What is hyperacidity; how is it caused?

What is hyperacidity; how is it caused?

Some amount of hydrochloric acid is always present in the gastric juice to help the digestion of food. But when it is present in excess quantity in addition to digesting the food it can also eat away the membrane of the digestive tract leading to the formation of wounds called Ulcers. Hypera­cidity may be defined as production of excessive quantity of acid in the stomach.

Hyperacidity, even though a physical condition, has been mostly described as a psychosomatic disease. When people are unduly anxious having high mental tension and subject to stresses, acid secretion in the stomach is increased exceeding the normal quantity and this is said to be hyperacid­ity.

Mild hyperacidity may be treated with antacids (chewable tablets as well as suspensions) or medicines that act on the nervous system and supress the production of acid in the stomach. In addition to this the best method to treat hyperacidity –

1. Proper intake of food at regular times

2. Diet with large quantity of fibres

3. Avoiding hot, spicy, oily food

4. Keeping a proper mental balance and avoid tension as far as possible