What Helps an Overacidic Stomach?
Overacid stomach, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or acid reflux, causes a sour taste in the mouth, wheezing, sore throat, discomfort and chest pain, or heartburn. Overacid stomach can be helped with a number of preventative measures or treated when the symptoms occur.
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Description
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Overacid stomach results in stomach acids backing up into the esophagus, creating discomfort. Stomach acids can damage the delicate lining of the esophagus.
Prevention/Solution
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Overacid stomach can be helped by avoiding spicy and acidic foods, cigarettes and alcohol. Often, weight loss will relieve or eliminate overacid stomach.
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Vinegar Home Remedy
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A popular home remedy for acid stomach is apple cider vinegar, which works to diminish the stronger acid produced by the stomach. Drink 2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar mixed with water three times daily, especially before the evening meal. Pickle juice is also used as a beverage to help overacid stomach.
Other Remedies
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Ginger root steeped in hot water, or grated fresh and added to food, relieves acid stomach. Mace, nutmeg and cinnamon also help acid stomach. Food supplements like fennel seed, papaya and aloe vera can be taken to treat acid stomach.
OTC Medications
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A wide variety of over-the-counter medications are available to help overacid stomach. Calcium-rich tablets, like Tums, help some people. Stronger medications like Zantac, Prilosec and their generic equivalents provide relief if taken daily.
Prescription Medication
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Persistent and serious overacid stomach should be monitored and treated by a physician. Acid stomach can cause long-term tissue damage and other health problems. A number of prescription medications are available to treat overacid stomach.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jason Rogers
