Do you suffer from indigestion? If so, there’s a simple way to understand how to reset stomach acid
Low stomach acid levels cause indigestion. Low stomach acid causes food to sit in the stomach longer, allowing bacteria to multiply. This leads to gas production, bloating, and abdominal pain.
There are several ways to increase your stomach acid levels, including taking antacids, eating smaller meals, drinking lots of water, and exercising. However, these methods don’t always work. Some people who try these remedies find that their symptoms return after a few days.
Normal Stomach PH
The ideal range for normal stomach pH is between 3.0 and 4.5. The ideal range for the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) is 5.5-6.5. When stomach acid levels fall below 4, many people experience heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, fatigue, anaemia, or hair loss.
Stomach acid is made primarily by the parietal cells of the gastric glands located on top of each other in the mucosa layer lining the inner wall of the stomach. It digests protein into amino acids and peptides. The enzyme pepsin breaks down proteins into individual amino acids. Pepsin also helps form gastrin, a hormone that stimulates the pancreas to secrete bicarbonate ions into the intestines to neutralize the acid. Gastric acid is secreted into the stomach through the pyloric sphincter and then travels up the oesophagus and into the mouth, where it protects against ingested pathogenic microorganisms.
How To Reset Stomach Acidity. Indigestion: Causes & Relief
Stomach acid is made primarily in the stomach and travels throughout the digestive system. The amount of acid produced varies with the type of meal. For example, when someone eats spicy foods, more stomach acid production can be bland. One reason stomach acid may not be at its optimum level is stress. Stress can cause the body to produce less stomach acid.
Further questions related to this article, please feel free to ask them in our comments section.
Stomach Acid Levels
When we talk about stomach acid, we’re talking about hydrochloric acid. HCL is what makes up two-thirds of the stomach acid. Hydrochloric acid is created in the stomach as a result of digestion. Some people refer to the total amount of stomach acid as “acid” instead of just HCL.
Gastric juice is acidic, having a pH value of 1 to 2.5. It contains hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and intrinsic factor. Gastric juice has a slightly positive charge due to chloride ions. Since gastric juice is alkaline, the negative part of the molecule attracts positively charged hydrogen ions, making it highly acidic.
If you’re suffering from indigestion, here’s an effective natural remedy:
- Drink Lemon Water
Drinking lemon water can help reduce the time food sits in your stomach. The citric acid in lemons helps break down foods into small pieces for easier digestion. It also increases gastric secretions, which help move food through your system faster.
Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and aids in healing wounds. You’ll also feel more energized when you drink this delicious beverage!
Add 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about three medium-sized lemons) to 8 glasses of warm water to make lemon water. Stir well, deep and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
You can use fresh or bottled lemonade instead of fresh lemon juice. Just be sure to squeeze the lemons yourself rather than buying pre-squeezed juice.
- Eat Smaller Meals
Eating smaller portion meals throughout the day will keep your stomach full and prevent food from sitting too long. Try having breakfast around 10 am, lunch between 11 am and 2 pm, and dinner around 6 pm.
- Exercise Regularly
Exercise stimulates your digestive tract and keeps your body moving. When you exercise regularly, your muscles contract and relax, helping your stomach move food along with more efficiently.
- Take Antacid Supplements
Antacids such as Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, and Mylanta contain aluminium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate. These ingredients mix with stomach acids to neutralize them and create an alkaline environment.
Antacids may not be right for everyone. Some people experience side effects like diarrhoea or constipation. Others have trouble sleeping while using antacids. Talk to nearby doctor if you want to take antacids.
- Avoid Foods That Cause Bloating
Certain foods cause your stomach to produce excess amounts of gas. They include beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, onions, garlic, and other onion family members.
- Reduce Stress Levels
Stress can affect your ability to digest food properly. Eating regular meals and getting enough sleep can help relieve stress.
- Get Plenty Of Rest
Getting plenty of rest each night will ensure that you wake up feeling refreshed. Your body needs adequate sleep to function properly. If you don’t get enough sleep, you won’t process food properly.
- Consider Taking Probiotics
Probiotic supplements are beneficial for healthy digestion because they improve intestinal flora. This is important since our intestines play a role in breaking down food.
- Avoid Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol has been linked to poor digestion. Consuming alcohol less often will allow your stomach to heal and recover quicker.
- Increase Fiber Intake
Fibre is found in many fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and dairy products. It’s important to consume fibre every day to maintain proper bowel movements.
FAQs:
Q: How do I know if my stomach acid levels are normal?
A: The best way to determine whether your stomach acid levels are normal is by taking a test called a 24 hour pH test. A 24 hour pH test measures how acidic your stomach is over some time. Normal stomach acid levels should fall within a range of 4.0 to 5.5.
Q: What causes low stomach acid?
A: Low stomach acid levels can occur due to certain medical conditions. For example, hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) occurs when there is damage to the stomach lining. Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) can also lead to low stomach acid levels. In addition, medications including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, and corticosteroids can lower stomach acid levels.
Q: Should I drink alcohol before a meal?
A: No. Drinking alcohol before a meal will only increase the amount of acid produced by your stomach.
Q: Can I eat spicy foods after having a heartburn attack?
A: Yes. Spicy foods stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid in your stomach. However, it is recommended that you avoid eating spicy foods for at least two hours after suffering from a heartburn attack.
Q: Is it safe to eat grapefruit juice?
A: Grapefruit juice contains high concentrations of citric acid, which increases stomach acid levels. Therefore, consuming large quantities of grapefruit juice could make your symptoms worse.
Q: Does drinking milk reduce heartburn?
A: Milk contains lactose which triggers an increased release of digestive enzymes. These enzymes break down lactose into glucose and galactose. Lactase-deficient individuals cannot fully digest lactose. As a result, these individuals develop bloating, flatulence, and diarrhoea.
Q: Are there any ways to prevent heartburn?
A: You can do several things to help prevent heartburn. First, try to avoid lying down immediately after meals. Second, avoid caffeine consumption. Third, limit the number of alcoholic drinks that you consume per week. Fourth, avoid smoking cigarettes. Finally, consider using antacids or other medication as needed.
Conclusion
To sum up, we certainly hope that this article helped answer all of your questions about heartburn. If you have more questions or want us to provide further information, please leave them in the comments section below. Also, please don’t forget to share this post on social media! We love reading feedback. Thank you so much for reading!