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According to health professionals, gastric acid is claimed to be the most acidic in our stomach, although it is less acidic compared to animals. We all are aware that the stomach has a vital role in crumbling food. The gastric acid crumbles down the food we eat into small pieces, and then the enzymes present in the acid help secrete the nutrients from the food.
Gastric acid comprises hydrochloric acid, bile juice, and enzymes such as pepsin and lipase. Parietal cells in the gastric glands discharge this acid.
Aside from being the most destructive acid present in the body, It also has a pH level of 1.5–2.0, which can quickly burn our skin if we ever come in contact with it.
Although gastric acid aids in digestion, sometimes its acidity level tends to increase, which is scientifically called hyperchlorhydria. This increase can sometimes contribute to stomach complications like bloating, stomach ulcers, acid reflux symptoms, indigestion, and more.
Doctors usually prescribe distinct medications accompanied by a healthy meal plan that involves fruits, vegetables, and herbal teas to relieve symptoms of gut complications.
What Is Hyperchlorhydria?
Hyperchlorhydria is a stomach problem in which gastric acid increases due to the presence of high hydrochloric acid in the stomach, causing the pH level to drop below 2.
Now, some people who have this condition don’t know that they have high gastric acid and somehow don’t face any issues.
On the other hand, for some people, the case is different. They go through severe symptoms of stomach discomfort and pain.
Reasons Behind Hyperchlohydria
There are numerous reasons behind hyperchlorhydria, such as:
- Excessive alcohol consumption: If you consume too much alcohol, then your stomach can secrete a high amount of acid.
- Irregular eating: Eating meals from time to time is so important. Skipping meals also contributes to high gastric acid, which leads to acidity.
- Taking on way too much stress. Stress is another cause of your stomach acid levelling up.
- Helicobacter pylori is a bacterial infection that infects the stomach, attacking the tissues. It is also accused of increasing gastric acid.
Symptoms of High Gastric Acid
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Gastroesophageal disease (GERD)
- Peptic ulcers
Why Should Fruits Be Included in Your Diet?
Most of us are unaware of how effective fruits can be. Fruits are not just there to be enjoyed occasionally because of their juicy flavour; adding them for the abundant health benefits we get from including them, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant qualities is crucial.
Research by Harvard advises that around five portions of fruits should be consumed daily. Incorporating fruits into our diet can help with numerous health-related issues, like gastrointestinal disease, maintaining blood pressure, certain types of cancer, fulfilling the need for vitamins, and many more issues we are uncertain of.
5 Fruits That Help Reduce Gastric Acid
Melons
Melons are claimed to be one of the most helpful fruits for reducing gastric acid. They are loved for their juicy and sweet flavour, and people always pick them for their health benefits. They are abundant in water content and have low calories, up to 45-60 calories in one cup serving. Vitamin C in the fruit is perfect for our immune system and antioxidation. Moreover, melons are preferred for improving health conditions related to the heart and digestion.
Apples
Professionals affirm that apples are rich in vitamins C, B, and E, favouring bone health and body detoxification. Doctors also state that apples are rich in micronutrients and macronutrients like fibre. Fibre supports our gastrointestinal tract and lowers the risk of cancer. Research shows that a fresh apple has approximately 2%–3% total fibre.
Banana
Doctors include bananas in the diet of people suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting since they are rich in numerous macro- and micronutrients. The presence of pectin in them improves gut health. Due to pectin, bananas are also qualified to lower blood pressure, decrease heart disease, and provide antioxidants.
Pear
Pears are a high source of dietary fibre, containing 6g in each fruit. They are considered one of the oldest cultivated fruits and are beloved universally. A Greek poet, Homer, relates a pear to a gift from God. Pears are low-acid fruits, which makes them advantageous during acid reflux symptoms. Furthermore, their antioxidant properties are desirable for liver health and helpful in lowering type 2 diabetes.
Papaya
Papaya is another fruit associated with aiding digestive problems because it contains papain, an enzyme that has anti-inflammatory properties. These enzymes also help break down proteins and lower the symptoms of acid reflux, which include heartburn, acidity, and bloating.
Final Words
The increase of gastric acid, more specifically hydrochloric acid, in our body, can contribute to the many complications discussed earlier, which is why taking care of our health is necessary. Most of the time, people are not bothered by our diet, which includes unhealthy foods that can impact our gut health from mild to severe. Why wait for a serious health problem to alarm us before we start caring for ourselves? Why can’t we start from the beginning?
Start by preparing a healthy diet plan that you must follow daily. This diet must include veggies, fruits, healthy juices, and water. Moreover, eat your meals promptly and strictly avoid skipping meals because doing so will build more acid in your stomach, resulting in stomach aches.
Take proper care of yourself mentally. This can be done by avoiding unnecessary stress and an unhealthy sleep schedule. According to research, mental health disorders contribute to physical health problems.
Lastly, incorporate fruits into your daily diet. Fruits are rich in numerous nutrients, which lowers the risk of various issues like heart disease, blood pressure, and the overall maintenance of your gut health.
Last Updated on by Dr. Lehri Srivastava
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