How to understand the acidity of the stomach is increased or decreased? Let's figure it out.
For the digestion process, it is very important that the gastric juice has a normal level of acidity. This level is determined by the concentration of hydrochloric acid. In our article, we learn how to determine the acidity of the stomach. We also find out what are the signs of an increased or decreased indicator.
Gastric juice and its acidity
Increased acidity is an excess of hydrochloric acid, it can lead to a weakening of the membrane that protects the stomach. Increased acidity extremely negatively affects its walls. Such a process is closely interconnected with a number of pathologies and undesirable symptoms, for example, this leads to such ailments as ulcers, bleeding, gastritis, and so on.
How to determine the acidity of the stomach at home is interesting to many.
As for reduced acidity, it is a deficiency of hydrochloric acid and leads to adverse effects. With this form of deviation, the antibacterial activity of the acid worsens, which causes a significant violation of the intestinal flora. In the stomach there is an environment that is favorable for the propagation of pathogenic bacteria, and, in addition, fungi. Therefore, when Helicobacter bacteria get there, they multiply, due to which various diseases appear, such as erosion, gastritis, polyposis and, even worse, malignant tumors.
Consider how to determine the acidity of the stomach yourself.
Self-diagnosis methods
Malfunctions of the digestive system with various types of acidity can be easily confused with other diseases, if you do not monitor the body's reaction to certain taste preferences. There are well-known tests to determine the acidity of the stomach. You must use the following types of products:
- Lemon test. Usually, people who have high acidity taste this fruit seems very sour. Those who have it lowered will easily use the pulp or lemon juice, as this will not cause them discomfort. Still how to check the acidity of the stomach?
- Test with baking soda. To test the acidity using this method, 0.5 tsp is needed. soda, which is dissolved in water and thoroughly mixed. The resulting drink is drunk on an empty stomach and monitor the condition of your body. Lack of burping will indicate a lower level.
- Test using millet porridge with butter. In the event that heartburn appears from this dish, it will indicate an increased level. How to check the acidity of the stomach, not everyone knows.
- Apple juice test. To check, you should drink such juice on an empty stomach. In the case of increased acidity, there will be unpleasant, and, in addition, painful sensations in the abdomen. In the event that these sensations are absent, then this will mean that the level of acidity is normal. If there is a desire to use apple juice or another acidic product, then it is greatly reduced.
Here's how to determine the acidity of the stomach at home.
Why is acidity low and what are the reasons for this?
Reduced acidity results from certain diseases, for example, gastritis, gastroduodenitis, or stomach cancer. These pathologies are closely related to the disruption of the glands, which are responsible for the presence of hydrochloric acid. As such, low acidity serves as a rather serious type of pathology, as it creates an environment for the spread of infections.
Everyone should know the signs of increased acidity of the stomach .
Why does acidity increase?
The main reason for its increase is considered an improper diet, along with non-compliance with the schedule for the adoption of products. The use of fatty and spicy foods along with smoked meats, sweets, alcohol and coffee has an extremely negative effect on the digestion process.
In addition, prolonged use of a certain type of medication can increase acidity in the stomach. These drugs include hormonal drugs along with anti-inflammatory non-steroidal medicines. Smoking also adversely affects the stomach and increases its acidity.
Signs of decreased acidity of the stomach
The most characteristic signs of low acidity are the following factors:
- The presence of belching along with an unpleasant odor.
- Frequent bloating.
- A feeling of heaviness in the hypochondrium.
- The presence of dull pain after eating.
- The appearance of an upset stool.
Secondary signs of decreased acidity of the stomach, which appear after some time, in this case are the following symptoms:
- The presence of dry skin on the hands, and, in addition, on the face.
- The presence of brittle and delaminated nails.
- The presence of brittle and dry hair.
- The appearance of a rash and an expanded vascular network on the face.
- General weakness of the body.
- Lack of weight.
- The presence of rapid fatigue of the body.
- Hemoglobin reduction even with a balanced diet.
Consider below the signs of increased acidity of the stomach.
Symptoms of excess acid
This is a problem with no less negative consequences than in the opposite case. A person has irritation of the stomach wall due to excess acidity, which leads to the appearance of the following symptoms:
- The appearance of heartburn after eating.
- Copper taste in the mouth.
- The presence of belching after eating.
- Pain in the stomach, which is aching in nature.
- Heaviness with bloating.
- The appearance of pressing sensations in the abdominal cavity.
- Defecation process failed.
- The appearance of pain in the stomach after medications.
The secondary symptoms that may occur if untreated are the following symptoms:
- Decreased appetite along with apathy.
- Frequent discomfort in the stomach.
- Frequent bouts of nausea and vomiting.
- The presence of a white-gray coating on the tongue.
As a rule, in the absence of such signs, acidity is normal (zero acidity of the stomach). But, in the presence of at least some symptoms, it is necessary to consult a specialist in a timely manner in order to identify probable problems and subsequent correction. Knowing how to determine the acidity of the stomach is not enough. Next, find out what the diet should be.
Choosing a diet with a high level of acid in the stomach
Any diet for problems with acidity should be aimed at normalizing the level of hydrochloric acid and creating favorable conditions for normal digestion. With a high level of acid, it is necessary to abandon rich broths, and, in addition, from savory snacks along with raw vegetables and sparkling water. From vegetables it is allowed to eat boiled potatoes, carrots or cauliflower.
It is also recommended to limit sweets and flour products. Useful for increased acidity is considered the use of cereals, as well as mineral water. It is required to accept products in well crushed and boiled form.
Low acidity and diet
With low acidity, the principles of the diet are similar, but you should exclude fatty, pepper and salty foods. With the normalization of well-being, it is allowed to expand the diet by adding meat broths, fish dishes and vegetable. Both diet options exclude drinks containing alcohol. You should be careful about various spices, so it is better to completely remove them, since they can have a strong irritating effect on the stomach and increase unwanted symptoms.
For problems with acidity, frequent intake of products in small portions is recommended. In both cases, you must adhere to a strict diet, especially with pronounced signs of acidity.
Methods for determining the acidity of the stomach
First of all, you should know that its normal level should be from 0 to 9 mmol. The following measures are related to medical measures that help in determining the level of acidity:
- Determination of the color of urine. For this, ion-exchange resins are used , for example, Acidotest or Gastrotest.
- Conducting fractional sounding of the stomach. Using this method, gastric juice is aspirated by using a rubber tube, after which it is examined in a laboratory.
- Conducting an internal gastric pH meter. This method is most accurate, and, moreover, informative. With its help, acidity is determined in different parts of the digestive system at the same time.
Home Remedies for Low Acidity
You can try to reduce acidity with a diet. To do this, stop using foods that cause it to increase, namely, we are talking about coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, pickled vegetables, sweets, legumes, mushrooms, sour-milk fatty foods and high-calorie dishes. You should take more foods that help reduce acidity, which include nonfat milk along with fermented baked milk, yoghurts, milk porridges, cottage cheese and fruit casseroles, carrot and beet juices. It will also be useful to consume honey and healing mineral water, but without gas.
To reduce acidity, you can use alternative methods. An effective folk method is the use of herbal tea, infusions or decoctions, the effect of which is aimed at restoring the normal function of the nervous system. It is recommended to use mint tea, adding a couple drops of ginger juice with a spoonful of honey. Tea prepared according to this recipe will not only calm the nerves, but also help the digestion process.
You can drink a decoction made from flax seeds, and tincture from dill seeds is also suitable. The action of these products is aimed at restoring the healthy work of the stomach. The number of applications per day: two times. A very effective method is to take tablets of activated carbon, which is able to bind excess hydrochloric acid.
Metal is needed to eliminate acid. Good for this is calcium. It is necessary to crush the eggshell, mix the resulting powder with vitamin "D" or fish oil. Use such a remedy with an acidic taste in the mouth.
We examined the basic methods for determining the acidity of the stomach.
Acid Prevention
If an increase in the level of acidity occurs only from time to time, then such a condition extremely rarely leads to serious consequences. But in the event that an elevated level is observed regularly, then this can lead to serious diseases. In this regard, it is very important to observe the following preventive measures:
- Correctly, and, in addition, eat rationally. Eat a lot of foods that contain fiber and protein with vitamins. Food is recommended to be taken in small portions, excluding fatty and spicy foods. Under a special ban should be dishes from the category of fast food.
- It is equally important to give up smoking, and, in addition, the use of alcoholic beverages.
- Regular examinations for the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection should be carried out.
- It is necessary to try to avoid stress and nervous strain.
- Carry out timely treatment of pathologies of infectious genesis, as they can lead to the development of complications.
Conclusion
How to determine the acidity of the stomach is now clear. But, in spite of everything, it should be remembered that in any case, you need to seek qualified help from a doctor. After all, it is a specialist with the help of the intended diagnosis and clinical examinations that will help to make the correct diagnosis by prescribing adequate treatment.