What Are the Treatments for Stomach Acidity?

During digestion, acid is released into the stomach to break down the food into nutrients and vitamins so they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Because of this process, it is essential that the stomach have a healthy level of acidity. At times, however, acid production in the stomach can go into overdrive, resulting in too much acid being released into the stomach, which leads to discomfort. The most effective way to treat excess stomach acidity is to determine the causes and avoid those triggers. Pinpointing what is responsible for increasing stomach acid beyond healthy levels will make it easier to stave off and treat future attacks.

Adjust Your Diet

• Changing your diet can eliminate stomach acid. Foods that are spicy or have a high acidity can trigger excess acidity in the stomach, resulting in indigestion, heartburn or ulcers. Examples of common food culprits are highly-seasoned foods with a high fat content or even typically "healthy" foods such as citrus fruits. Eliminating these types of foods from your diet may prevent the release of excess stomach acid.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

• Kicking the smoking and alcohol habit can have a positive impact on the levels of stomach acidity. Drinking alcohol triggers the production of stomach acid and irritates the stomach lining. In addition, alcohol is a common catalyst for acid reflux as it relaxes the esophageal sphincter, which allows acid to travel up the throat.

  Smoking is another irritant that can exacerbate stomach acid production. Also, smokers may swallow excess air while they are smoking, which can cause belching and encourage acid reflux.

  Smokers and those who drink alcohol will likely find an improvement in their excess stomach acidity if they can quit their habits.

Relax

• Individuals with high stress levels often have high amounts of stomach acid. Stress causes the release of certain hormones that trigger the production of stomach acid, often leading to painful ulcers.
  Those with too much stress should make a point of relaxing every day and getting sufficient sleep. Decreasing stress levels will result in less stomach acidity, in most cases.

Medical Options

• Sometimes changing your diet, habits and stress levels are not enough to treat stomach acid. When this is the case, over-the-counter antacids may address the discomfort. Antacids are best for heartburn and indigestion, as they neutralize stomach acid. If these are not strong enough, a doctor can prescribe a stronger medication that can inhibit or even block the production of stomach acid.

Natural Options

• Some individuals who do not want to opt for medical treatments for their stomach acid can try natural solutions. Herbal teas, especially peppermint and chamomile, are known to soothe an upset stomach Another option is to eat foods that have high alkaline levels. Some alkaline-forming fruits include berries, grapes and pears. Vegetables that can encourage higher alkaline levels and, as a result, lower acidity levels in the stomach, include lettuce, tomatoes and mushrooms.