18 Ways to Overcome Gastric Acid (The Most Complete
Jumat, 13 Maret 2020
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Gastric acid is needed by the body to digest food. However, the production of too much stomach acid is also not good for the body. So, what if your stomach acid is already too high to cause stomach acid? Some of the following ways to deal with stomach acid can be applied. Let's look at the information!
What is stomach acid?
In order to break down food before it is further processed by the body, the stomach produces acid which we later know as stomach acid. However, there are times when the production of stomach acid becomes too excessive which is triggered by a number of factors especially the food consumed.
The liquid then causes irritation to the stomach lining. It will get worse if stomach acid rises to the esophagus due to the sphincter muscle - the separator between the stomach and esophagus - cannot function properly which is known as GERD disease. As a result, symptoms arise such as heartburn, chest pain, and a burning sensation in both (heartburn).
How to Overcome Gastric Acid, From Medications to Natural Ingredients
Although generally acid reflux is not a dangerous condition, but this certainly can cause discomfort to the sufferer. To overcome this disease, there are a number of ways that can be taken.
Here's how to deal with gastric acid both medically and naturally that you can apply at home.
How to deal with stomach acid (medical)
Medically, how to treat stomach acid can use the following drugs:
1. Antacids
Antacids are the most common class of drugs used to treat stomach acid or GERD.
Antacid drugs contain alkaline compounds that work by reducing levels of stomach acid. This drug is sold freely and can be consumed without requiring a doctor's prescription. However, these drugs can cause a number of side effects such as constipation and diarrhea.
2. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
The next way to overcome stomach acid is by taking drugs from the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) class.
PPIs can be used if you are already resistant to antacids because they have stronger properties. In addition to reducing levels of stomach acid, this drug serves to repair damage to the esophagus due to stomach acid.
Some examples of drugs that fall into the PPIs class are:
Esomeprazole
Omeprazole
Pantoprazole
Rabeprazole
Lansoprazole
3. H-2 Receptor Blockers
H-2 receptor blockers are stomach acid drugs that work slower than antacids, but are able to hold back so that symptoms do not reappear in a longer time that is around 12 hours.
Drugs that fall into this class include the following:
Cimetidine
Famotidine
Nizatidine
4. Prokinetics
Prokinetic drugs can also be used as a way to treat stomach acid. This drug works by strengthening the sphincter muscles so that it can stem the stomach acid that wants to rise into the esophagus.
However, the effectiveness of this drug is still inferior when compared to drugs from the PPIs group. The use of prokinetic drugs is also usually combined with drugs to prevent stomach acid.
5. Erythromycin
Meanwhile, erythromycin is a drug from a class of antibiotics whose function is to help prevent gastric infections that may occur due to an increase in acid in the digestive organs.
How to Overcome Gastric Acid (Natural)
In addition to medical drugs, how to deal with rising stomach acid can also be by utilizing natural ingredients that are around you. What are these natural ingredients? Here is the information!
1. Peppermint Oil
Several studies have revealed that peppermint oil can reduce symptoms that arise when stomach acid rises such as symptoms of heartburn and heartburn.
However, avoid using this one natural ingredient if at the same time you are also taking antacids. The use of both together will actually aggravate the symptoms of heartburn.
2. Ginger
The next natural ingredient that is also believed to overcome gastric acid is ginger. In fact, this type of spice has long been used by the community to relieve symptoms of heartburn, nausea, swelling of the esophagus, and irritation that is common when this disease recurs.
Nevertheless, it should also be stressed that you are advised to consume ginger in moderation. Excessive consumption of ginger can actually worsen symptoms.
3. Apple Vinegar
Apple vinegar contains alkaline compounds so that this one natural ingredient is said to be used as a way to treat stomach acid.
Not only that, apple vinegar is claimed to eradicate the bacteria that lodged in the stomach and also contributed to the reflux.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera which we know is useful for nourishing hair, is also a natural stomach acid remedy.
Eating aloe vera is believed to be effective in relieving stomach inflammation which causes stomach acid to rise. When you feel the symptoms of acid reflux, prepare aloe vera leaves, then process them into aloe vera juice and drink about 30 minutes before eating.
5. Fruits
Fruits do have a myriad of benefits, including overcoming stomach acid. Fruit is a natural stomach acid remedy that is highly recommended for you to consume.
For example, bananas. This yellow-skinned fruit is effective in treating gastric acid because it contains substances that are natural antacids. Besides bananas, there are also apples. Apple consumption should be at bedtime so that when you are asleep, the pressure and volume of stomach acid can be controlled.
6. Chewing Gum
A number of studies reveal an interesting fact, that gum can reduce stomach acid, although it cannot cure reflux itself.
Chewing gum can be an alternative medicine for natural stomach acid because when chewing gum, saliva production will increase. Saliva itself serves to 'cleanse' stomach acid. You can chew gum for a few minutes after eating food.
It should be noted, you can not necessarily just rely on natural ingredients above as a way to deal with stomach acid. Medical treatment should still be the first choice in treating this stomach disorder. If in doubt, ask your doctor about the use of these natural ingredients.
How to Overcome Gastric Acid (Lifestyle)
Applying a healthy and regular lifestyle is a way to deal with other stomach acids that should not be missed. The following are some healthy lifestyles that can be applied so that this one health problem does not always interfere with your activities.
1. Adjust your diet
The first tip is to adjust your diet. Yes, food is one of the main triggering factors in increasing acid production in the stomach.
Foods such as spicy, coconut milk and fatty foods should be limited if you do not want to experience symptoms of acid reflux.
In addition, you are also advised not to consume excessive amounts of food at one time. Especially for those of you who have already experienced this condition, eating small portions but often better.
2. Maintain Ideal Body Weight
Gastric acid diseases such as GERD are more prone to be experienced by those whose body weight exceeds the ideal limit (obesity). Because, obesity makes the stomach experience pressure. This is what then makes stomach acid production also increases.
Therefore, you should keep your ideal body weight. Perform physical activity or consumption of fruits and vegetables that can help you lose weight.
3. Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Research reveals that alcohol consumption can cause symptoms of gastric acid reflux.
If you have been fond of consuming alcohol and experiencing stomach acid pain, you should stop or at least limit these habits from now on so that this one health problem does not drag on.
4. Reduce Coffee Consumption
Coffee is also a type of drink that you should avoid as a way to deal with stomach acid, especially if this condition is already very annoying.
The reason is, coffee can weaken the sphincter muscles so that stomach acid easily rises to the esophagus and causes symptoms of heartburn.
5. Reduce consumption of carbonated drinks
You who suffer from stomach acid disease are also advised to limit consumption of carbonated drinks or soft drinks.
Just like alcohol and coffee, this type of drink has the potential to increase stomach acid production and weaken the sphincter muscles.
6. Avoid eating before bedtime
Eating at bedtime — approximately 3 hours before bedtime — is a way to treat stomach acid which should also be applied by those of you who suffer from this health problem.
The reason is, a study found the fact that people with stomach acid who eat before bed do not experience a decrease in symptoms compared with other patients who eat at a time that is still fairly safe.
7. Set the Sleep Position
Most people with acid reflux complain that the symptoms appear at night. This condition is possible because stomach acid production is indeed higher at that time.
Therefore, a way to deal with stomach acid that can be circumvented is by adjusting your sleeping position, namely by positioning your head higher than the bed. A study suggests if placing the head higher than the bed is effective in reducing the symptoms that arise.
