Neutralizing bile acid in your stomach typically involves managing bile reflux through medication or lifestyle changes, rather than a direct neutralization process like you might use for stomach acid.
Here's a breakdown of common approaches:
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Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA): This medication alters the composition of bile, making it less damaging. It doesn't directly neutralize bile acid but changes its properties.
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Bile Acid Sequestrants: These medications (like cholestyramine, colestipol, and colesevelam) bind to bile acids in the digestive tract, preventing their reabsorption and promoting their excretion. This reduces the amount of bile acid circulating and potentially refluxing into the stomach.
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Sucralfate: This medication forms a protective barrier over the stomach lining and esophagus, shielding them from the damaging effects of bile acid and stomach acid. It doesn't neutralize bile but protects the tissue.
Essentially, the goal is to either modify the bile, reduce its presence, or protect the stomach lining from its effects.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, as bile reflux can have various causes and require a tailored approach. Lifestyle modifications like eating smaller meals, avoiding lying down after eating, and avoiding trigger foods can also help manage symptoms.
