Causes And Remedies For Stomach Acid Symptoms

Discovering someone who has never experienced stomach acid symptoms is rare. Most of us have had to deal with digestive problems at least once, and many people live with the debilitating effects for their entire lives. With the exception of intestinal viruses, however, most symptoms are not contagious, but rather exist as a result of internal conditions which can be greatly improved by dietary and lifestyle changes.

The type of internal imbalance termed indigestion often occurs right after eating, with a feeling of uncomfortable abdominal fullness. This discomfort may be accompanied by bloating, belching, a burning sensation inside the esophagus, and socially unacceptable flatulence. It can even be linked to candida infections, undigested food in the stool, certain hair loss patterns, and constipation or diarrhea.

There are two general conditions causing these symptoms. Low, rather than excessive production is a common condition known as hypochlorhydria. Advertising leads many sufferers to take antacids, but that may actually make the problem worse. Surprisingly, this condition is extremely common, and may affect up to half the population at some point. The elderly are hit especially hard due to the effects of aging and waning digestive chemical production.

One of the primary functions of a normally balanced digestive process is the destruction or neutralization of harmful ingested organisms such as bacteria or fungi. When low levels of acid allow them access to the small intestine, they experience a population explosion, and may overwhelm the “good” bacteria always present in the human gut. The result is an unbalanced digestive system that causes discomfort.

The opposite condition is higher-than-normal production. Patients with too much acidity can experience a constant burning or gnawing feeling inside. Some may actually develop reflux disease, a form of chronic, severe heartburn that usually requires medical treatment. Discomfort and even pain may spread through the chest in back of the breastbone, and can sometimes imitate heart problems. Many people with this problem experience a constant sour taste.

Excess production can also produce nausea, especially right after eating. Some people, however, experience it when they are empty. The nausea can also be accompanied by frequent bouts of gastritis, an irritation of the stomach lining. It may be tempting for sufferers to eat comfort foods high in fat, and to drink irritating beverages, but the result may be intense pain in addition to nausea.

Eliminating the sources of discomfort is a good first step to take when combating either condition. Most changes are simple alterations in lifestyle. Eating meals at nearly the same time of day helps, as does avoidance of foods high in spices, salt and sugar. Smoking makes the condition worse, as does excess alcohol intake. Anti-inflammatory NSAID drugs such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin should be used sparingly.

Foods rich in vitamin B complex helps regain digestive balance. Allergies are increasingly common, especially to dairy products, and should be isolated or eliminated. Ginger and garlic tonics are traditional treatments that can provide some relief. Prior to making any sudden changes in lifestyle or diet, however, consult with your physician. Some stomach acid symptoms require aggressive medical treatment in order to avoid esophageal erosion from reflux disease, and to keep ulcers from flaring.

Find out if you are suffering from acid reflux disease, now. Visit our site for more information about Stomach acid symptoms, causes and treatment options at https://www.acidrefluxsymptomsandtreatment.com today.