What Is Your Gastric Acidity Rating Pointing To?
What is stomach acid?
Stomach acid is a very strong liquid necessary for digestion. The amount of gastric acid in healthy individuals is between 20-100 mL and the pH is acidic (1.5 - 3.5). This figure shows how strong stomach acid is and how many things in nature can break down. But this fluid won't harm your stomach. Because the inner part of our stomach is multi-layer and there is a protective layer containing mucus on the inner surface.
What does stomach acid do?
The most important functions of stomach acid:
1) Helps inactivate bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms with the help of acid structure. This feature is very important for stomach, intestinal health. Because these microorganisms that cross the stomach have no other enemies.
2) Helps digest nutrients. Foods need to be broken down for the digestive process. The acidity helps to break down nutrients as well as to activate the enzymes in the intestines in the stomach. Pepsinogen enzyme, which has an important place in protein digestion, needs an acid environment to be activated.
3) Helps absorption of vitamins. The best example is vitamin B12. Because vitamin B12 is transported by binding to a structure called verilen intrinsic factor ”. The stomach acid activates the intrinsic factor, allowing separation of vitamin B12. If this factor is missing, B12 is eliminated without absorption.
What is stomach acid excess?
The reason for having too much acid in the stomach is that certain processes increase gastric acid production. The stomach produces about 1.5-3 liters of acid on average per day.
Eaten foods can increase the amount of stomach acid.
Some foods that increase stomach acid:
Research has shown that foods that increase gastric acid are: acidic fruits such as orange, grapefruit, tomato, onion and garlic, red, spices due to its acidic structure, but these foods do not have the same effect on everyone. Therefore, it should be tried by the patient himself to determine the foods after which the heartburn complaint occurs.
Consume caffeinated drinks:
Excessive consumption of coffee, tea, cola and other caffeinated beverages leads to stomach acid production. A 2017 study showed that the bitter taste of caffeinated beverages increases gastric acid production in the stomach. However, other studies have shown that gastric ulcer patients can drink 1-2 cups of coffee a day. Although caffeine increases gastric acid production, there is insufficient evidence that it causes acid reflux.
Fatty foods:
Researchers have shown that fatty foods increase gastric acid secretion and stimulate gastrointestinal hormones. In some cases, fatty foods increase the symptoms of stomach ulcers.
Excessive alcohol consumption:
Researchers report that fermented alcoholic beverages, such as beer or wine, cause stomach acid problems. Beer and wine have a stimulating effect on gastric acid and increase gastrin hormone and gastric acid content. However, chronic alcohol consumption can also lead to stomach acid deficiency.
Sleep:
According to research, insufficient sleep leads to an increase in the amount of gastric acid. Scientists state that factors such as irregular sleep and poor sleep quality increase the incidence of heartburn at night.
How is stomach acid reduced?
There are several ways to reduce the amount of stomach acid by nutrition.
If you experience occasional heartburn problems due to stress or improper nutrition, mineral water (high sodium bicarbonate content) will help suppress the excess stomach acid. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water with 1 teaspoon of cooking soda will help to balance stomach acid.
In a study, it was shown that the Mediterranean diet reduces the amount of gastric acid, that is, gastric acid. In many cases of gastric acid excess, changes in nutritional style are as effective as drugs.
Instead of eating less and eating more, feed on 3 main and 3 snacks. Don't skip meals.
Do not eat anything in the last 3 hours before bedtime.
Avoid foods that increase your symptoms of excess stomach acid.
What are the symptoms of stomach acid deficiency?
Lack of stomach acid makes stomach burns and indigestion. Low stomach acidity causes stomach pain, gastritis and other signs of acid reflux. In addition, gastric acid deficiency opens the door to health problems such as the development of bacteria in the digestive tract, bone resorption and anemia.
What can cause stomach acid deficiency?
Lack of stomach acid
Excessive bacterial growth
Degradation of sugar digestion = Gas Increased intra-abdominal pressure
reflux
Many (almost all) food intolerances, which have increased tremendously in recent years, may occur due to gastric acid deficiency.
How can we increase stomach acid?
Avoid stomach medicine: Because stomach medicine reduces acidity severely.
Eat acidic foods: consumption of organic apple cider vinegar and citrus fruits (especially lemon). During the day, when you are hungry, you can drink two teaspoons of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in a glass of water, or you can consume it with lemon and vinegar.
Chew too: Chew because it stimulates the secretion of stomach acid. Chew each bite at least twenty times.
Consuming mint: Fresh mint increases gastric acid secretion. In summer, chew a few leaves of mint before meals.
Eat fermented foods: Because fermented foods contain natural organic acid. It also increases the strength of stomach acid by reducing the bacterial load.
Last alternative betaine HCL: It is in acid form and supports gastric acid. It should be reinforced under the supervision of a physician.
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