Hyperacidity: Signs and Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Hyperacidity
| Dec 15, 2022
Diseases

What is Hyperacidity? It is a medical condition or digestion-related disorder in which the stomach produces acid in excess, and heartburn is felt near the lower chest region. In this condition, acid from the stomach moves and reaches the food pipe, causing a burning sensation. Nowadays, a major chunk of the Indian population faces the problem of gas and acidity due to poor eating habits and a lack of a balanced lifestyle. You might have seen people struggling with the symptoms of hyperacidity[1]. Do you know the ultimate solution to get rid of this serious medical issue? Transformation in eating patterns and lifestyle changes will do wonders.

This generation is fond of spicy and oily food items. That’s the main reason behind the rapid increase in the cases of GERD, acid reflux, stomach discomfort, constipation, etc. Ignoring these eatables and switching to healthy and organic foodstuffs will help people get rid of these lifestyle diseases and health issues. Before moving to the causes, prevention, and treatment of hyperacidity, let’s look at the signs and symptoms of this condition.

                                                                        Synopsis
What is Hyperacidity?
Signs and Symptoms
Let’s check out who is at Risk
Causes of Hyperacidity
Treatment & Prevention
10 Foods and Drinks to Avoid if you Suffer from Hyperacidity
To Sum Up

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperacidity  

Controlling hyperacidity at an initial stage is crucial as if left uncontrolled and untreated for a long time, it may turn out to be the chronic one that may even become an irreversible condition. It usually starts with mild acidity, and symptoms may get worsen over time. Symptoms of this lifestyle issue vary from individual to individual, depending upon lifestyle and eating approach.

The signs and symptoms of Hyperacidity are mentioned below- 

  • Heart & Chest Burn
  • Regular or chronic discomfort in the upper abdomen region (After consuming food, the problem increases)
  • Chest Pain
  • Symptoms take the worst route in the case of bending or lying down
  • Persistent discomfort in the region of the chest and heart
  • Chronic dry cough
  • Hoarseness
  • Wheezing
  • Sour taste in the Mouth
  • Sinusitis

Let’s check out who is at Risk 

Modern-day health experts and top dieticians suggest that an individual suffering from acidity must get a proper diagnosis and should ignore the mild symptoms at an early stage. Take appropriate medical action before it affects the esophagus & the stomach.

The likelihood of hyperacidity is high in-

  • People who consume spicy and fried foods
  • Folks who are overweight
  • People who can’t leave without caffeinated and carbonated drinks
  • People who consume citrus fruits and certain food items with high acidic values
  • Individuals who consume food late at night on a daily basis
  • Chainsmokers and Binge drinkers
  • People who consume snacks before bedtime
  • People who avoid drinking the recommended quantity of water
  • Pregnant women
  • People who consume different types of drugs and medicines for pain alleviation & BP control
  • People who consume chocolate in excess

Causes of Hyperacidity

In the sphere of healthcare & diseases, hyperacidity is also commonly referred to as gastritis. One of the less-known terms for this health issue is Acid Dyspepsia. It is concerned with the inflammation of the stomach’s lining. This lifestyle-related health issue is caused mainly due to bacterial infection or unhealthy lifestyle choices.

The significant causes of this ailment are mentioned below- 

  • Untimely consumption of food
  • Bacterial Infection
  • Regular Intake of Junk Foods
  • Lack of water intake
  • Excessive Alcohol Consumption
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Improper Medication Management
  • Overeating
  • Excess Acid Release
  • Side effects of Medicines
  • Eating Large Meals
  • Other Causes

Hyperacidity Treatment & Prevention: How to Cure? 

Several medicines are available at medical stores, but as it’s a lifestyle disease, it demands modification in the diet chart and eating schedule. Hyperacidity treatment varies from person to person, as symptoms are not always the same in every individual.

Given below are some of the significant strategies and ways through which hyperacidity can be cured- 

  • Embrace healthy eating habits and increase the intake of foods enriched with nutritional value and goodness of minerals and multivitamins.
  • Start considering junk food as your enemy, and this enemy of good health definitely doesn’t deserve a chance to become friends again.
  • Say strict no to oily, sour, salty, and spicy food items without a second thought.
  • Avoid every exercise that exerts pressure on the abdomen. Stomach crunches and heavy lifting must be avoided.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and keep yourself in a better state. Don’t make your stomach a guest house for gases.
  • Reduce the intake of alcohol and when you feel like having it, go for pure water
  • Instead of taking larger meals, proceed ahead with smaller frequent meals.
  • Start wearing loose clothes as they don’t put pressure on the abdomen.
  • Make exercise and Yoga an integral part of your daily fitness regime.
  • Prepare a list of foods that give birth to acidity and avoid their intake.
  • Early morning walking or jogging will also be helpful.
  • Start consuming organic A2 milk obtained from desi cows as it’s a belly-friendly & nutrients-dense liquid that keeps digestive issues at bay.
  • Lead a disciplined life for a disease-free body.

Note- If in case making a change in lifestyle and medication won’t work well in the treatment of hyperacidity, Vagotomy surgery can be performed. So, taking care is the best thing one can do.  

10 Foods & Drinks to avoid if you suffer from Hyperacidity

The foods and drinks to avoid during hyperacidity are-

  • Alcohol

Different forms of alcohol, such as wine, beer, and Vodka, can lead to severe hyperacidity symptoms. Thus, alcohol should be strictly avoided.

  • High-Fat Meats 

High-fat meats are not easily digestible. Thus, they stay for a long duration in the stomach and lead to acid generation in excess. If you want to witness a chance, either stop consuming it or you can consume it occasionally.

  • Carbonated Drinks

They aggravate the symptoms of GERD and Hyperacidity. Avoiding or reducing the intake of such drinks is the best thing an individual can do.

  • Caffeinated Drinks

Caffeinated drinks are considered rude to the digestive stomach. Limit the intake of these drinks and prevent excess gas formation in the stomach.

  • Chocolate 

The presence of caffeine and theobromine in chocolate increase symptoms of lifestyle diseases and conditions related to the digestive system. A major segment of this generation is lured by chocolate. Reducing its intake and making it a once-in-a-while item will be a wise decision.

  • Tomatoes

Malic Acid and Citric Acid in Tomatoes induce a burning sensation in the heart and also lead to the formation of excessive gases. If you are a frequent consumer of tomato-based food products, your stomach might be producing gastric acid beyond control to break down food particles left unbroken in the stomach. It should be consumed because of its nutritional value, but a set limit needs to be there.

  • Lemon & Orange Juice 

The high volume of citric acids in these two will trigger heartburn and deteriorate the health condition. The juices obtained by using oranges and lemons can be included in the diet, but consumption in limited quantities will be good for the belly. If you can’t control yourself from reducing its consumption, it’s better to avoid it.

  • Processed Snacks

Snack on nuts, vegetables, and non-citric fruits in place of processed snacks. Consumption of ultra-processed snacks and food items increases the possibility of gastric issues in the stomach.

  • Packet Milk

The presence of food adulterants, chemicals, and detergents in packet milk is harmful to human health. It hits the digestive system badly, leading to heartburn, chronic gastric disorders, constipation, etc. It’s one of the real culprits. Avoid it. You can switch to chemical-free A2 milk for heartburn & hyperacidity treatment.

  • Cruciferous Vegetables

Vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and other vegetables belong to this category. Some people find these vegetables difficult to digest. Thus, they may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Either reduce their usage or avoid them.

To Sum Up

Hyperacidity is diagnosed in all communities, all ages, and all segments. It’s a medical condition that demands immediate attention & care. I hope you’ve understood the signs, symptoms, causes, preventive measures, and treatment of hyperacidity. To know more about chronic diseases and health disorders, keep reading SwadeshiVIP blogs.

Read our Article: What to Drink for Acid Reflux: 10 Experts-recommended Soothing Drinks

Margesh Rai

A cow cuddler, a nature enthusiast, a published poet, and a versatile writer. After writing blogs for diverse domains such as legal, fintech, IT, hospitality, humanity, business, etc., Margesh joined the league of dairy writers to deliver quality-rich blogs and spread awareness about the conservation of Desi Indian cows and their products and byproducts. He holds the experience of 2+ yrs in the dairy industry.

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