Causes of acidity
January 22, 2009
Acidity relates to the condition in which the stomach secretes certain digestive acids in excess. These acids are otherwise beneficial to the body as they help in breaking down of the food particles during digestion. When this acid gets secreted in excess amounts, body has some protective mechanisms to fight against the acid, both within the stomach and proximal intestine. But when an imbalance occurs between the protective mechanisms and the level of secreted acid, acidity is resulted.
When the valve between the stomach and esophagus get weakened, a reflux of the acid from the stomach to the lower part of the esophagus is resulted. This gastro-esophageal reflux causes heart-burn.
In some people, a heavy meal or any other increase in intra-abdominal pressure like lifting weights can also result in this reflux.
Excess acid secretion leads to ulcers, when the natural protective lining of the stomach is damaged. The ulcer that is resulted in the stomach is called gastric ulcer.
In some people, acidity occurs as a result of stimulation by tumors that are located in the pancreas or duodenum. Such a condition is termed as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Any slight damage in the defense mechanisms that protect the stomach and intestine from acid attack can cause acidity.
The bicarbonate secreted into the mucous layer of the body plays a major role in neutralizing the acid.
Ulcers are also formed due to decreased blood flow into the stomach. Increased consumption of alcohol and spicy foodstuffs are found to worsen the situation. People who are exposed to irregular food habits and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also more prone to gastric acidity.
Highly emotional and nervous individuals are also found to be at a greater risk.
The most effective way of treating acidity is to identify and discard the causative factors. Foods that are spicy, salty and acidic should be completely avoided.
People who are prone to this condition should keep away from smoking and alcohol consumption. It is important to modify their lifestyle in such a way that the ulcer treatment is favored.
St.Botanica Cosmetics
Recent Articles
Follow acupressure to get rid of pain
What do you do when you suffer from pains and aches in your body? You might go to a doctor for an injection or you might take some painkillers or apply some pain balm or spray
What your tongue tells about your health
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. This may sound metaphorical and you may have come across such sayings on tongue
How to tackle wisdom teeth problems
Wisdom teeth usually appear when you are 17-25 years old. These are the last set of teeth to appear. Sometimes people older than 30 years develop wisdom teeth
What causes teeth discoloration
Teeth discoloration is quite evident in humans. On discoloration teeth becomes yellow, pale, discolored and even stained. There are many factors that affect tooth discoloration
How to tackle bad breath
How often have you felt that people step back from you when you talk to them or somebody commented on your bad breath? If you have felt so, you are suffering from bad breath (halitosis)
Consuming a diet that consists of more alkaline foods can also be helpful.