Hyperacidity - a Common and Ignored Evil

Introduction:

One of the most common and frequent complaints that most people encounter is acidity. Many patients get confused with the two words; common and normal. They are not the same. Though common, it is in no way normal and should never be taken lightly, as it is, in most cases, a root cause of major illnesses. Let's first understand the term.

What Is Hyperacidity?

The medical term for acidity is hyperchlorhydria or hyperacidity. In this condition, there is increased secretion of HCl (hydrochloric acid) in the stomach than the normal levels produced as a part of the digestive process. When the body requires energy, or when it is time for lunch or dinner, the stomach cells start secreting this HCl, causing hunger. But, in case of hyperacidity, the increased secretion of HCl irritates the stomach’s inner layer (mucous membrane) and regurgitates to the food pipe (esophagus). This regurgitation is called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). It is often called heartburn, as it irritates the region of the heart.

What Causes Hyperacidity?

The exact cause of hyperacidity is not known, but it is linked with some factors, such as:

1. Stress.

2. Tension.

3. Irregular eating habits.

4. The wrong type of diet.

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5. Sedentary lifestyle.

6. Smoking.

7. Alcohol.

8. Highly spiced food.

9. Infection with Helicobacter pylori.

There is also a slight hereditary predisposition to this condition.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Hyperacidity?

Regurgitation of the acid in the reverse direction leads to:

• Burning in the chest, the stomach region, and sometimes the entire abdomen.

• Sour taste in the mouth.

• Sour eructation.

• Bad breath.

• Uneasiness, especially while lying down at night.

What Are the Complications of Hyperacidity?

The following are some conditions of acidity:

• There are two extremes of complications: Patients who just have heartburn mistake it for a heart attack and keep visiting the hospital to get a check-up, and on the other end, those patients who actually need emergency cardiac support consider it just as heartburn and try to treat themselves with over-the-counter prescriptions of antacids.

• In cases where there is no previous history of such symptoms, or when it lasts longer than usual, or when there are other associated complaints like the feeling of uneasiness, difficulty in breathing, chest palpitation, pain radiating to the other parts like to hands or lower jaws, etc., they can be indications of a heart attack. Also, when it is too frequent or causes considerable loss of productive hours, one must seek medical advice and refrain from experimenting with home remedies and over-the-counter medications.

• Patients who suffer from GERD are at higher risk of developing cancer in the upper gastrointestinal tract. It is ranked as one of the highest reasons for mortality at an early age. Cancer is believed to be produced by a chronic injury to a part by any irritants like the reflux of the acids in the esophagus. Early treatment can save patients from it.

• Chronic (long-term) hyperacidity can irritate the digestive tract, including the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. This can result in ulcers, which are a cause of severe pain on a daily basis. It is termed gastric and peptic ulcer or acid-peptic disease. However, this is not the end. If the ulcers are not taken care of, they can result in perforation also.

How Is Hyperacidity Treated?

Usually, patients suffering from hyperacidity have to take medicines for a longer time. Say three to four months, after which they can stop, only to have it resumed after a short time. Remaining dependent on medicines will not allow enjoying food and life. It is in no sense an enjoyment. In the next section, the preventive measures mentioned can help in avoiding the occurrence of hyperacidity.

What Are the Preventive Tips for Hyperacidity?

Most patients fail to appreciate the severity of the matter. So, here are some easy ways to escape this evil:

• Regulate the Time Table - The human body’s physiology tends to adjust its biological clock according to the person’s regular routine. Most of them feel hungry at regular intervals because the body has been accustomed to such a manner. When people do not maintain that regularity in their diet, the biological clock goes haywire and produces acids excessively. If they do not take food while the stomach is filled with acids, the acids can damage the mucous membrane, ultimately leading to ulcer formation.

• Take Moderately Spicy Food - Excess spices can irritate and aggravate the condition, but they may not be the cause.

• Avoid Lying Down Just After Heavy Meals - As the stomach takes at least one to one and half hours to empty the contents after the meal, if people lie down during this time, it will cause regurgitation of the food in the food pipe and irritates them. Instead, take a ten-minute walk and then sit in an erect position. After one and a half or two hours of a meal, people can lie down in the right lateral position to facilitate emptying stomach contents into the intestines.

• Avoid Taking Medicines as Soon as You Have Heartburn - Instead of taking medicines immediately, take lots of water to dilute the stomach acids. And make the necessary changes in their routine as suggested above.

• The Psychological State of the Person - Stress, tension, anxiety, fear, sadness, and negative emotions can harm a person's psychological and physical health, is a scientifically proven fact. But advising an anxious or sad person does not solve the problem. If these are the results of some adverse conditions in life, the only solution is to correct them. It requires proper treatment if this is a part of a psychological illness.

• Exercise Regularly - Regular practice of yoga or exercise helps improve physical and mental health.

• Chronic Diseases - Patients who suffer from diseases like hypertension, diabetes, or other chronic conditions should get their routine check-ups and never underestimate the appearance of a new normal or common symptom.

Other than these tips, some homeopathic medicines like Nux Vomica, Robinia, Iris Versicolor, Natrum Phos, Carbo Veg, and Lycopodium are beneficial if matched correctly. Do not self-medicate, no matter how trivial the complaints are.

Conclusion:

Hyperacidity is one of the common conditions seen in society. It is seen in all classes, ages, and communities. Proper homeopathy treatment can treat the causes of hyperacidity and improve the acidity symptoms very effectively and rapidly than any other therapy. Moreover, it leads to an actual cure rather than a temporary suppression of symptoms.