So, chronically low stomach acid levels can leave you at risk for infections. The acidity of the stomach also works to kill bacteria that can cause illnesses. This combination can increase the risk for bone fractures and osteoporosis. Additionally, PPIs may increase blood levels of the hormone gastrin, which can leach calcium from the bones.
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Stomach acid plays a crucial role in breaking down food for proper digestion and absorption, so continual suppression of the acid may lead to nutrient deficiencies. Long-term use of H2 blockers and PPIs, however, can have more serious consequences. All uncomfortable but not particularly worrisome or serious. The short-term effects of these drugs may include constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. But as with any drug, there can be side effects. The most common types of medications used are H2 blockers and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), which both suppress stomach acid production really effectively. One study found that the consumption of acidic foods successfully decreased the incidence of heartburn when coupled with a low-carbohydrate diet.ĭue to the uncomfortable-and in some cases, unbearable-symptoms, many people turn to over-the-counter and prescription medications for quick heartburn relief. The consumption of acidic foods or HCL supplements may signal the body to slow production of hydrochloric acid, thereby decreasing the acidity levels of the stomach and acid reflux. In general, alcohol, peppermint, spicy food, chocolate, and fatty foods are thought to trigger heartburn symptoms and should be avoided.Ĭonversely, some researchers argue that eating acidic foods may actually be beneficial for those suffering from acid reflux and even recommend taking HCL, which is stomach acid. Limiting these foods will not prevent acid reflux, but they may diminish the pain it causes by decreasing the acidity of the bile. It's believed that eating these foods may increase the acidity of the stomach and therefore the acidity of the contents that come in contact with the throat, exacerbating pain symptoms. Traditionally, patients have been advised to avoid acidic foods and drinks like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and coffee. The esophagus-stomach connection is located on the right side of the body, so sleeping on the left side of the body may keep acid away from this opening and decrease the occurrence of acid reflux.įor anyone with acid reflux, it's probably no shock to learn that what we eat can have a significant impact on your likelihood of suffering from heartburn. Surprisingly, body orientation during sleep may also affect the risk for acid reflux. Unfortunately, stacking pillows may not offer enough support, so the Cleveland Clinic suggests using wooden blocks to prop up the head of the bed. Sleeping with an elevated head and chest may encourage the flow of digestion and decrease the risk for heartburn as well. Just one more good reason to slow down and eat more mindfully, right? Staying mindful during mealtime and not overeating may also help you avoid heartburn and ease digestion, as stomach distention can cause the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach to relax, allowing for the backward flow of contents.
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Be wary of tight clothes and bad posture. (Not to mention, if you've been meaning to try intermittent fasting, which has been linked with an entire other set of health benefits, this could be a great excuse to start.) It's important to ensure the stomach can properly and completely digest a meal in order to minimize the risk for acid reflux. The idea is to give the stomach enough time to properly and completely digest a meal before lying down, which minimizes the risk for acid reflux. The NIH recommends not eating within three hours of bedtime and remaining upright during this time period.
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Be mindful of meal timing and post-meal behavior.