Acid Stomach Home Remedy

Excess stomach acid is an all-too-familiar form of discomfort. The grinding pain in the abdomen that signifies this condition is normally blamed on spicy and acidic foods, such as spicy tomato sauces, citrus fruits, and fried foods. While eating these foods can definitely lead to excess stomach acid, there are other causes related to diet that are not necessarily related to what you're eating, as much as when you're eating and how much. Some remedies, then, will cost you nothing and will require nothing, other than a few small lifestyle changes.

Herbal Remedies

• Over the counter antacids are a great thing to have on hand, but what if you're experiencing stomach acid and don't have antacids on hand? Adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a half a glass of water and drinking it down while enjoying dinner just might do the trick. Another beverage remedy involves making a tea out of equal amounts of star anise and pesticide-free lavender leaves, both of which work to reduce acid levels in the stomach. Pour two cups of boiling water over the star anise and lavender, steep for 5 minutes, strain, and add honey.

  Ginger has long been used to relieve nausea, but it also excels at diminishing stomach acid. Ginger extract capsules can be purchased over-the-counter at health food stores and in the natural sections of major supermarkets, but mixing a little shredded ginger root with boiling water and honey will also do the trick.

  Fennel seeds are also a tonic for stomach acid. The active relief agent in fennel is a phytochemical known as Anethole, which relieves digestive tract spasms. Fennel seeds can be chewed after a spicy or acidic meal to prevent the acid from causing discomfort in the first place. Many Indian restaurants offer fennel seeds to patrons before they leave.
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Stress Management

• Stomach acid can be manufactured and accumulated not only as a result of your diet, but the emotional state your in when eating. Eating a meal in a hurried, tense fashion is a great way to bring on reflux, so if you're looking to avoid the discomfort, relax. You're not doing your digestive system any favors if you eat with the television on, music blaring, getting into arguments with family or loved ones, going over overdue bills, etc. Mealtime should be just that--mealtime--with as few interruptions and as little tension as possible. If you need to, take the phone off the hook during meals. Take your time eating, giving yourself plenty of time to chew your food and digest it properly in a quiet and unhurried environment.

Size and Timing of Meals

• We've been told from a young age that one of the cornerstones of a healthy diet is to eat three square meals a day--but is it true? Grazing--eating six medium and smaller size meals and/or snacks over the course of your day--may actually be a healthier way to eat. Eating this way is a great deal less taxing on the digestive system, but it also requires less stomach acid production for digestive purposes.

  Regarding timing, it is wise to remember not to eat for 3 hours before bedtime. Lying in a horizontal position less than 3 hours after a meal can lead to stomach acid distress, so unless you're going to bed at 3 AM, avoid the midnight snack.