How to reduce Excess stomach acid

1. Understand the causes of excess stomach acid. This is an important first step to complete before you attempt to regulate the acidity of your stomach by using natural methods or over the counter medication
   • Often, a lifestyle change can be enough to restore the proper acid levels in the stomach.
   • Dehydration is one of the leading causes of excess stomach acid. Water has a neutral pH, meaning it is neither an acid nor a base. When your body has sufficient amounts of water, it can naturally regulate the acidity of the stomach content.
   • Unnatural or forced losses of fluids can contribute to excess stomach acid. Eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia can therefore also contribute to excess stomach acid buildup. When the body does not receive enough food or is forced to regurgitate ingested food, stomach acid can increase. Altering your lifestyle to deal with these issues is an effective way to combat excess stomach acid.
2. Note the possible symptoms associated with excess stomach acid. Knowledge of the symptoms of an acidic stomach will help you identify whether the pH of your stomach is the culprit behind your symptoms.
   • Possible symptoms of excess stomach acid include heartburn, bloating, excess gas, indigestion, nausea, fullness or the presence of ulcers.
   • Other symptoms may include bad breath, hair loss, belching or nasal congestion.
   • All of these symptoms may be indications that the stomach acid of your stomach is disproportionate and should be regulated.
3. Understand the contributing factors to excess stomach acid. The foods that you eat can increase stomach acid levels if the food is difficult to digest or highly acidic in content. Spicy foods and salty foods can also contribute to excess stomach acid buildup
4. Eliminate bad habits related to your health which can contribute to excess stomach acid buildup. This includes:
   • Refraining from smoking, which can cause buildup of stomach acids and raise the acidic content of the stomach. This can result in prolonged heartburn and other stomach problems.
   • Refraining from or reducing alcohol consumption, which can also increase the acidic content of the stomach and lead to stomach acid issues and symptoms.
5. Consume meals on a regular basis and try to eat a wide balance of healthy food items instead of junk food or foods with high sugar and salt contents. Foods that are high in fiber can help to regulate the digestive system and may decrease stomach acid levels.
6. Drink a glass of whole milk to help combat the effects of excess stomach acid. For individuals who have only the occasional occurrence of excess stomach acid, a glass of milk may help to absorb the excess acid and reduce the symptoms of increased stomach acid levels.
   
7. At your local Walmart or other store you may find various types of antacid solutions. You should choose the right one for your body type. The two primary kinds are calcium-based, and aluminum-hydroxide-based. Some people have sensitivities or other reasons to avoid excess calcium, while others are worried about excess aluminum intake. If you commonly have heartburn, you may want to ask your doctor which is right for you. Take one or two antacid tablets or a teaspoon of antacid liquid medication after a large meal, or a spicy meal, or a salty meal to help prevent the buildup of stomach acid. Antacid medication comes in flavored chewable tablets that have a chalky consistency. The active ingredients in over the counter antacid medications can help to reduce the occurrence of excess stomach acid. See Warnings below for precautions.
8. If heartburn is a daily occurance, it could be that your esophagus lining has eroded over time from constant acid exposure. It can rebuild itself, but it will take time not being exposed to acid to do so. Consider taking a prescription antacid medication to help counteract the effects of consistent stomach acid issues. Over the counter antacid medication is used on a case by case basis. Prescription medication, on the other hand, is taken daily as a preventative measure against the buildup of stomach acid.
9. Chew mint to soothe the acidic content of the stomach and help promote effective digestion and decreased symptoms associated with acid buildup.
10. Eat meals slowly to avoid ingesting excess air. When the stomach fills with air, uncomfortable bloating and pressure can occur. When this air is expelled through belching, it may carry excess stomach acid into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation. By eating and drinking slowly, you can reduce the amount of air that is swallowed while eating.
11. Avoid eating very large meals. Over-eating to "very full" makes the stomach pump out even more acid to digest all that food, and because the stomach is full, acid has an even better chance of splashing up on the esophagus
    • By eating slower in the previous tip, you'll recognize you are "actually full" sooner than you would be if you "ate until you were full".
    • For more ideas to help you slow down when eating, review How to eat slowly, How to eat slowly to avoid overeating and How to get started in the slow food movement.
12. Avoid carbonated beverages and legumes which can also increase the amount of gas produced in the stomach. Increased gas levels may not contribute to acid overload, but this gas can deliver the acid to parts of the body that are sensitive to the high acidity of stomach fluids.
13. Engage in relaxation techniques and stress relieving activities. Elevated stress levels can trigger an increase in stomach acid production. Ulcers, sores and lesions on the inner lining of the stomach and esophagus are often attributed to high stress levels
14. Exercise regularly. Exercise is important for maintaining overall body health and will contribute to easing symptoms of indigestion, especially as a source of reducing stress buildup. Be sure to keep well hydrated when exercising.
15. Heartburn could also be a result of a digestion-related health issue. Your stomach may be digesting foods slower, or struggling with certain foods you have eaten. Consider buying a full-spectrum "digestive enzyme" supplement (in pill form) and take 1-2 with a meal to help the food digest faster and more efficiently. (Full-Spectrum insinuates that it can break down fats, carbs and proteins alike. More expensive isn't always better, some brands raise the price by adding gluten-protein digestion enzymes and other more rare enzymes to justify a higher price. Check with your doctor, but a basic $10 for 60 day supply should be enough).