Acidity is a common gastrointestinal ailment not necessarily caused by a pathogenic infection. It is attributed to a functional disorder that can result due to a variety of reasons. Mayo Clinic says that it may be called as functional dyspepsia that impedes the stomach's capability to receive and digest food particles, and then pass it on to the small intestine.
Food
The primary cause of acidity is linked to the amount of food one eats. When a person eats excessively, the stomach may not be able to digest it leading to production of excess digestive juices or acid in the stomach. The same consequence happens when a person eats quicker than the stomach can accept and digest. Very oily and fat-rich diet also induces acidity. Spicy foods, junk foods, and any such foods that contain a high content of caffeine such as chocolates and coffee, if consumed in excess can also cause acidity. Eating foods that prove hard for the stomach to breakdown, such as a high-fiber diet, causes acidity. This can happen particularly when the person is not used to high-fiber foods.
Alcohol, tobacco and Carbonated Beverages
Medline Plus says that when a person eats or drinks under stress, the digestive system fails to function normally, which leads to acidity and indigestion. High intake of carbonated beverages, tobacco smoking, and excessive consumption of alcohol also can cause acidity in the stomach. Some people may have high lactose intolerance, and any consumption of dairy products may cause acidity.
Psychological and Emotional Factors
Psychological and emotional factors may also cause acidity. When a person undergoes emotional trauma, or a bout of nervousness, it may result in an acidic stomach. Highly stressful lifestyle or a frequent condition of anxiety and depression may also contribute to the problem of acidity, which ultimately may result in irritable bowels.
Medical Causes
Medline Plus outlines various medical causes that may induce acidity. If a person suffers from gallstones, inflammation of the pancreas, inflammation of the stomach, gastric ulcers or stomach cancer, these might cause acidity. Patients suffering from chronic problems of gastritis may often complain of acidity. The use of certain medications such as strong antibiotics, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can also cause acidity in many patients.
