Your stomach produces stomach acid or gastric acid to help digest food. Gastric acid also kills any bacteria you might ingest with your food. When the body produces too much acid, you experience symptoms like heartburn. Over-the-counter antacids are a common remedy for this; you simply take one to help neutralize a high level of stomach acid.
Causes
A number of factors can cause an excess of gastric acid. It's usually difficult to determine the main cause and you might need to make one lifestyle change at a time until you determine what is causing the problem. Diets that include a lot of fatty foods might result in excess stomach acid. Eating irregularly, with long period of time between meals can also cause stomach acid to accumulate in your empty stomach. When you're under lots of stress, your body also produces large amounts of stomach acid. Additionally, overweight people are also at a higher risk of heartburn. When the excess fat presses against the stomach, it causes gastric acid to move into the esophagus and produces pain and burning.
Symptoms
Heartburn, characterized by a burning pain in the esophagus and chest area, is a common symptom of too much acid in your stomach. Other symptoms include feeling bloated, indigestion, nausea, belching, gas and either constipation or diarrhea. Symptoms of heartburn are usually worse when you lie down.
Treatment
If you smoke or drink, stop. Both affect your gastric acid production. Antacids are a good solution for occasional symptoms. If your symptoms are too intense or if you're suffering them daily, talk to your doctor about H2-Receptor-Antagonistes, or H2RAs, and Proton-pump-inhibitors, or PPIs, two prescriptions medications that can help control stomach acid and manage more serious problems caused by too much acid.
Diet
To avoid stomach acid, you should cut down on your caffeine intake as well. Switch to a diet that's easier on your stomach, such as an eating plan rich in fruits and vegetables and lean protein. If you can identify a particular food -- such as spicy dishes or dairy --- that worsens the symptoms, eliminate it and see if you feel better. Food triggers can vary from person-to-person.
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