.

Surgical treatment can be prescribed if an increase in acidity occurs against the background of:

• perforated ulcer;
• esophageal tube strictures;
• internal bleeding;
• Barrett's esophagus;
• hemorrhagic esophagitis;
• profuse ulceration of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract.

In addition, surgery is used in cases where conventional treatment does not have a positive effect.

Diet with increased acidity of the stomach

With high acidity, dieting is a prerequisite for recovery. Often it is proper nutrition that allows you to get rid of the problem without the use of medications.

Should be excluded from the diet:

• strong broth;
• mushrooms;
• alcoholic beverages (including low alcohol);
• spicy, fatty, salty, smoked, fried foods;
• any baked goods;
• citrus fruits;
• strong coffee and tea;
• soda;
• flavoring additives (spices, sauces, vinegar, mustard);
• radishes, onions and garlic;
• conservation, marinades;
• sour fruits and berries.

The menu should be composed mainly of vegetable, cereal dishes, weak broths based on low-fat meats or fish. You can eat eggs, dairy products, noodles, crackers, potatoes.

Food with increased acidity of the stomach should be balanced in terms of the content of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Any foods that can provoke irritation of the walls of the stomach and a reflex increase in acid secretion are banned.

Dishes are cooked in a double boiler, boiled, stewed. Eliminate fatty, coarse-fiber foods that are difficult for the stomach to digest.

Optimally, food intake is 6 times a day.

Menu with increased acidity of the stomach

The approximate composition of the daily menu with an increase in acidity may be as follows:

• For Monday:
  • We will have breakfast with milk semolina with honey.
  • We have a snack with tea in milk and steamed cheesecake.
  • We have lunch with chicken breast cream soup, boiled rice, vegetable salad.
  • For an afternoon snack, you can drink a cup of milk.
  • We have dinner with vegetable stew, cottage cheese casserole with tea.
• For Tuesday:
  • We will have breakfast with oatmeal, boiled egg.
  • We have a snack with milk mousse with croutons.
  • We have lunch with vegetable soup and baked apples with cottage cheese.
  • For an afternoon snack - chamomile tea.
  • We have dinner with boiled veal with mashed potatoes.
• For Wednesday:
  • We will have breakfast with pasta and cottage cheese.
  • Snack on oatmeal jelly.
  • We have lunch with carrot cream soup, boiled fish fillets, salad.
  • For an afternoon snack - a cup of kefir with a crouton.
  • We have supper with meat pâté and vegetable puree.
• For Thursday:
  • We have breakfast with a rice casserole.
  • Snack on a baked apple with carrots.
  • We have lunch with rice soup and potato zrazy.
  • Afternoon snack - cottage cheese and sour cream.
  • We have dinner with pasta and meat.
• For Friday:
  • We will have breakfast with a steam omelet.
  • We have a snack with biscuits and compote.
  • We have lunch with bean soup, rice with vegetables.
  • For an afternoon snack - milk.
  • We have supper with stewed fish with carrots and onions.
• For Saturday:
  • We will have breakfast with cottage cheese and milk.
  • We have a snack with milk tea with a crouton.
  • We have lunch with vegetable soup, carrot cutlets and a steamed chop.
  • Afternoon snack - cottage cheese with tea.
  • We have dinner with fish baked with potatoes.
• For Sunday:
  • We will have breakfast with rice casserole with sour cream.
  • Snack on a baked pear.
  • We have lunch with buckwheat soup and stew with vegetables.
  • For an afternoon snack - a banana.
  • We have supper with dumplings with cottage cheese and sour cream.

Mineral water with increased stomach acidity

Mineral waters have varying degrees of mineralization (salt content). With a small mineralization, the water is absorbed well. The higher the salt content, the harder the water is absorbed, but in this case it can have a pronounced laxative effect. With high acidity, highly mineralized waters should be avoided so as not to provoke unnecessary irritation of the stomach.

• Borjomi is table mineral water with sodium bicarbonate composition. Borjomi is useful for metabolic disorders, gastritis, peptic ulcer, enterocolitis.
• Essentuki is a group of sodium chloride-hydrocarbonate-water. The group is represented by the following types of medicinal drinks:
  • No. 17 - water with an increased level of mineralization, which is used mainly for the treatment of liver diseases;
  • No. 4 - medicinal table water, can be used with high acidity;
  • No. 2 - medicinal table water, increases appetite;
  • No. 20 - brackish water, can be used as a treatment and prevention of high acidity.

With an increase in acidity, mineral waters are consumed warm, one and a half to two hours before meals, 200-250 ml each, three times a day.

Allowed foods for increased stomach acidity

• Honey - with increased acidity, it is consumed only in a warm form, since in combination with cold water it can have the opposite effect.
• Dairy products - with increased acidity, non-acidic products are used in food, such as milk, non-acidic sour cream, cottage cheese, cream, yogurt, butter.
• Cottage cheese - non-acidic, in the form of cheese cakes, casseroles, puddings.
• Milk - only fresh, preferably homemade, can be in the form of cereals, milk soups, jelly.
• Yogurt is non-acidic, natural, without additives in the form of stabilizers, dyes and preservatives.
• Fruit - non-acidic varieties, preferably baked or in the form of stewed fruit and jelly.
• Teas are not strong, it is possible with the addition of chamomile, St. John's wort, mint.
• Apples - non-acidic varieties, ripe, preferably baked and boiled.
• Persimmon - in small quantities, preferably without peel. Without problems, you can add persimmon pulp in jelly, compotes, jelly.
• Potato juice is a very useful product in case of high acidity, as it contains almost the entire range of B vitamins, folic acid, vitamin U and other useful substances. Potato juice can relieve inflammation, irritation, and speed up the healing of ulcers and erosions. Take 1 spoonful of freshly squeezed juice on an empty stomach, regularly, until the condition improves.
• Salt - with increased acidity, it is allowed for use, but is limited to about 3 g / day.
• Kissel - cooked on non-acidic fruits, has an enveloping effect, which allows you to quickly achieve relief from gastritis. Oatmeal and milk jelly are especially useful.
• Carrots are another vegetable that is especially beneficial for acidic conditions. The beneficial properties are explained by the presence of vitamin A in carrots, which has healing and reparative properties.
• Bananas are a unique product that is able to stabilize the acidity of the gastric environment, therefore it can be used with increased acidity with practically no restrictions.
• Pumpkin is a very useful product in case of high acidity. Equally useful are the juice and the pulp of the product, which contain resinous substances, B vitamins, oils. Pumpkin improves digestion and helps to normalize the functions of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Beets - are able to lower acidity to normal levels in a short time. You can eat a salad of young fresh beets, stewed and boiled beets, as well as fresh beet juice.
• Blueberry is a non-acidic berry that improves the composition of the intestinal flora, protects the mucous membrane from irritating factors, lowers secretion, and reduces the severity of pain and inflammation. The main condition when eating blueberries for people with high acidity is not to abuse it.
• Sauerkraut - despite the presence of acid in it, it can be used in moderate quantities for gastritis with high acidity.
• Oats - are actively used for gastritis with excess acidity, as it has an enveloping, anti-inflammatory, healing properties.

Prohibited foods with increased acidity of the stomach

• Kefir is considered an undesirable product with an increase in acidity, since it itself contains a large amount of acid, which can increase irritation of the mucous membrane. Homemade fresh and non-acidic kefir (yogurt) can only be consumed at the stage of permanent relief of symptoms.
• Fermented baked milk - see above - is not recommended with an increase in acidity along with other fermented milk products.
• Lemon - contains a large amount of acids, including citric and ascorbic acids. This allows you to actively use lemon in food with low acidity in the stomach.
• Coffee - this strong drink stimulates the secretion of digestive juice, increases receptor vulnerability. With an excess of acid in the stomach, drinking coffee is undesirable. If you cannot imagine a morning without a fragrant cup - give preference to a ground natural product, rather than a granular and instant drink.
• Wine - increases the sensitivity of the gastric mucosa to acid and aggravates heartburn.
• Berries - almost all, with rare exceptions, increase gastric secretion. Non-acidic berries do not have this property, but they are allowed to be consumed in small quantities and not on an empty stomach.
• Cranberry - is actively used to increase acidity in patients with insufficient production of digestive enzymes. If the gastric environment is too acidic, then it is undesirable to use cranberries.
• Chicory - most experts do not prohibit drinking this drink with high acidity, but in moderation and after meals.
• Bread, like any yeast pastry, increases the acidity in the stomach. Therefore, with an increased level of acid, bread is consumed only not fresh, dried, in the form of toasts or crackers. From baked goods, the use of biscuit biscuits in small quantities is also allowed.

Prophylaxis

Important points in the prevention of increased acidity of the stomach are:

• adherence to the diet;
• the use of dietary products;
• quitting bad habits - smoking and alcohol abuse.

It is necessary to avoid food harmful to the stomach, observe the rules of hygiene when preparing food.

In addition, the nervous system should be protected from the negative effects of stress. It is important to learn how to manage your emotions, to resist psycho-emotional and depressive states.

], ,

Increased acidity of the stomach is a pathological process that is caused by certain etiological factors and leads to an imbalance in the production of hydrochloric acid and the subsequent neutralization of its products. This disturbance in the work of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to the development of gastritis, stomach ulcers and 12 duodenal ulcers.

Treatment is prescribed strictly by a doctor, after all the necessary diagnostic procedures have been carried out and the root cause factor has been established. Self-medication is unacceptable, as it can lead to the development of serious complications.

Etiology

The causes of increased stomach acidity can be both external and internal. Internal etiological factors that can cause this clinical manifestation include:

As for external negative factors of influence, the following factors should be distinguished here:

• unhealthy diet - abuse of fatty, acidic foods. Insufficient amount of food consumed or, on the contrary, frequent overeating;
• poor chewing of food;
• long-term use of certain medications, especially broad-spectrum antibiotics;
• smoking, alcohol abuse;
• previous gastroenterological diseases;
• frequent stress, psycho-emotional instability;
• genetic predisposition.

It should be noted that problems with high acidity can occur with infectious diseases that are not related to the gastrointestinal tract. So, in some cases, with a weakened immune system, increased acidity of the stomach can occur even after the flu or SARS.

Regardless of what the alleged cause of acidity occurs, you should consult a doctor for advice, and not self-medicate.

Symptoms

Regardless of the etiological factor of this clinical manifestation, the following symptoms of increased gastric acidity will be present:

• , most often this symptom manifests itself immediately after eating.

Depending on the underlying factor, symptoms characteristic of it will be present.

So, signs of increased acidity in infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract will be accompanied by the following clinical picture:

• pain in the abdomen, the nature and location of which will depend on the underlying factor. Often, pain syndrome can radiate to the back, arms, behind the sternum;
• or with an unpleasant odor;
• third-party;
• violation of the act of defecation - the patient may suffer from constipation or frequent bouts of diarrhea;
• increased flatulence;
• nausea, which is almost always accompanied. Vomit may contain bile, blood;
• increased salivation;
• symptoms of anemia - pallor of the skin, weakness, dizziness;
• loss of appetite. In some cases, there may be an aversion to food;
• subfebrile body temperature.

Increased acidity of the stomach can be present with gastritis, which will be characterized by the following clinical picture:

• aching pains;
• increase or, conversely, decrease in appetite;
• heartburn, regardless of the food consumed;
• "" - pain bothers the patient on an empty stomach or at night. As a rule, after eating food, the pain syndrome disappears;
• after eating, vomiting and nausea may be present;
• heartburn, sour belching.

In the chronic form, the symptoms of gastritis will appear only if the diet is not followed or in the stage of exacerbation of the disease.

• nausea, with repeated vomiting;
• diarrhea. In the feces, third-party organisms, undigested food particles, impurities of blood and mucus may be present;
• increased body temperature;
• increased sweating;
• weakness, drowsiness;
• belching with an unpleasant odor;
• weight loss for no apparent reason;
• pallor of the skin, dizziness.

Also, this clinical manifestation can be present with impaired metabolism. In such cases, the following symptoms may be present:

• intestinal dysfunction - constipation and bouts of diarrhea;
• decreased appetite;
• symptoms of renal failure;
• pain in the liver or;
• signs of general intoxication of the body;
• deterioration of skin condition - increased susceptibility to mechanical damage, dryness, peeling;
• weakness, nausea, which is rarely accompanied by vomiting;
• deviation from the norm of body weight - a person may be too thin or, on the contrary, suffer from obesity.

If you suspect a disease with high acidity of the stomach, it is imperative to consult a gastroenterologist for advice and further treatment. It is dangerous to use any drugs only at your own discretion, without an accurate diagnosis, as this can lead to the development of serious complications.

Diagnostics

First of all, the doctor conducts a physical examination of the patient, during which he must find out the following:

• diet, food intake;
• how long ago the clinical picture began to appear;
• whether there is a history of other gastroenterological diseases;
• whether the patient is currently taking any medications.

It is important - if a person uses any medications to eliminate the symptoms of increased gastric acidity, the doctor should be notified of this before the laboratory and instrumental research methods are started.

To clarify the etiological factor, the following diagnostic measures can be carried out:

Depending on the current clinical picture and the collected history during the initial examination, the diagnostic program may change.

Based on the results of the study, the gastroenterologist can determine how to get rid of the increased acidity of the stomach.

Treatment

Treatment of high acidity of the stomach can only be prescribed by a qualified doctor. Regardless of what caused this clinical manifestation, it is possible to reduce acidity in the stomach only through complex therapy, with a mandatory diet. Taking medications should only take place as prescribed by a doctor, otherwise the pathological process may worsen.

Drug therapy includes drugs that normalize the acidity level in the stomach and improve the patient's condition. A gastroenterologist can prescribe such pills for increased gastric acidity:

It should be noted that some drugs are available not only in the form of tablets, but also gels, suspensions for dissolution in water.

It is impossible to reduce acidity in the stomach only by taking medications; diet must also be included in the course of therapy.

Diet food with high acidity implies the complete exclusion of such foods and drinks from the diet:

• fatty, spicy, salty and too seasoned;
• marinades, preservation, sauces;
• foods that are rich in oxalic acid;
• corn, pearl barley, millet and barley groats;
• meat offal;
• fatty fish;
• fresh baked goods and rye bread;
• radish, mushrooms, onions, garlic, cabbage, spinach and cucumbers;
• fatty dairy products;
• confectionery, including chocolate, ice cream;
• strong coffee and tea, sweet carbonated drinks;
• hard boiled eggs;
• citrus fruits and other under-ripe fruits.

The patient's diet to lower acidity must meet the following requirements:

• light food, but high in calories;
• products must undergo heat treatment;
• food should be boiled or steamed;
• food consistency - liquid, puree, in the form of mucous cereals;
• food should only be eaten warm;
• the patient's food should be frequent, but with an hourly interval between doses of at least 2.5 hours.

With an exacerbation of the disease on the first day, you should refuse food, you must observe the optimal drinking regimen. For this, weak tea, herbal decoctions, mineral water without gas are well suited. During the period of remission, the use of coffee with milk in small quantities is allowed.

Compliance with a diet helps to eliminate acute symptoms and significantly speeds up the healing process. In some cases, it is imperative to adhere to the dietary table, since only in this way can a stable stage of remission be achieved.

You can lower the acidity of the stomach at home using folk remedies. However, such recipes can be used only after consultation with the attending physician, since some components may be allergic or, for certain diseases, they are strictly contraindicated.

Folk remedies to reduce acidity offer the following:

• small amounts of potato and carrot juice before meals;
• herbal decoctions of chamomile, yarrow, marsh dryweed;
• drink natural honey diluted in warm water on an empty stomach;
• propolis tinctures;
• mumiyo solution, which is also recommended to be taken before meals;
• taking sea buckthorn oil before meals or on an empty stomach. If necessary, it can be replaced with olive oil;
• baked pumpkin - should be eaten in small quantities, starting from 30 grams, gradually the dose can be increased to 150 grams.

It is possible to lower the acidity of the stomach in this way only under the condition of complex treatment. According to the data, it means taking medications for high acidity and strict adherence to the diet.

Prophylaxis

It is possible to prevent the development of such a pathological process if the following preventive measures are taken:

• adherence to the optimal diet and diet for the body;
• exclusion of unreasonable diets;
• taking only medications prescribed by a doctor;
• timely and correct, from a medical point of view, treatment of all diseases, especially with regard to the gastrointestinal tract;
• elimination of stress, unstable psycho-emotional background.

In addition, a systematic medical examination remains a fairly effective method of prevention. This will help prevent the development of the disease or diagnose it in a timely manner, which significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment.

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