What to do if your stomach hurts due to excessive stomach acid

Gastric acid can help digestion, but if there is too much gastric acid, it will damage the stomach and duodenum, and even "burn" the mucosa and muscles, causing diseases such as gastric ulcers or duodenal ulcers. When you eat acidic foods, such as plums and vinegar, it will further stimulate the secretion of gastric acid. At this time, the gastric acid will penetrate into the damaged gastric mucosa (ulcer), thereby irritating the gastrointestinal tract and causing pain.

Paying more attention to your diet can help you achieve twice the result with half the effort:

1. Do not eat frozen or very hot food or drinks. The temperature of drinks should be moderate. Tea, water and soup should not be too hot.

2. Do not eat too much spicy, sour, or salty food. Eat light food, as strong food will stimulate gastric acid secretion.

3. Eat less irritating foods, such as garlic, onions, chocolate, citrus fruits, mint, tomatoes, etc.

4. A small amount of ginger and pepper can warm the stomach and enhance the protective effect of gastric mucosa.

5. Eat mainly easily digestible food. Meat should be cooked thoroughly and vegetables should not be half-cooked.

6. Don't drink alcohol or coffee. Especially alcohol, which can cause excessive stimulation to the stomach and make the ulcer worse.

7. Eat regularly. It is best to eat less at each meal and eat more frequently. Try not to get hungry and have stomachaches. If you feel hungry or have stomach discomfort, you can eat some snacks first.

8. Don’t eat before going to bed.

9. Don’t smoke after meals. It’s better not to smoke at all.

10. Raise your head or the headboard when sleeping.