Acidity problemImage Credit source: Getty Images
Many people often have problems with acidity, gas and heartburn. Usually it is linked to excess chilli-spices or overeating, but this is not always the reason. In some cases, ‘low stomach acid’ can also be a reason behind this. Low stomach acid means the amount of hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach is less than normal. This acid helps in breaking down food, digesting proteins and absorbing essential nutrients.
Aging, long-term intake of antacid medications, excessive stress, nutritional deficiency, zinc or vitamin b12 In conditions like deficiency and irregular eating habits, the stomach acid level may decrease. When stomach acid is not produced in sufficient quantity, the digestion process may slow down and the body may face difficulty in getting the necessary nutrition. This condition can gradually lead to many digestive symptoms. Let us know about this.
Why does low stomach acid cause acidity?
Professor Dr. Subhash Giri, Director, Department of Medicine, RML Hospital. It is said that when the amount of acid in the stomach decreases, the food is not broken down and digested properly. Undigested food can remain in the stomach for a long time, which causes gas formation and increases pressure in the stomach. Due to this pressure, food and acid from the stomach starts coming up towards the throat. This condition can cause problems like heartburn, sour belching and throat irritation.
Many times a person feels that too much acid is being produced in his stomach, whereas due to lack of acid, digestion is getting disrupted. If this problem persists for a long time, discomfort in the stomach, heaviness and frequent belching also become common. Therefore, it is important to understand the symptoms and identify the true cause, so that the right solution can be found instead of taking medicines again and again.
These reasons can also be responsible
Low stomach acid alone is not responsible for acidity. Eating at irregular times, consuming too much tea, coffee or carbonated drinks, fried and processed foods, staying awake till late night and constant stress can also increase this problem.
Staying on an empty stomach for a long time or eating too much suddenly also affects the stomach. Smoking and alcohol consumption can weaken the digestive system. Side effects of some medicines and hormonal changes can also increase the complaint of acidity.
how to protect
To prevent acidity, it is important to take a regular and balanced diet. Instead of eating a lot at once, eat small amounts of food several times. Limit fried and excessively spicy foods. Avoid lying down immediately after eating and walk for at least 30 minutes.
Drink enough water and take up yoga or meditation to reduce stress. In case of repeated problems, consult a doctor and get checked.