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A healthy stomach has an acidity
level (pH) between 1-2,
that is around one million times more acid than pure water.
The digestive process takes place as food passes through the
mouth,
stomach, small intestine and large intestine. At the stomach,
the
gastric acid helps to break down proteins for further
digestion at
the small intestine. The time consumed for the whole digestion
will depend upon the way the whole process passes. The food
at the mouth must be well prepared: grounded and chewed, with
the help of good teeth and saliva. Saliva contains an enzyme
which
acts on starch to convert it into sugar. Then the food passes
through
the esophagus into the stomach, where it is further
disintegrated
and acted upon by the stomach juices, that contains besides
the
hydrchloric acid, pepsin and other enzymes.
Therefore it is pretty obvious that Hydrochloric acid is an
important part
of the digestion process. Indiscriminate use of
anti ulcer drugs hamper
the digestion process leading to
problems like bloating and causing
reverse acidity from bile.
Myth1 There should be no acidity at all.
--Small bouts of acidity are common after heavy meals and
outside food.
They require understanding of the cause rather
than treating by medicines.
Myth2 Anti acidity drugs can cure acidity.
--Anti acidity drugs can only control the symptoms . No amount
of medicines can cure a faulty diet and lifestyle.
Myth3 If the medicines are not working then i must be more
stressed as the doctor says.
--In fact long term use of these medicines is most common
cause of acidity.
A Proper Diet
for Acidity
- First of all, try to eat
small frequent meals instead of 3 big meals a day. Small
amount of food each time would exert less workload on the
stomach and therefore requires less acid secretion for
digestion. Make sure to include foods that are high in
complex carbohydrates in each meal. These foods, such as
rice, breads and pasta, are able to tie up excess stomach
acid and are often easy on the stomach.
- Avoid high-fat meals
such as those from the fast food chains. High fat foods
will remain in the stomach longer in which more acid is
secreted to digest them.
- But remember, don't
overeat! Eating too much of any foods will stimulate the
stomach to secret more acids for digestion.
- Avoid or limit alcohol,
chocolate, foods containing caffeine such as coffee and
tea
- Maintain upright
position during and at least 45 mins after eating
- Try elevating the head
of bed 6 - 8 inches when lying down.
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