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How to Stop Excess Acid Production in the Stomach?

Published in Acid Reflux Relief 2 mins read

To help reduce excess acid production in the stomach and prevent acid reflux, you can focus on lifestyle and dietary adjustments.

Here’s a breakdown of strategies based on the provided reference from Harvard Health:

Dietary & Eating Habits

  • Eat Sparingly and Slowly: Avoid overfilling your stomach, which can increase the likelihood of acid reflux. Smaller, more frequent meals can be helpful.
  • Avoid Certain Foods: Specific foods can trigger acid production in some individuals. Pay attention to which foods cause you problems.
  • Don't Drink Carbonated Beverages: Carbonated drinks can increase stomach pressure.

Lifestyle Modifications

  • Stay Up After Eating: Don't lie down immediately after meals. Give your stomach time to empty.
  • Don't Move Too Fast: Avoid strenuous activity soon after eating.
  • Sleep on an Incline: Elevate the head of your bed to help prevent acid from flowing back into the esophagus while you sleep.
  • Lose Weight if Advised: Excess weight can contribute to acid reflux.
  • If You Smoke, Quit: Smoking can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, making reflux more likely.

Summary Table

Strategy Description Benefit
Eat Smaller Meals Consume food in smaller portions and eat slowly. Reduces stomach pressure and the likelihood of reflux.
Avoid Trigger Foods Identify and eliminate foods that worsen your symptoms. Prevents increased acid production and reflux.
Limit Carbonated Drinks Avoid or reduce the consumption of sodas and other fizzy beverages. Decreases stomach pressure.
Stay Upright Post-Meal Remain in an upright position for a few hours after eating. Allows gravity to help keep stomach acid down.
Avoid Strenuous Activity Refrain from intense physical activity immediately after eating. Prevents increased abdominal pressure.
Elevate Head While Sleeping Raise the head of your bed 6-8 inches. Uses gravity to minimize nighttime reflux.
Weight Management If overweight, consider losing weight. Reduces pressure on the stomach.
Quit Smoking Stop smoking. Improves lower esophageal sphincter function.

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