A number of foods common to the western diet influence the balance of stomach acid. Certain foods affect the function of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle or irritate the lining of the esophagus, according to the American Gastoenterological...
The stomach is an acidic environment because of its hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid is essential to the digestive process. Gastrointestinal and digestive problems occur when hypochlorhydria -- the condition of having too little hydrochloric...
The amount of hydrochloric acid present in the stomach decreases gradually with age. Although this may not sound particularly bad to heartburn sufferers, it can impede the digestive process. A bubbling digestive cauldron, the stomach houses...
Hydrochloric acid is naturally secreted in your stomach to digest the foods you eat so they can be absorbed into your bloodstream. Many people have a deficiency of this acid, which can lead to other deficiencies. People over the age of 60 and...
The health consequences of eating too much sodium are well-known, prompting Americans to limit salt intake. However, there also are consequences when you take in too little, such as potentially not producing enough hydrochloric acid, or HCL, in...
Excessive stomach acid, which occurs for a number of reasons, can produce the uncomfortable, bloated and fiery sensation known as heartburn. FamilyDoctor.org states that heartburn occurs when stomach acid splashes up into your esophagus, causing...
Excessive amounts of stomach acid can occasionally produce uncomfortable heartburn symptoms. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that heartburn develops when stomach acid flows into your esophagus, causing a subsequent burning...
Since 1 in 10 people suffer from stomach ulcers at some point during their life, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it might interest you to know that there are foods that can help decrease acid secretion in your stomach. By...
If you suffer from a condition that causes esophageal damage, such as acid reflux disease or GERD, there are certain foods that you should eliminate from your diet. Avoiding certain foods can help reduce stomach acid, which can burn your esophagus...
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a gastrointestinal condition in which a person experiences cramping, abdominal pain, constipation, bloating and diarrhea. When seeking treatment for IBS, the consulting professional will ask the patient to keep...
A hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper part of the stomach pushes through a small opening in the diaphragm into the chest cavity, according to the University of Southern California. The exact cause of hiatal hernia is unknown, but...
Abdominal pain after a meal can signal one of several problems. In some cases, you might have simply overeaten, straining the lining of your stomach and causing discomfort. But it's also possible to eat foods that upset your stomach. If you are...
The nutrient calcium pantothenate, also called vitamin B-5 or pantothenic acid, plays a role in different aspects of your health. Many foods contain calcium pantothenate, making a deficiency rare in most people. However, a low level of vitamin B-5...
Gastroesophogeal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when stomach contents frequently back up into the esophagus and throat. Stomach acid may rise up into the throat, causing a variety of symptoms, including nausea, heartburn, vomiting and stomach...
Although the medicinal uses of cayenne are largely based in folk medicine, modern research has declared it an effective herb for the treatment of pain and other health conditions. Cayenne pepper may be used as a topical ointment or an oral...
An ulcer that forms in the lining of the stomach, medically known as a gastric ulcer, can cause a dull, burning or gnawing pain. Although the pain may last only briefly and may come and go, it should not be ignored. If left untreated, the ulcer...
Excess stomach acid production can lead to upset stomach, acid indigestion, abdominal pain, bloating or intestinal problems. Many people experience acid reflux or heartburn problems when the stomach produces too much acid. It can become a serious...
Coffee is a staple drink for many people, particularly those forced to get up early or operate on too few hours of sleep. Coffee provides large amounts of caffeine to the body --- which can improve alertness, but also have unwanted effects in the...
Ulcers form in the digestive tract, which includes your esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Although caffeine cannot cause an ulcer, it can cause an increase in stomach acid production, resulting in ulcer pain. Avoid foods and beverages containing...
When you have low or no production of stomach acid you may have a condition called hypochlorhydria. For normal digestion to occur effectively you need to produce plenty of hydrochloric acid through your stomach lining. Hydrochloric acid -- HCL --...
Cayenne pepper is a spice used in a variety of foods. It is especially popular in certain types of cuisine, including Creole, Cajun, southeast Asian, Chinese and Mexican. As a cooking ingredient, cayenne pepper is sold in powder form, but you can...
The most beneficial diet for a stomach ulcer is one that includes easily digested and mildly flavored foods. Everyone reacts to food differently, so there is no single diet that works across the board. Ulcers stem from an infection caused by...
Peptic ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach, esophagus or duodenum. The foods you eat will not cause ulcers, but eating certain foods can increase the production of stomach acids and further irritate ulcers. Food plans for ulcers vary...
Stomach ulcers develop when the protective layer of your stomach erodes and sores form on the lining of your stomach. Stomach ulcers are usually caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, but they can also be triggered by chronic use of...
Hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm. The diaphragm helps keep the lower esophageal sphincter muscle closed. Normally, small hiatal hernias do not cause any...
Excessive stomach acidity is a common complaint that manifests itself as a variety of symptoms, from heartburn and acid reflux to chest pain. It is often treated with acid-suppressive medications. These medications, including anti-histamines and...
Because your body must break food molecules down into smaller parts for digestion, your stomach naturally contains acids that help reduce food particles. However, this acid can become problematic if the foods in your diet stimulate the stomach to...
Maintaining regular exercise contributes to improved overall health, helping to control weight and strengthening muscle, including your heart. Yet if you suffer from acid reflux, you may find that exercise worsens the condition. The increased...
Peptic ulcers occur in the stomach, duodenum or esophagus. Over 95 million people in America suffer from ulcers or other digestive problems, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Food does not cause ulcers, and special diets do...
