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Which Everyday Things Add to Acid in the Stomach?

Every day we rely on our stomachs to secrete the right amount of acid to keep digestion running smoothly. After a meal, the acid in our stomachs goes to work breaking down food and killing off harmful bacteria. We usually don't give a second thought to stomach acid until indigestion, heartburn, stomach cramps or painful ulcers slow us down. Then we begin to think about the causes behind the increased levels of acid in the stomach.

  1. Acidic Fruits

    • Citrus fruits such as oranges, pineapples, lemons, limes and grapefruits are acidic by nature and therefore can increase stomach acid levels. Sour varieties of apples, peaches, grapes and plums can also increase these levels. Tomatoes fall into the acidic fruit group as well. Watch for tomato-based products like spaghetti sauce, chili made with a tomato base and ketchup.

    Fatty Foods

    • High-fat foods, such as greasy french fries, doughnuts and even deep-fried vegetables increase acid levels in the stomach by slowing down the rate at which food leaves the stomach. The longer it takes to digest food the longer the stomach produces acid. Skip the batter dip and hot grease to get the most from vegetables without adding to stomach acid levels.

    Meat and Dairy Products

    • Beef, pork, lamb and veal fall into the saturated fat category and act similarly to other fatty foods, in that they take longer to digest. Clams, lobster, mussels and shellfish make the list too. Animal based dairy products, such as those made from cow's milk and that contain a higher fat content, may actually cause more stomach acid. When consuming dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream look for 1 percent, skim or non-fat options.

    Spices and Spicy Foods

    • Spicy foods that contain chili powder, pepper and other spices trigger heartburn in some people. Even a small amount of spicy food may cause problems for those prone to heartburn. Try adding smaller amounts of spices or just avoid the spices that cause problems.

    Cooking Products

    • Many cooking oils classified as acidifying oils cause the stomach to increase acid levels. Oils in this category include canola, corn, olive, sesame and sunflower oil. Butter and lard don't escape the list either, since these products fall into the acidifying fats group. Reduce the amount of cooking oils and fats added to foods to keep stomach acid levels in balance.

    Sugary Beverages and Caffeinated Drinks

    • Beverages containing sugar and corn syrup, such as soda and sweetened fruit juices, increase stomach acid levels. Caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea have the same effect. Switching to decaffeinated coffee or caffeine-free diet soda may not help; these beverages still fall into the acidic range.

    Alcohol and Spirits

    • Wine, beer and liquor affect stomach acid levels. Alcohol relaxes the sphincter muscle that helps keep stomach acid in the proper place. When the sphincter weakens, stomach acid can rise into the esophagus resulting in heartburn. The old saying "Everything in moderation" applies in this case.

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