Excess Gastric Acid: Managing Reflux, Heartburn and Bloating

What Causes Excess Gastric Acid Production?

The stomach produces gastric acid, mainly hydrochloric acid, to break down food and protect against harmful bacteria. However, several factors can cause the body to produce too much acid, including:

1. Dietary Choices: Consuming spicy foods, high-fat meals, or caffeinated beverages (such as coffee and soda) can stimulate excessive acid production. Acidic foods, like citrus fruits and tomatoes, as well as heavily processed foods, also increase stomach acid levels.
2. Stress: Chronic stress activates the body’s "fight-or-flight" response, releasing stress hormones like cortisol. This response disrupts digestion and triggers the stomach to produce more acid, as the body prepares for heightened alertness and physical activity.
3. Medications: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, and some antibiotics, can increase stomach acid production or weaken the protective mucus layer in the stomach, causing irritation and discomfort.
4. Lifestyle Factors: Irregular eating patterns, late-night meals, or eating large portions in one sitting can overload the stomach, causing an increase in acid production. Smoking and alcohol consumption are also known to stimulate gastric acid production.
5. Medical Conditions: Conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or Helicobacter pylori infection can lead to an overproduction of stomach acid and other digestive issues.

Symptoms of Excess Stomach Acid

When stomach acid levels are too high, a range of symptoms can develop, indicating an imbalance in the digestive system:

1. Heartburn and Acid Reflux: One of the most common symptoms, heartburn, is caused by stomach acid moving up into the oesophagus. This leads to a burning sensation in the chest, often accompanied by an acidic taste in the mouth.
2. Bloating and Gas: Excess acid can lead to discomfort, a feeling of fullness, and bloating. This occurs because high acid levels disrupt the normal breakdown of food, causing fermentation and gas buildup.
3. Indigestion and Nausea: Excessive acid can irritate the stomach lining, leading to nausea, queasiness, and general discomfort after eating.
4. Loss of Appetite: The discomfort associated with high acid production can reduce appetite, as eating might aggravate the symptoms.
5. Stomach Pain or Cramping: Prolonged exposure to excess acid can irritate the stomach lining, causing pain, cramping, and even potential ulcers.

Possible Consequences of Excess Gastric Acid

Untreated excessive gastric acid can cause a range of long-term health complications:

1. Gastritis: Chronic acid production can inflame the stomach lining, leading to gastritis. This condition causes pain, nausea, and increased vulnerability to infections.
2. Stomach Ulcers: Over time, excess stomach acid can erode the protective mucosal lining of the stomach and small intestine, leading to the formation of ulcers (open sores) on the stomach lining (gastric ulcers) or in the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). These ulcers can cause significant pain, often described as a burning sensation, especially when the stomach is empty. If left untreated, ulcers may worsen, resulting in complications such as bleeding (which can lead to anaemia), or in severe cases, the perforation the stomach or intestinal wall, creating a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Managing acid levels and seeking treatment for symptoms can prevent the progression of ulcers and related complications.
3. Acid Reflux and GERD: Persistent acid reflux can progress to GERD, a condition in which stomach acid frequently backflows into the oesophagus, potentially damaging its lining and leading to complications like Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition in which the normal tissue lining the oesophagus changes to tissue that resembles the lining of the intestine, often due to repeated exposure to stomach acid from chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition can increase the risk of developing oesophageal cancer, as the altered cells have a higher chance of becoming precancerous.
4. Malabsorption of Nutrients: Chronic high acid levels can affect nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies in vital nutrients like iron, calcium, and magnesium, and resulting in short and long-term health issues like osteoporosis, anaemia, weakened immune system, neurological problems (as neuropathy, memory issues, and even cognitive decline), muscle weakness, dry skin, brittle nails, and hair loss.

The Ayurvedic Perspective on Excess Stomach Acid

Ayurveda, an ancient holistic healing system of India, emphasizes the balance across the body’s three doshas, or governing energies: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. In Ayurveda, the Pitta dosha, which is associated with fire and water elements, governs the body’s metabolism, digestion, and transformation processes.

People with a dominant Pitta constitution are particularly prone to issues related to "excess heat," including heartburn, acid reflux, and inflammation. Ayurveda views these symptoms as signs of Pitta imbalance, often caused by:

• Eating overly spicy, salty, or acidic foods.
• Skipping meals or eating at irregular times.
• Exposure to hot temperatures or excessive stress.
• Aggressive or competitive lifestyles, which increase internal "heat".

According to Ayurveda, maintaining balanced Agni (digestive fire) is crucial for our overall health. In Ayurveda, Pitta-pacifying approaches, therefore, aim to cool, calm, and nourish the digestive system.

Practical Solutions for Managing Excess Stomach Acid

Managing excess stomach acid is essential to prevent discomfort and long-term health complications. Here are some approaches, both suggested by conventional and Ayurvedic medicine:

1. Dietary Adjustments:

• Avoid Acidic, Spicy, and Deep-Fried Foods: Reducing foods that stimulate acid production can help lower stomach acid levels.
• Consume Pitta-Pacifying Foods: Ayurveda recommends cooling, alkalizing foods like cucumbers, leafy greens, and sweet fruits. Avoid fermented foods, vinegar, and sour flavours, if your gastric acid is too high.
• Incorporate Herbs and Spices: Cooling herbs like fennel, coriander, and mint can soothe the digestive system and help balance acid levels.

2. Lifestyle Changes:

• Regular Eating Schedule: Eating at regular intervals helps maintain balanced acid levels, especially for Pitta types.
• Manage Stress: Stress reduction techniques, such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or any hobby that helps you get rid of stress can help prevent stress-induced acid production.
• Limit Stimulants: Caffeine, alcohol, and smoking should be minimized, as they can increase acid production and exacerbate symptoms.

3. Hydration: Sip Water Between Meals! Staying hydrated is essential, but according to Ayurveda, drinking too much water during meals can dilute digestive enzymes, and can slow down digestion. Instead, Ayurveda suggests sipping room-temperature water between meals to support healthy digestion. This encourages effective digestion without risking over-dilution of stomach acids and enzymes. In Ayurveda, sipping room-temperature water between meals is thought to support Agni, or digestive fire, allowing the body to maintain efficient digestion without unnecessarily diluting essential digestive fluids. This approach helps keep gastric acid levels balanced for optimal nutrient breakdown and absorption.

4. Herbal Remedies:

• Ashwagandha and Brahmi: Known for their adaptogenic properties, these herbs can help manage stress, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation, which is beneficial for Pitta individuals prone to stress-related acidity.
• Liquorice Root: Known for its soothing effect on the stomach lining, liquorice can help reduce acid levels and prevent ulcers.
• Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe is cooling and soothing to the digestive tract. Drinking a small amount of aloe vera juice before meals may help control acidity.

5. Probiotics: Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or a high-quality probiotic supplement can support the balance of gut bacteria, aiding in better digestion and acid regulation. The Ayurvedic perspective supports the importance of a balanced gut for managing "fire" in the body.

6. Proper Sleep and Rest: Prioritize Rest! Lack of sleep or erratic sleep schedules can exacerbate Pitta imbalances, leading to digestive discomfort. Aim for a consistent sleep routine to help your body maintain natural digestive rhythms.

As you see, managing excess stomach acid is crucial to avoid uncomfortable and potentially serious health issues. Recognizing the signs early and making lifestyle adjustments can help regulate acid production and support digestive health. Ayurveda offers a unique perspective on digestive imbalances, emphasizing the importance of balanced Agni and tailoring dietary and lifestyle habits to maintain harmony in the body. For those with a Pitta constitution or prone to high stomach acid, incorporating cooling, stress-relieving practices and foods can bring a transformative improvement in digestive and overall health. By taking a holistic approach, incorporating both modern and Ayurvedic practices, you can effectively manage excess gastric acid and achieve a balanced, healthier digestive system.

Not sure about your ayurvedic constitution? Take our Prakriti test here!

If you would like to read more about the Pitta body type, click here!