High Stomach Acid? Recognize Symptoms And How To Prevent Them

JAKARTA - Stomach acid has an important role in the digestive process, which is to help break down food so that it is easier for the body to absorb.

However, if the production is excessive, it can cause various health problems, ranging from mild discomfort to serious complications such as stomach hatchlings and GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflect Disease).

Some foods can help neutralize stomach acid, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. In addition, there are certain drugs that can reduce the production of stomach acid.

Reporting from the Very Well Health page, high stomach acid includes, heartburn (hot censation in the chest), regulation (couple acid rising to the concavity), acidic taste in the mouth, nausea, difficulty swallowing, cough or repetitive cough, hoarse sound, pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, often bulging, feeling full when eating, and full feeling uncomfortable after eating.

Stomach acid is produced by cells in the stomach to help digest food. However, some conditions can cause excessive acid production, such as:

1. Helicobacter pylori infection (H. pylori)

These bacteria can damage stomach tissue and fine intestines. Acute infections can increase the production of stomach acid, while chronic infections can actually reduce acid production.

2. Stress

Stress can slow the emptying of stomach acid and reduce the production of prostaglandin, which is a substance that protects the stomach layer. This can increase the risk of stomach hatchlings.

3. Rebound Effect of Penurun Asam Drug

If the use of acid-reducing drugs such as H2 blockers (famotidine) or PPI (omeprazole, lansoprazole) is stopped suddenly, the body can produce excess stomach acid in response.

4. Zollinger-Ellison (ZES) syndrome

This rare disease is caused by a tumor that produces the hormone gastrine, which stimulates excessive production of stomach acid.

Too much stomach acid can damage the natural protection of the stomach and cause various problems, such as:

1. Tukak Lambung

Wounds on the walls of the stomach or smooth intestines due to excessive acid.

2. GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflect Disease)

The persistent acid reflux can cause irritation in the concavity.

3. Cerna Channel Bleeding

Excessive stomach acid can damage the stomach and blood vessels, causing bleeding.

There are various ways to reduce gastric acid production and relieve symptoms, such as:

1. Medicines

- H2 Blocker: Hampering gastric acid production in a short time (15'30 minutes) and the effect lasts about 12 hours. Example: Famotidine (Pepcid), Cimetidine (Tagamet).

- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI): Reduced acid production longer (up to 24 hours). Examples: Omeprazole (Prilosec), Esomeprazole (Nexium), Lansoprazole (Prevacid).

- Antasida: Predict stomach acid for a while. If it is used continuously, it is necessary for a doctor to consult.

- Alginat: Form a protective layer above stomach acid to prevent reflux.

2. Foods That Can Lower Lambung Asam

- Fruits: Bananas, melons, watermelons

- Vegetables: Cucumber, celery, lettuce, broccoli, asparagus

- Fiber food: Oatmeal, red rice, couscous

- Nuts

- Low-fat milk and low-fat yogurt

- Ginger

- Cuka apple (diluted), lemon with warm water and honey

3. Lifestyle Changes

- Eat slowly and in small portions

- Not immediately lying down after eating (wait at least 3 hours)

- Sleep with a higher head position

- Avoid strenuous exercise after eating

- Lose weight if necessary

- Stop smoking and reduce alcohol

Some causes of high stomach acid can be prevented. If it is caused by H. pylori infection, treatment with antibiotics can help. If the cause is ZES, doctors may recommend surgery or chemotherapy to remove tumors.

Regulating a diet can also help. Avoid foods that can trigger an increase in stomach acid, such as fast food, fried foods, pizza, chips and processed snacks, fatty meats such asmas and sausages, cheeses, tomato-based sauces, sour fruits (jeruk, lemon), chocolate, mint candy, and soft drinks.