What is stomach acid all about?

Sep 24, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, stomach acid issues may be related to poor eating habits, emotional stress, indigestion, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric ulcers, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, stress can be alleviated through appropriate aerobic exercises such as running and swimming. At the same time, maintain a healthy diet and reduce the intake of irritating foods.

Under normal circumstances, excessive stomach acid may be related to factors such as poor dietary habits, emotional stress, indigestion, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and gastric ulcers. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Poor Dietary Habits

Consuming excessive spicy, greasy, or other irritating foods may stimulate increased secretion of stomach acid. It is advisable to adjust the diet by reducing intake of irritants and increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables.

2. Mental Stress

Long-term tension or anxiety may lead to sympathetic nervous system activation, disrupting normal gastrointestinal function and promoting stomach acid secretion. Practicing deep breathing exercises for 15 minutes daily can help calm the mind and body and relieve stress.

3. Indigestion

Eating overly sweet or acidic foods may impair the digestive and absorptive functions of the gastrointestinal tract, irritating the mucosal lining and leading to increased stomach acid production. It is recommended to adjust the diet and avoid excessive intake of irritating foods. Consuming alkaline foods such as noodles may help alleviate symptoms.

4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, and similar factors may reduce the esophageal mucosa's resistance to damage from refluxed material, leading to GERD. Reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus may cause inflammation of the esophageal lining, exacerbate stomach acid secretion, and result in symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and a burning sensation in the stomach. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets, pantoprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, and domperidone tablets.

5. Gastric Ulcer

Chronic overeating or prolonged hunger may impair blood circulation and the repair capacity of the gastric mucosa, predisposing individuals to gastric ulcers. When the gastric mucosa is damaged, stomach acid more easily comes into contact with and stimulates gastric wall cells, resulting in increased acid secretion, accompanied by symptoms such as pain, bloating, and belching. Treatment under medical guidance may include medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, and hydrotalcite chewable tablets.

In daily life, engaging in moderate aerobic exercises such as running or swimming may help relieve stress. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and reducing intake of irritating foods is important.

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