Heartburn is caused by too much hydrochloric acid in the stomach and can lead to ulcers if not treated. Lifestyle choices such as overeating, consuming fatty foods, smoking, and stress can exacerbate the condition. Seeking medical advice is recommended for frequent sufferers.
Heartburn, also known as acid indigestion, is a common ailment that many people experience from time to time. Basically, this type of stomach pain can occur when there is too much hydrochloric acid present in the stomach and digestive tract. Acid reflux and heartburn sometimes accompany the condition. Frequent bouts of acid stomach can also lead to the development of ulcers if not treated in a timely manner.
There are a number of reasons why the hydrochloric acid level rises and causes such an upset stomach. Many of these underlying causes have to do with lifestyle choices. This means that in many cases it is possible to alter habits and behaviors and minimize the recurrence of stomach pain.
One of the most common causes of this phenomenon has to do with overeating within a couple of hours of evening pick up. Many people who choose to eat late in the evening don’t give their body enough time to process their food before falling into a prone position. This makes it easier for the acid to return to the digestive tract and causes a burning sensation that makes rest very difficult. The obvious solution here is to eat earlier in the evening and engage in some light activity, such as walking, to stimulate the digestive process.
Besides consuming too much food too late in the day, the type of food consumed can also lead to an upset stomach. Excessive consumption of fatty foods can irritate the stomach and cause a lot of pain. While taking an antacid may help ease the discomfort, a better option is to consume less animal fat and consume more nutrient-dense options, such as green vegetables.
The root cause of stomach acid in some cases has nothing to do with the type or amount of food eaten. Instead, the stomach is irritated by the consumption of substances that could be minimized or avoided altogether. Smokers increase their chances of developing an upset stomach. Additionally, tobacco use can exacerbate any tendency to develop an ulcer. Choosing to quit smoking and avoid using tobacco products in general can save the individual a lot of pain and also minimize the chances of developing a peptic ulcer.
Stress can also be involved in creating an acidic stomach. An individual’s emotional state will often impact the ability of the body’s various systems to function at peak efficiency. Someone who is constantly worried or fearful often finds they feel a tightness in the stomach area that leads to indigestion no matter what or when they eat. Often, counseling or engaging in activities to minimize stress levels will also lead to a decrease in indigestion problems.
While a sour stomach is just one of several causes of ulcers, a recurring problem like this can be a strong indicator that something should be done right away. If left unchecked, frequent bouts of acid stomach can lead to considerable damage to the stomach lining and esophagus. If you experience this condition frequently, consult your doctor immediately and find out what you need to do to get rid of this kind of discomfort.
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