Hyper Acidity and Me

I have never been hospitalized in my life and I never wish to be. I have been a healthy girl except for a once or twice a year fever that lasted for only a day or two.

But recently, like two days ago, I was attacked by an existing hyper-acidity in my stomach. I have this "illness" but it does not become bothersome to me. In the past when I had a mild attack of hyper acidity, I only stopped eating sour foods and fruits, junk foods, oily foods, and stop drinking any carbonated drinks and acid based juices. Then the ache will stop and I am back again to eating "normal foods". When I say normal,they are foods I mentioned that I am not allowed to eat.

The latest attack, brought too much pain that my entire body shook and I can barely stand. I asked the doctor if I can have endoscopy and he told me not yet until I am done with the prescribed medicine. If after the 7-day observation period I am still in pain, he will conduct an ultra sound with my tummy. If the result is not good, only then, he will go through with the endoscopy.

Three days later and I am still in pain. Something that I have never experienced before.

I searched the internet for information about what caused hyper acidity,its cure, and what should be avoided.


Definition of Hyperacidity / Acid Dyspepsia (ayushveda.com)

Hyperacidity or acid dyspepsia simply means increase of acidity in the stomach. The human stomach secretes hydrochloric acid which is necessary for the digestion of food. When the stomach contains an excessive amount of hydrochloric acid, then the condition is called as hyperacidity or acid dyspepsia.

Causes of Hyperacidity / Acid Dyspepsia
The prime medical factors of hyperacidity or acid dyspepsia are as follows:-
(i) Stomach Ulcers – Ulcers in the stomach are one of the prime causes of hyperacidity. Once this is diagnosed, the treatment will be done by the surgical removal of the stomach ulcers.
(ii) Acid Reflux Disease – Some people have a gastric disorder called as the acid reflux disease. In this condition, the acids of the stomach, i.e. gastric acids or hydrochloric acid, get refluxed up to the food pipe, which is biologically called as the esophagus. When this happens, it builds up the level of acidity in the stomach.
(iii) Stomach Cancers – Stomach cancers can also cause hyperacidity as one of their symptoms. This is a very rare case, but the mortality rate is quite high. Hence, a hyperacidity that lasts more than two weeks must be immediately shown to the doctor and got checked for any cancer. A timely diagnosis can enable complete treatment of the disease.

Hyperacidity gets aggravated by the following triggers:-
Excessive intake of oily, spicy and salty foods
Excessive intake of sour foods that contain high acid content
Inadequate exercise
Going to bed immediately after a heavy meal
Too much mental stress and worries
Taxing the mind excessively
Consumption of alcohol
Smoking and drug addiction
Addictive consumption of coffee
Too much intake of therapeutic drugs like aspirin
Diseases of the digestive organs such as the stomach, intestines, gallbladder or the pancreas
Peptic ulcers
Spinal lesions

Symptoms of Hyperacidity / Acid Dyspepsia

Hyperacidity symptoms are observed a couple of hours after eating, when the food has been digested and still excess acids are left within the stomach. At this stage, the following symptoms are seen:-
*A typical feeling of restlessness
*Feeling of nausea (wanting to throw up) and actual vomiting
*Sour belching with an aftertaste of the already-eaten food
*Stiffness in the stomach, which is called as atonic dyspepsia
*Lack of desire for any other type of food
*Indigestion
*Constipation

Prevention of Hyperacidity / Acid Dyspepsia

Hyperacidity can be taken care of with a strict and healthy dietary routine. The following principles must be observed:-
A person with hyperacidity problems must totally abstain from consuming heavy food.
It is very important to perform some light exercise after every meal in order to burn some calories. Alternatively, the person can go on a brisk walk.
Smoking and alcoholism must be totally avoided by people having repeated complaints of hyperacidity.
The mind should be kept free and devoid of tensions during eating.

With this information, I know for sure what to avoid. Sometimes though I have the tendency to crave those oily, salty, and sour foods. I love my life, and for me to prolong it, is to watch my diet. :)