Increased acidity of the stomach. What is the acid in the stomach in a person From what is the high acidity in the stomach

The acidity of gastric juice is measured in pH and characterizes the concentration of acid in the stomach. Shifts in indicators allow determining the presence or absence of diseases in the gastrointestinal tract, and generally assessing the state of health.

The main role in the acidity level is played by hydrochloric acid, the remaining acids in the stomach are present in a minimal amount. The appearance of lactic acid indicates that the process of secretion of hydrochloric acid is disrupted in the body, therefore, its level is reduced to a minimum and possibly stomach cancer has already begun. Determination of acidity is an important point for making an adequate diagnosis. It is recommended to conduct studies of acid levels in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract, from the stomach itself to the duodenum.

PH norm

Ideally, the rate of gastric acidity should be between 1.5 and 2.0 pH, provided that the stomach is "empty". The maximum density is 8.3 pH, the minimum is 0.86 pH.

In a healthy person, the gastric juice should contain 0.4-0.5% hydrochloric acid.

Diagnostics

Gastric acidity is best determined in a hospital or diagnostic center.

To date, there are 3 methods for determining the level of acidity of gastric juice:

1. Intragastric pH-metry. The study is carried out by means of special medical devices equipped with probes, with sensors for measuring pH, measuring the level of acidity. The technique allows you to simultaneously conduct a study in several areas of the gastrointestinal tract. Depending on the goals, urgency and condition of the patient, there are 4 subtypes of diagnostics:
   1. express method, the study is carried out for 20 minutes;
   2. daily diagnostics;
   3. short-term research carried out over several hours;
   4. endoscopic, to be performed during the period of FEGSD.

1. Fractional gastric intubation. The gastric juice is checked in the laboratory after being sucked off with a rubber tube. The technique most often gives distorted results, due to mixing of juice from different parts of the stomach during the period of suction;
2. Acidotest. The technique refers to non-invasive methods, the acidity level is determined by the degree of urine staining. Allows you to determine the secretory activity of the stomach by uropepsin. Diagnostics is used as an additional one, since the results are not always accurate.

Determination without gastroscopy

It turns out that there are ways to determine the acidity of the stomach without gastroscopy and going to the hospital - using litmus paper, which is sold in a pharmacy. The study is carried out after eating, after 2 hours, or 1 hour before eating. During the day, before the check, you must not drink carbonated drinks.

A red or pink color of litmus paper indicates an acidic environment, and purple indicates a neutral one.

There are other methods of how to check the acidity of the stomach at home in other ways - you need to imagine a lemon, remember its smell and taste. If there is increased salivation, then this is normal acidity.

Naturally, home methods are not the gold standard, and if there is a suspicion of abnormalities in the work of the stomach, it is better to diagnose in a hospital in order to exclude possible pathologies.

Classification and symptomatology

Any problems with the stomach and digestion make you nervous and think about what the acidity of the stomach is, so you should know the symptoms characteristic of different pathologies.

Types of acidity:

• normal;
• increased;
• reduced.

The normal acidity of the human stomach confirms that the body is healthy and does not require any medical manipulations, in other cases, you will have to diagnose and start treatment.

Increased

It is characterized by concomitant pathologies:

• gastritis;
• duodenitis;
• peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum.

How to find out the acidity of the stomach without gastroscopy, with increased secretion - the answer is simple, according to the symptoms, it is:

• heartburn, heaviness in the digestive tract;
• sour belching;
• nausea, sometimes turning into vomiting;
• constipation.

Naturally, an accurate diagnosis will be made in the clinic, but for persons under 40 years old, and even more so for males, the symptoms should be the reason for compulsory referral to a doctor.

Decreased

Rarely accompanied by overt symptoms until atrophic gastritis develops. A change in the pH level in the stomach towards a decrease weakens the antibacterial barrier of the body, and putrid bacteria begin to multiply actively, which can be seen by bad breath, belching has the smell of rotten eggs.

The patient may have a lack of appetite, he has constant fatigue and weakness. Along with diarrhea and flatulence, constipation can occur. Low acidity often leads to allergic reactions.

Normalization methods, diet therapy

Increased acidity. To reduce the aggressiveness of gastric juice, drugs from the group of cholipolytics are used. Both antisecretory and antacid drugs have proven to be highly effective. There are proven methods from traditional medicine, these are potato juice, honey, propolis and aloe tinctures. You can reduce the acidity level with carrot juice mixed with warm milk.

During the period of exacerbation of the pathology, you should immediately stop taking hot seasonings, salted foods, of course, give up acidic foods and dishes. Throughout the days of the diet, food should be thoroughly chewed and taken in small portions. You will have to steam or serve boiled food.

Drink bicarbonate mineral water before every meal, about 60 minutes before the start of the meal. During the period of recession of symptoms, you can enter carbohydrate-containing foods, gradually introduce lean meats, eat soups with vegetables. Whatever the acidity of the gastric juice, you will have to forget about alcohol and quit smoking.

You can quickly get rid of the symptoms of acidity with milk. But, this method is equal to the use of a potent pain reliever, therefore, this method can be resorted to only in extreme cases.

Reduced acidity. This pathology is more difficult to treat. Drug treatment is prescribed to people only after there has been no effect of therapeutic diet therapy. Conservative treatment includes the use of drugs to stimulate the production of gastric juice or containing acid-pepsin. Medicines are strictly prohibited to be used uncontrollably, exclusively under the supervision of a doctor.

Alternative methods of treatment are also included in therapy, bitter wormwood is used as a tincture, collections of chamomile and St. John's wort.

In no case should you start treatment with medications, only diet. The diet should be dominated by cereals, mashed potatoes and rice. Do not eat hot food. Vegetable soups, dishes with a uniform consistency and steamed, not fatty are suitable. Only after the symptoms subside, you can start drug therapy so that the acidity becomes normal. Fruit juices with a sour taste are required. You can use vitamin complexes to boost the body's immune forces.

The rate of gastric acidity is a guarantee of the health of the whole organism and the absence of the risk of developing severe pathologies that worsen the work of the gastrointestinal tract, foam and excretory system.

Acidity(lat. aciditas) - characteristic of the activity of hydrogen ions in solutions and liquids.

In medicine, the acidity of biological fluids (blood, urine, gastric juice and others) is a diagnostically important parameter of the patient's health status. In gastroenterology, for the correct diagnosis of a number of diseases, for example, of the esophagus and stomach, a one-stage or even average value of acidity is not significant. Most often, it is important to understand the dynamics of acidity changes during the day (nighttime acidity often differs from daytime) in several zones of the organ. Sometimes it is important to know the change in acidity as a reaction to certain irritants and stimulants.

PH value

In solutions, inorganic substances: salts, acids and alkalis are separated into their constituent ions. In this case, hydrogen ions H + are carriers of acidic properties, and OH - ions are carriers of alkaline properties. In highly dilute solutions, acidic and alkaline properties depend on the concentrations of H + and OH - ions. In ordinary solutions, acidic and alkaline properties depend on the activities of the ions a H and a OH, that is, on the same concentrations, but corrected for the activity coefficient γ, which is determined experimentally. For aqueous solutions, the equilibrium equation applies: a H × a OH = K w, where K w is a constant, the ionic product of water (K ​​w = 10 - 14 at a water temperature of 22 ° C). It follows from this equation that the activity of hydrogen ions H + and the activity of OH - ions are related. Danish biochemist S.P.L. Sørensen in 1909 proposed a hydrogen show NS, equal by definition to the decimal logarithm of the activity of hydrogen ions, taken with a minus (Rapoport S.I. et al.):

pH = - lg (a H).

Proceeding from the fact that in a neutral medium a H = a OH and from the fulfillment of the equality for pure water at 22 ° C: a H × a OH = K w = 10 - 14, we obtain that the acidity of pure water at 22 ° C (then there is neutral acidity) = 7 units. pH.

Solutions and liquids with regard to their acidity are considered:

• neutral at pH = 7
• acidic at pH< 7
• alkaline at pH> 7

Some misconceptions

If one of the patients says that he has "zero acidity", then this is nothing more than a turn of speech, meaning, most likely, that he has a neutral acidity value (pH = 7). In the human body, the value of the acidity index cannot be less than 0.86 pH. It is also a common misconception that acidity values ​​can only be in the 0 to 14 pH range. In technology, an acidity indicator is possible and negative, and more than 20.

When talking about the acidity of any organ, it is important to understand that often in different parts of the organ, acidity can differ significantly. The acidity of the contents in the lumen of the organ and the acidity on the surface of the mucous membrane of the organ are also often not the same. For the mucous membrane of the body of the stomach, it is characteristic that the acidity on the surface of the mucus facing the lumen of the stomach acidity is 1.2–1.5 pH, and on the side of the mucus facing the epithelium is neutral (7.0 pH).

PH value for some food and water

The table below shows the acidity values ​​of some common products and pure water at different temperatures:

Product	Acidity, units NS
Lemon juice	2,1
Wine	3,5
Tomato juice	4,1
Orange juice	4,2
Black coffee	5,0
Pure water at 100 ° C	6,13
Pure water at 50 ° C	6,63
Fresh milk	6,68
Pure water at 22 ° C	7,0
Pure water at 0 ° C	7,48

Acidity and digestive enzymes

Many processes in the body are impossible without the participation of special proteins - enzymes that catalyze chemical reactions in the body without undergoing chemical transformations. The digestive process is not possible without the participation of a variety of digestive enzymes that break down various organic food molecules and act only in a narrow range of acidity (different for each enzyme). The most important proteolytic enzymes (digesting food proteins) of gastric juice: pepsin, gastrixin and chymosin (rennin) are produced in an inactive form - in the form of enzymes and are later activated by gastric acid hydrochloric acid. Pepsin is most active in a strongly acidic environment, with a pH of 1 to 2, gastrixin has a maximum activity at pH 3.0-3.5, chymosin, which breaks down milk proteins to insoluble protein casein, has a maximum activity at pH 3.0-3.5 ...

Proteolytic enzymes secreted by the pancreas and "acting" in the duodenum: trypsin, which has an optimum effect in a weakly alkaline environment, at pH 7.8–8.0, chymotrypsin, which is close to it in functionality, is most active in an environment with acidity up to 8.2. The maximum activity of carboxypeptidases A and B is 7.5 pH. Close values ​​of the maximum and other enzymes that perform digestive functions in the weakly alkaline environment of the intestine.

Decreased or increased acidity in relation to the norm in the stomach or duodenum, thus, leads to a significant decrease in the activity of certain enzymes or even their exclusion from the digestive process, and, as a consequence, to digestive problems.

Acidity of saliva and oral cavity

The acidity of saliva depends on the rate of salivation. Typically, the acidity of mixed human saliva is 6.8–7.4 pH, but at high salivation rates it reaches 7.8 pH. The acidity of the saliva of the parotid glands is 5.81 pH, submandibular - 6.39 pH.

In children, on average, the acidity of mixed saliva is equal to pH 7.32, in adults - pH 6.40 (Rimarchuk G.V. et al.).

The acidity of dental plaque depends on the condition of the hard tissues of the teeth. Being neutral in healthy teeth, it shifts to the acidic side, depending on the degree of caries development and the age of adolescents. In 12-year-old adolescents with the initial stage of caries (pre-caries), the acidity of dental plaque is 6.96 ± 0.1 pH, in 12-13-year-old adolescents with medium caries, the acidity of dental plaque is from 6.63 to 6.74 pH, in 16 -year-old adolescents with superficial and medium caries, the acidity of dental plaque is, respectively, 6.43 ± 0.1 pH and 6.32 ± 0.1 pH (Krivonogova L.B.).

The acidity of the secretion of the pharynx and larynx

The acidity of the secretion of the pharynx and larynx in healthy people and patients with chronic laryngitis and pharyngolaryngeal reflux is different (A.V. Lunev):

Examined groups	PH measuring point
	Pharynx, units NS	Larynx, units NS
Healthy faces
Patients with chronic laryngitis without GERD		The figure above shows a graph of acidity in the esophagus of a healthy person, obtained using intragastric pH-metry (Rapoport S.I.). The graph clearly shows gastroesophageal refluxes - a sharp decrease in acidity to 2–3 pH, which in this case is physiological. Acidity in the stomach. Increased and decreased acidity The maximum observed acidity in the stomach is 0.86 pH, which corresponds to an acid production of 160 mmol / l. The minimum acidity in the stomach is 8.3 pH, which corresponds to the acidity of a saturated solution of HCO 3 - ions. Normal acidity in the lumen of the body of the stomach on an empty stomach is 1.5–2.0 pH. Acidity on the surface of the epithelial layer facing into the lumen of the stomach is 1.5–2.0 pH. Acidity deep in the epithelial layer of the stomach is about 7.0 pH. Normal acidity in the antrum of the stomach is 1.3–7.4 pH. The cause of many diseases of the digestive tract is an imbalance in the processes of acid production and acid neutralization. Prolonged hypersecretion of hydrochloric acid or insufficient acid neutralization, and, as a consequence, increased acidity in the stomach and / or duodenum, causes the so-called acid-dependent diseases. Currently, these include: peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive and ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum while taking aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) high acidity and others. Low acidity is observed with anacid or hypoacid gastritis or gastroduodenitis, as well as with stomach cancer. Gastritis (gastroduodenitis) is called anacid or gastritis (gastroduodenitis) with low acidity if the acidity in the body of the stomach is about 5 units or more. pH. The cause of low acidity is often atrophy of parietal cells in the mucous membrane or disturbances in their functions. Above is a graph of acidity (daily pH-gram) of the body of the stomach of a healthy person (dotted line) and a patient with a duodenal ulcer (solid line). Meal points are marked with arrows labeled "Food". The graph shows the acid-neutralizing effect of food, as well as the increased acidity of the stomach with duodenal ulcer (Yakovenko A.V.). Acidity in the intestines Normal acidity in the duodenal bulb is 5.6–7.9 pH. The acidity in the jejunum and ileum is neutral or slightly alkaline and ranges from 7 to 8 pH. The acidity of the juice of the small intestine is 7.2–7.5 pH. With increased secretion, the pH reaches 8.6. The acidity of the secretion of the duodenal glands is from pH 7 to pH 8. Measuring point Point number in the figure Acidity, units NS Proximal sigmoid colon 7 7.9 ± 0.1 Middle section of the sigmoid colon 6 7.9 ± 0.1 Distal sigmoid colon 5 8.7 ± 0.1 Supra-rectum 4 8.7 ± 0.1 Upper ampullar rectum 3 8.5 ± 0.1 Mid-ampullar rectum 2 7.7 ± 0.1 Lower ampullar rectum 1 7.3 ± 0.1 Stool acidity The acidity of the feces of a healthy person eating mixed food is due to the vital activity of the colon microflora and is equal to pH 6.8–7.6. The acidity of the stool is considered normal in the range from 6.0 to 8.0 pH. The acidity of meconium (firstborn feces of newborns) is about 6 pH. Deviations from the norm with acidity of feces: sharply acidic (pH less than 5.5) occurs with fermentative dyspepsia acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.7) may be due to malabsorption in the small intestine of fatty acids alkaline (pH 8.0 to 8.5) can be due to decay of food proteins not digested in the stomach and small intestine and inflammatory exudate as a result of the activation of putrefactive microflora and the formation of ammonia and other alkaline components in the colon sharply alkaline (pH more than 8.5) happens with putrefactive dyspepsia (colitis) Acidity of blood The acidity of human arterial blood plasma ranges from 7.37 to 7.43 pH, averaging 7.4 pH. Acid-base balance in human blood is one of the most stable parameters, maintaining acid and alkaline components in a certain balance within very narrow boundaries. Even a small shift from these limits can lead to severe pathology. With a shift to the acid side, a condition occurs called acidosis, to the alkaline side, alcolosis. A change in blood acidity above 7.8 pH or below 6.8 pH is incompatible with life. The acidity of venous blood is 7.32–7.42 pH. The acidity of erythrocytes is 7.28–7.29 pH. Acidity of urine In a healthy person, with a normal drinking regime and a balanced diet, the acidity of urine is in the range from 5.0 to 6.0 pH, but it can range from 4.5 to 8.0 pH. The acidity of the urine of a newborn under the age of one month is normal - from 5.0 to 7.0 pH. The acidity of urine rises if a person's diet is dominated by meat foods rich in proteins. Strenuous physical work increases the acidity of urine. A dairy-plant diet leads to the fact that the urine becomes slightly alkaline. An increase in the acidity of urine is noted with an increased acidity of the stomach. The reduced acidity of gastric juice does not affect the acidity of urine. A change in the acidity of urine most often corresponds to a change. The acidity of urine changes with many diseases or conditions of the body, therefore, the determination of the acidity of urine is an important diagnostic factor. Acidity of the vagina The normal acidity of a woman's vagina ranges from 3.8 to 4.4 pH and averages 4.0–4.2 pH. Vaginal acidity for various diseases: cytolytic vaginosis: acidity less than 4.0 pH normal microflora: acidity from 4.0 to 4.5 pH candidal vaginitis: acidity from 4.0 to 4.5 pH Trichomonas colpitis: acidity from 5.0 to 6.0 pH bacterial vaginosis: acidity greater than 4.5 pH atrophic vaginitis: acidity greater than 6.0 pH aerobic vaginitis: acidity greater than 6.5 pH Lactobacilli (lactobacilli) and, to a lesser extent, other representatives of normal microflora are responsible for maintaining the acidic environment and suppressing the growth of opportunistic microorganisms in the vagina. In the treatment of many gynecological diseases, the restoration of the population of lactobacilli and normal acidity comes to the fore. Publications for Healthcare Professionals on Female Genital Acidity Murtazina Z.A., Yashchuk G.A., Galimov R.R., Dautova L.A., Tsvetkova A.V. Office diagnostics of bacterial vaginosis by the method of hardware topographic pH-metry. Russian Bulletin of Obstetrician-Gynecologist. 2017; 17 (4): 54-58. Yashchuk A.G., Galimov R.R., Murtazina Z.A. A method for express diagnostics of vaginal biocenosis disorders by the method of hardware topographic pH-metry. Patent RU 2651037 C1. Hasanova M.K. Modern approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of serosometers in postmenopausal women. Abstract dissertation. Ph.D., 14.00.01 - obstetrics and gynecology. RMAPO, Moscow, 2008. Sperm acidity Normal sperm acidity ranges from 7.2 to 8.0 pH. Deviations from these values ​​are not in themselves considered pathological. At the same time, in combination with other deviations, it may indicate the presence of a disease. An increase in the pH of the semen occurs during an infectious process. A sharply alkaline sperm reaction (acidity approximately 9.0-10.0 pH) indicates a pathology of the prostate gland. With blockage of the excretory ducts of both seminal vesicles, an acidic reaction of sperm is noted (acidity pH 6.0-6.8). The fertilizing capacity of such sperm is reduced. In an acidic environment, sperm lose their mobility and die. If the acidity of the semen becomes less than 6.0 pH, the spermatozoa completely lose motility and die. Skin acidity The surface of the skin is covered with water lipid acid mantle or mantle Marchionini, consisting of a mixture of sebum and sweat, to which organic acids are added - lactic, citric and others, formed as a result of biochemical processes in the epidermis. The acidic water-lipid mantle of the skin is the first barrier of protection against microorganisms. In most people, the normal acidity of the mantle is 3.5–6.7 pH. The bactericidal property of the skin, which gives it the ability to resist microbial invasion, is due to the acidic reaction of keratin, the peculiar chemical composition of sebum and sweat, and the presence on its surface of a protective water-lipid mantle with a high concentration of hydrogen ions. Low molecular weight fatty acids included in its composition, primarily glycophospholipids and free fatty acids, have a bacteriostatic effect that is selective for pathogenic microorganisms. The surface of the skin is inhabited by a normal symbiotic microflora capable of living in an acidic environment: Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Propionibacterium acnes other. Some of these bacteria produce lactic and other acids on their own, contributing to the formation of the skin's acid mantle. The upper layer of the epidermis (keratin scales) has an acidity with a pH value of 5.0 to 6.0. In some skin diseases, the acidity value changes. For example, with fungal diseases, the pH rises to 6, with eczema up to 6.5, with acne up to 7. Acidity of other human biological fluids The acidity of fluids inside the human body normally coincides with the acidity of the blood and ranges from 7.35 to 7.45 pH. The acidity of some other human biological fluids is normally given in the table: Photo on the right: pH = 1.2 and pH = 9.18 buffer solutions for calibration

The tissues of a living organism are very sensitive to fluctuations in pH - outside the permissible range, denaturation of proteins occurs: cells are destroyed, enzymes lose their ability to perform their functions, the death of the organism is possible

What is pH (pH) and acid-base balance

The ratio of acid and alkali in any solution is called acid-base equilibrium(AChR), although physiologists believe that it is more correct to call this ratio the acid-base state.

KShR is characterized by a special indicator NS(power Hydrogen - "power of hydrogen"), which shows the number of hydrogen atoms in a given solution. At a pH of 7.0, one speaks of a neutral medium.

The lower the pH level, the more acidic the environment (from 6.9 to O).

An alkaline medium has a high pH level (from 7.1 to 14.0).

The human body is 70% water, so water is one of the most important parts of it. T atea person has a certain acid-base ratio, characterized by pH (hydrogen) index.

The pH value depends on the ratio between positively charged ions (forming an acidic medium) and negatively charged ions (forming an alkaline medium).

The body constantly strives to balance this ratio by maintaining a strictly defined pH level. When the balance is imbalanced, many serious illnesses can occur.

Maintain the correct pH balance for good health

The body is able to properly assimilate and store minerals and nutrients only with the proper level of acid-base balance. The tissues of a living organism are very sensitive to fluctuations in the pH value - outside the permissible range, denaturation of proteins occurs: cells are destroyed, enzymes lose their ability to perform their functions, the death of the organism is possible. Therefore, the acid-base balance in the body is tightly regulated.

Our body uses hydrochloric acid to break down food. In the process of vital activity of the body, both acidic and alkaline decomposition products are required, and the former are formed more than the latter. Therefore, the body's defense systems, which ensure the invariability of its acid-base balance, are "tuned" first of all to neutralize and remove, first of all, acidic decay products.

The blood has a slightly alkaline reaction: The pH of arterial blood is 7.4, and that of venous blood is 7.35 (due to excess CO2).

A shift in pH by at least 0.1 can lead to severe pathology.

With a shift in blood pH by 0.2, a coma develops, by 0.3 - a person dies.

The body has different PH levels

Saliva - predominantly alkaline reaction (pH fluctuation 6.0 - 7.9)

Typically, the acidity of mixed human saliva is 6.8–7.4 pH, but at high salivation rates it reaches 7.8 pH. The acidity of the saliva of the parotid glands is 5.81 pH, submandibular - 6.39 pH. In children, on average, the acidity of mixed saliva is equal to pH 7.32, in adults - pH 6.40 (Rimarchuk G.V. et al.). The acid-base balance of saliva, in turn, is determined by a similar balance in the blood, which feeds the salivary glands.

Esophagus - Normal acidity in the esophagus is 6.0-7.0 pH.

Liver - the reaction of gallbladder bile is close to neutral (pH 6.5 - 6.8), the reaction of hepatic bile is alkaline (pH 7.3 - 8.2)

Stomach - sharply acidic (at the height of digestion pH 1.8 - 3.0)

The maximum theoretically possible acidity in the stomach is 0.86 pH, which corresponds to an acid production of 160 mmol / l. The minimum theoretically possible acidity in the stomach is 8.3 pH, which corresponds to the acidity of a saturated solution of HCO 3 - ions. Normal acidity in the lumen of the body of the stomach on an empty stomach is 1.5–2.0 pH. Acidity on the surface of the epithelial layer facing into the lumen of the stomach is 1.5–2.0 pH. Acidity deep in the epithelial layer of the stomach is about 7.0 pH. Normal acidity in the antrum of the stomach is 1.3–7.4 pH.

It is a common misconception that the main problem for humans is the acidity of the stomach. From her heartburn and ulcers.

In fact, a much bigger problem is low stomach acidity, which is many times more common.

The main cause of heartburn in 95% is not an excess, but a lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

The lack of hydrochloric acid creates ideal conditions for the colonization of the intestinal tract by various bacteria, protozoa and worms.

The insidiousness of the situation is that the low acidity of the stomach "behaves quietly" and proceeds imperceptibly for a person.

Here is a list of signs that can lead to the suspicion of decreased gastric acidity.

• Discomfort in the stomach after eating.
• Nausea after taking medication.
• Flatulence in the small intestine.
• Loose stools or constipation.
• Undigested food particles in the stool.
• Itching around the anus.
• Multiple food allergies.
• Dysbacteriosis or candidiasis.
• Dilated blood vessels in the cheeks and nose.
• Acne.
• Weak, flaking nails.
• Anemia due to poor absorption of iron.

Of course, an accurate diagnosis of low acidity requires the determination of the pH of gastric juice.(for this you need to contact a gastroenterologist).

When the acidity is increased, there are many drugs to reduce it.

In the case of low acidity, there are very few effective remedies.

As a rule, preparations of hydrochloric acid or vegetable bitterness are used, which stimulate the secretion of gastric juice (wormwood, calamus, peppermint, fennel, etc.).

Pancreas - slightly alkaline pancreatic juice (pH 7.5 - 8.0)

Small intestine - alkaline reaction (pH 8.0)

Normal acidity in the duodenal bulb is 5.6–7.9 pH. The acidity in the jejunum and ileum is neutral or slightly alkaline and ranges from 7 to 8 pH. The acidity of the juice of the small intestine is 7.2–7.5 pH. With increased secretion, the pH reaches 8.6. The acidity of the secretion of the duodenal glands is from pH 7 to pH 8.

Large intestine - slightly acidic reaction (5.8 - 6.5 pH)

This is a weakly acidic environment, which is supported by normal microflora, in particular, bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and propionobacteria due to the fact that they neutralize alkaline metabolic products and produce their acidic metabolites - lactic acid and other organic acids. By producing organic acids and lowering the pH of intestinal contents, normal microflora creates conditions under which pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms cannot multiply. That is why streptococci, staphylococci, Klebsiella, Clostridium fungi and other “bad” bacteria make up only 1% of the total intestinal microflora of a healthy person.

Urine - predominantly slightly acidic reaction (pH 4.5-8)

When eating food with animal proteins containing sulfur and phosphorus, mainly acidic urine (pH less than 5) is excreted; the final urine contains a significant amount of inorganic sulfates and phosphates. If the food is mainly dairy or vegetable, then the urine tends to alkaline (pH> 7). The renal tubules play a significant role in maintaining acid-base balance. Acidic urine will be excreted in all conditions leading to metabolic or respiratory acidosis, as the kidneys compensate for the acid-base state shifts.

Skin - slightly acidic reaction (pH 4-6)

If the skin is prone to oiliness, the pH value can approach 5.5. And if the skin is very dry, the pH can be 4.4.

The bactericidal property of the skin, which gives it the ability to resist microbial invasion, is due to the acidic reaction of keratin, the peculiar chemical composition of sebum and sweat, and the presence on its surface of a protective water-lipid mantle with a high concentration of hydrogen ions. Low molecular weight fatty acids included in its composition, primarily glycophospholipids and free fatty acids, have a bacteriostatic effect that is selective for pathogenic microorganisms.

Genitals

The normal acidity of a woman's vagina ranges from 3.8 to 4.4 pH and averages 4.0–4.2 pH.

At birth, the girl's vagina is sterile. Then, within a few days, it is colonized by a variety of bacteria, mainly staphylococci, streptococci, anaerobes (that is, bacteria that do not require oxygen to live). Before the onset of menstruation, the acidity (pH) of the vagina is close to neutral (7.0). But during puberty, the walls of the vagina thicken (under the influence of estrogen - one of the female sex hormones), the pH drops to 4.4 (i.e., the acidity rises), which causes changes in the vaginal flora.

The uterine cavity is normally sterile, and the entry of pathogens into it is prevented by lactobacilli that colonize the vagina and maintain the high acidity of its environment. If, for any reason, the acidity of the vagina shifts towards alkaline, the number of lactobacilli drops sharply, and other microbes develop in their place, which can enter the uterus and lead to inflammation, and then to problems with pregnancy.

Sperm

Normal sperm acidity ranges from 7.2 to 8.0 pH. An increase in the pH of the semen occurs during an infectious process. A sharply alkaline sperm reaction (acidity approximately 9.0-10.0 pH) indicates a pathology of the prostate gland. With blockage of the excretory ducts of both seminal vesicles, an acidic reaction of sperm is noted (acidity pH 6.0-6.8). The fertilizing capacity of such sperm is reduced. In an acidic environment, sperm lose their mobility and die. If the acidity of the semen becomes less than 6.0 pH, the spermatozoa completely lose motility and die.

Cells and intercellular fluid

In the cells of the body, pH is about 7, in the extracellular fluid - 7.4. Nerve endings outside of cells are very sensitive to changes in pH. With mechanical or thermal damage to tissues, cell walls are destroyed and their contents enter the nerve endings. As a result, the person feels pain.

The Scandinavian researcher Olaf Lindahl performed the following experiment: with the help of a special needleless injector, a very thin stream of solution was injected through the skin to a person, which did not damage cells, but acted on nerve endings. It was shown that it is hydrogen cations that cause pain, and with a decrease in the pH of the solution, the pain increases.

Similarly, a solution of formic acid, which stinging insects or nettles are injected under the skin, directly "acts on the nerves". The different pH values ​​of tissues also explain why a person feels pain in some inflammations, but not in others.

Interestingly, injecting pure water under the skin produced particularly severe pain. This phenomenon, strange at first glance, is explained as follows: cells upon contact with clean water rupture as a result of osmotic pressure and their contents affect the nerve endings.

Table 1. Hydrogen indicators for solutions

Solution	NS
HCl	1,0
H 2 SO 4	1,2
H 2 C 2 O 4	1,3
NaHSO 4	1,4
H 3 PO 4	1,5
Gastric juice	1,6
Wine acid	2,0
Lemon acid	2,1
HNO 2	2,2
Lemon juice	2,3
Lactic acid	2,4
Salicylic acid	2,4
Table vinegar	3,0
Grapefruit juice	3,2
CO 2	3,7
Apple juice	3,8
H 2 S	4,1
Urine	4,8-7,5
Black coffee	5,0
Saliva	7,4-8
Milk	6,7
Blood	7,35-7,45
Bile	7,8-8,6
Oceans water	7,9-8,4
Fe (OH) 2	9,5
MgO	10,0
Mg (OH) 2	10,5
Na 2 CO 3
Ca (OH) 2	11,5
NaOH	13,0

Fish eggs and fry are especially sensitive to changes in the pH of the medium. The table allows a number of interesting observations to be made. The pH values, for example, immediately show the comparative strength of acids and bases. A strong change in the neutral medium is also clearly seen as a result of hydrolysis of salts formed by weak acids and bases, as well as during the dissociation of acid salts.

Urine pH is not a good indicator of overall body pH, nor is it a good indicator of overall health.

In other words, no matter what you eat and whatever pH of your urine, you can be absolutely certain that your arterial pH will always be around 7.4.

When a person eats, for example, acidic foods or animal protein, under the influence of buffer systems, the pH shifts to the acidic side (becomes less than 7), and when consumed, for example, mineral water or plant foods, to alkaline (becomes more than 7). Buffering systems keep the pH within the acceptable range for the body.

By the way, doctors say that we tolerate a shift to the acid side (the same acidosis) much easier than a shift to the alkaline side (alkalosis).

It is impossible to shift the pH of the blood by any external influence.

THE MAIN MECHANISMS OF BLOOD PH MAINTENANCE ARE:

1. Buffer systems of blood (carbonate, phosphate, protein, hemoglobin)

This mechanism acts very quickly (fractions of a second) and therefore refers to the fast mechanisms of regulation of the stability of the internal environment.

Bicarbonate blood buffer powerful enough and most mobile.

One of the important buffers of blood and other body fluids is the bicarbonate buffer system (HCO3 / CO2): CO2 + H2O ⇄ HCO3- + H + The main function of the bicarbonate buffer system of blood is to neutralize H + ions. This buffer system plays a particularly important role since the concentrations of both buffering components can be adjusted independently of each other; [CO2] - by breathing, - in the liver and kidneys. Thus, it is an open buffer system.

The hemoglobin buffer system is the most powerful.
It accounts for more than half of the buffer capacity of the blood. The buffering properties of hemoglobin are due to the ratio of reduced hemoglobin (HHb) and its potassium salt (KHb).

Plasma proteins due to the ability of amino acids to ionize, they also perform a buffer function (about 7% of the buffer capacity of the blood). In an acidic environment, they behave as acid-binding bases.

Phosphate buffer system(about 5% of the buffer capacity of the blood) is formed by inorganic phosphates of the blood. The properties of an acid are manifested by monobasic phosphate (NaH 2 P0 4), and bases - by dibasic phosphate (Na 2 HP0 4). They function in the same way as bicarbonates. However, due to the low content of phosphates in the blood, the capacity of this system is small.

2. Respiratory (pulmonary) regulation system.

The ease with which the lungs regulate CO2 concentration provides this system with significant buffering capacity. Removal of excess amounts of CO 2, regeneration of bicarbonate and hemoglobin buffer systems are carried out by the lungs.

At rest, a person emits 230 ml of carbon dioxide per minute, or about 15 thousand mmol per day. When carbon dioxide is removed from the blood, an approximately equivalent amount of hydrogen ions disappears. Therefore, respiration plays an important role in maintaining acid-base balance. So, if the acidity of the blood increases, then an increase in the content of hydrogen ions leads to an increase in pulmonary ventilation (hyperventilation), while the molecules of carbon dioxide are excreted in large quantities and the pH returns to normal levels.

An increase in the content of bases is accompanied by hypoventilation, as a result of which the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood increases and, accordingly, the concentration of hydrogen ions, and the shift in the reaction of the blood to the alkaline side is partially or completely compensated.

Consequently, the external respiration system rather quickly (within a few minutes) is able to eliminate or reduce pH shifts and prevent the development of acidosis or alkalosis: increasing ventilation of the lungs by 2 times raises blood pH by about 0.2; reducing ventilation by 25% can reduce the pH by 0.3-0.4.

3. Renal (excretory system)

Acts very slowly (10-12 hours). But this mechanism is the most powerful and is able to completely restore the body's pH by removing urine with alkaline or acidic pH values. The participation of the kidneys in maintaining acid-base balance consists in the removal of hydrogen ions from the body, reabsorption of bicarbonate from the tubular fluid, synthesis of bicarbonate in case of its deficiency and removal - in case of excess.

The main mechanisms for reducing or eliminating shifts in blood acid-base balance, realized by the nephrons of the kidneys, include acidogenesis, ammoniogenesis, secretion of phosphates and K +, Ka + -exchange mechanism.

The mechanism of regulation of blood pH in the whole organism consists in the combined action of external respiration, blood circulation, excretion and buffer systems. So, if, as a result of the increased formation of H 2 CO 3 or other acids, excess anions appear, then they are first neutralized by buffer systems. At the same time, breathing and blood circulation are intensified, which leads to an increase in the release of carbon dioxide from the lungs. Non-volatile acids, in turn, are excreted in urine or sweat.

Normally, the pH of the blood can only change for a short time. Naturally, if the lungs or kidneys are damaged, the body's functionality to maintain the pH at the proper level decreases. If a large amount of acidic or basic ions appears in the blood, only buffer mechanisms (without the help of excretory systems) will not keep the pH at a constant level. This leads to acidosis or alkalosis. published by

© Olga Butakova "Acid-base balance is the basis of life"

Correct assimilation of food is the key to good health of the body as a whole. For the normal process of digestion, gastric secretion, acidity and composition of gastric juice play a fundamental role. Often, some people are faced with an increase in the production of acid in the stomach, which can manifest itself in the form of heartburn, epigastric pain, "sour" belching. Increased acidity of the stomach: what you need to know about this phenomenon? In this article, we will try to answer as much as possible all the questions that arise about increased acidity in the stomach.

ICD-10 code

K26 Duodenal ulcer

K29 Gastritis and duodenitis

Epidemiology

Increased acidity of the stomach is most often diagnosed in young patients, and in men, the disease is found twice as often as in women.

The incidence rate increases in the autumn-winter period, as well as during adolescence and pregnancy. In elderly people, increased acidity is rarely found: for this age, inflammatory lesions of the gastric mucosa with a low content of hydrochloric acid are more characteristic.

Causes of increased acidity of the stomach

Risk factors

As with any other disease, cases associated with certain risk factors lead to its appearance. So, in the presence of at least one of the listed factors, the risk of increased gastric acidity increases significantly.

You should be especially careful about your stomach health if you:

• eat wrong, often eat dry food, while running;
• drink too much coffee (especially instant coffee), strong tea, alcoholic drinks, soda;
• smoke;
• overeat often;
• taking medications from time to time, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal contraceptives, or antibiotics;
• do not consume enough vitamins;
• are often stressed.

In addition, those who have already had similar cases of stomach problems in their family are more at risk of acidity. So, if your direct relatives suffer from stomach diseases, then you are also at risk.

Pathogenesis

The acidity of the stomach environment depends on the level of hydrochloric acid in its secretion, which is measured by the pH indicator. The normal is an indicator of 1.5-2 pH on an empty stomach, and directly on the mucous membrane, it can be slightly higher - about 2 pH, and deeper in the epithelial layer - even up to 7 pH.

Hydrochloric acid is secreted by the fundic glands of the mucous tissues, which are localized in sufficient quantities in the area of ​​the fundus and body of the stomach.

Excessive release of hydrochloric acid with an increase in acidity may be a consequence of an increase in the number of glandular structures, or a disorder in the synthesis of alkaline components of gastric juice.

Since acid must be released synchronously for normal secretion of the fundic glands, any violation of this process can provoke an increase in acidity.

An increased acidity index, in turn, gives rise to painful changes in the surface of the mucous tissue in the stomach, which leads to the development of various diseases of the stomach, duodenum 12, pancreas.

Symptoms of increased gastric acidity

The increased acidity of the stomach leads to irritation of the mucous membrane, which is manifested by a series of characteristic symptoms.

The main symptom of high acidity is heartburn, which can occur for no reason - at night, in the morning on an empty stomach, but most often its appearance is associated with the consumption of food, such as pastries, sweets, fried foods. Heartburn can be mild or excruciating and difficult to pass.

In addition to heartburn, other first signs of acidity may appear:

• feeling of heaviness and fullness of the stomach;
• the discomfort;
• belching "sour";
• constipation (regular or episodic);
• sometimes - bloating, digestive disorders;
• general malaise, deterioration in performance;
• decreased appetite;
• irritability, bad mood.

The severity of symptoms depends on how long a person has had high acidity, as well as on the presence of concomitant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Cough from increased stomach acidity

Cough is considered one of the signs of diseases of the respiratory system, but it can also occur with diseases of the digestive system. In this case, cough is an additional symptom against the background of other symptoms of stomach damage.

With increased acidity of the stomach, the cough can be constant, even painful, which is not eliminated by conventional antitussives. The reason for this phenomenon is acid irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory system, along with similar irritation of the stomach and esophagus.

With the development of esophagitis, the closure of the gastric sphincters worsens, which allows food particles and acidic secretions to fall back into the cavity of the esophageal tube. The mucous membrane of the esophagus is irritated, followed by irritation of the throat, which triggers the cough reflex.

As a rule, after solving the problem with high acidity, the cough disappears.

Increased acidity of the stomach in children

In childhood, increased stomach acidity is not uncommon. The causes of the disease at such an early age can be:

• hobby for "wrong food" (chips, crackers, snacks, etc.);
• frequent consumption of soda (Coca-Cola, Pepsi, etc.);
• food "on the run", passion for fast food;
• stress and mental stress;
• lack of diet.
• Signs of increased acidity in children are almost the same as in adults:
• sour belching;
• digestive disorders (constipation can be replaced by diarrhea);
• heartburn;
• intermittent unreasonable temperature of about 37 ° C.

With timely initiation of treatment, as well as with adherence to the diet and exercise, it is possible to prevent the development of more complex diseases of the stomach. The main thing is to stabilize the acidity in time even before the pathological changes in the mucous membrane begin.

Increased stomach acidity during pregnancy

Discomfort and digestive problems during pregnancy occur in almost every woman. The main reason for this phenomenon can be considered the compression of the growing uterus of internal organs (especially in the third trimester). During pregnancy, the following symptoms may occur:

• heartburn (regardless of food intake, or after it);
• nausea;
• heaviness in the stomach, even after eating a small amount of food;
• difficulty swallowing;
• feeling of general discomfort;
• belching acid.

During pregnancy, the doctor is unlikely to resort to complex treatment. Most often, he prescribes adherence to the daily regimen and nutrition. If during pregnancy you eat right and little by little, then after childbirth the condition usually returns to normal and the acidity returns to normal.

Complications and consequences

High acidity is an intermediate condition, which does not always mean the presence of a disease of the digestive system. That is, if you carefully follow the doctor's recommendations regarding nutrition and lifestyle, then the increased acidity of the stomach can soon return to normal without any complications.

If you ignore the doctor's prescriptions and not follow the diet, then the problem can change for the worse.

The most common consequences of increased stomach acidity are:

• chronic gastritis;
• stomach ulcer;
• duodenal ulcer;
• chronic esophagitis.

Diagnostics of the increased acidity of the stomach

One of the most informative methods for diagnosing high acidity is the procedure for intragastric pH-metry. This procedure causes less uncomfortable sensations than gastric intubation, and allows you to assess the degree of acidity of the secretion directly inside the stomach. For this, special sensors are installed - acidogastrometers.

Measurement of acidity using the pH meter method takes no more than 5 minutes. During this time, readings are taken from several sections of the stomach cavity and duodenum 12. If there is a need to monitor the acidity indicators at different times of the day, then the procedure in this case is carried out longer than usual, up to a day.

Blood and urine tests may be prescribed additionally to exclude the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.

Instrumental diagnostics can include:

• gastroduodenoscopy;
• Ultrasound of internal organs;
• X-ray examination (often - contrast).

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is carried out with other diseases of the digestive system. For example, symptoms of high acidity can manifest such pathologies as stomach ulcer, chronic gastritis, duodenitis, chronic pancreatitis. With increased acidity, so-called functional dyspepsia, a disorder associated with functional malfunctions of the digestive system, can also occur. Functional dyspepsia is temporary and resolves after stabilization of the stomach.

Treatment of high acidity of the stomach

You can lower acidity with the help of special medications. You can symptomatically relieve the discomfort from increased acidity by taking Rennie's pill, Secrepat Forte, Gastal, Altacid or Agiflux suspension. If we approach the problem globally, then it is necessary to undergo treatment aimed at eliminating the cause of excess acid in the stomach. First you need to undergo diagnostics and determine the concomitant diseases of the digestive tract. If the doctor detects gastritis, he may prescribe antibiotic therapy aimed at destroying the Helicobacter bacteria in the stomach. For this purpose, the drug De-Nol, based on bismuth, is perfect.

Other drugs that lower the production of hydrochloric acid are divided into two groups.

• drugs that block histamine receptors (Kvamatel, Ranitidine);
• drugs that inhibit the synthesis of hydrochloric acid (Omeprazole, Omez, Contraloc).

Additionally, agents that protect the walls of the stomach from irritation, such as Almagel, Maalox, can be prescribed.

Drugs such as Hilak forte or Pancreatin are not used with increased acidity. Hilak forte can be prescribed for gastrointestinal disorders, which are accompanied by diarrhea and indigestion. If there is insufficient exocrine pancreatic function, then in this case, the appointment of enzyme preparations (Pancreatin) is appropriate, provided that the patient does not have acute pancreatitis.

• Almagel is taken orally in 1-3 scoops up to 4 times a day, 30 minutes before meals and at night. It is undesirable to take the drug during pregnancy. If you use high doses of Almagel, you may experience drowsiness and constipation.
• Omez in the form of capsules is taken orally as a whole, 20 mg daily for several days to 2 weeks. It is advisable to take the drug in the morning on an empty stomach. Occasionally, after taking Omez, abdominal pain, dry mouth and muscle weakness are possible.
• Omeprazole is taken in the morning before breakfast, in the amount of 0.02 g. Usually, the drug is well tolerated, only occasionally disorders of taste, abdominal pain, joint and muscle pain are possible.
• De Nol in the form of tablets is taken half an hour before meals, 1 pc. up to 4 times a day. You can take 2 tablets twice a day. De Nol is not prescribed during pregnancy. Sometimes taking the drug may be accompanied by frequent bowel movements, nausea, or allergic reactions.

Vitamins

In case of high acidity, attention should be paid to vitamins such as niacin, folic acid, retinol and vitamins B¹ and B².

Retinol (Vit. A) accelerates the regeneration of the mucous membrane and helps to resist infectious processes.

Nicotinic acid improves blood circulation in the stomach area, helps to eliminate inflammation, and normalizes the composition of gastric juice.

B vitamins are involved in all metabolic processes in the body.

Folic acid protects the gastric mucosa from irritating factors, serves as a good prevention of gastroenteritis.

Separately, it should be said about such a vitamin as S-methylmethionine - it is also vitamin U. This drug is often prescribed for various digestive problems, because it has a pronounced antiulcer effect, helping to preserve the integrity of the mucous tissues of the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin U can be taken in tablets, 0.1 three times a day, or in its natural form: the vitamin is contained in the juice of white cabbage.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy is successfully used for additional therapeutic effects in case of increased gastric acidity.

To eliminate pain, electrophoresis with novocaine, platyphyllin is used, as well as applications of paraffin, ozokerite, and therapeutic mud.

To normalize the activity of the glands, sinusoidal simulated currents and electromagnetic decimeter waves are prescribed.

At the stage of remission, spa treatment is recommended. Shown are hydrocarbonate mineral waters between meals (Borjomi, Mirgorod, Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk). It is advisable to drink water at room temperature or warm, still.

Traditional treatment

In addition to medication treatment, with increased acidity, you can use traditional medicine recipes. For example, honey has long been considered a simple and natural remedy for excess stomach acid. Its medicinal properties are known to everyone. It will help with an increase in acidity, and with disorders of the digestive function. And it is recommended to use it as follows:

• mix a small amount of honey with food (honey goes well with dairy products, cereals);
• add a spoonful of honey to tea (it is desirable that the drink has a temperature of no more than + 45 ° C;
• honey should be consumed three times a day, daily, for 1.5-2 months.

From additional traditional medicine we can recommend the following recipes:

• drink on an empty stomach (preferably in the morning) freshly squeezed carrot juice;
• before each meal, drink 40-50 ml of juice squeezed from raw potatoes;
• use pumpkin pulp in different versions (boiled, baked).

Many people recommend drinking a soda solution to eliminate symptoms of acidity. Let's put it bluntly - this method works only at first, and later the process is aggravated. After all, soda irritates the stomach lining no less than acid. As a result of such treatment, stomach ulcers and chronic gastritis may develop.

Herbal treatment

In addition to the above methods for normalizing acidity in the stomach, there are other methods using medicinal plants. For example, to normalize digestion against a background of high acidity, it is recommended to use infusions based on herbs such as coltsfoot, dandelion, calendula, plantain, chamomile, etc.

Collecting herbs will undoubtedly have a more pronounced effect than monotherapy. For example, many successfully use these recipes to lower acidity:

• a mixture of St. John's wort, plantain leaves and chamomile flowers (5 g each) pour 250 ml of boiling water, insist and take a quarter of a glass before meals;
• mix 100 ml of cranberry juice and the same amount of agave juice (aloe), add 200 ml of hot boiled water, season with a spoonful of honey. If such a medicine is taken daily, three times a day, 25 ml each, then you can forget about heartburn and sour belching for a long time.
• 100 g of an equivalent mixture of St. John's wort, yarrow and mint leaves are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water, insisted in a thermos for about 6 hours, filtered. They drink 100 ml in the morning.

A fairly large number of medicinal plants are known that help with high acidity. Such plants can be brewed separately and drunk like tea, or used in medicinal mixtures.

• Wormwood - stabilizes and stimulates the work of the glandular apparatus of the stomach, enhances the secretion of bile, improves all stages of the digestive process. Has a slight anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and fungicidal effect.
• Flaxseed - has an enveloping effect, as it contains a large amount of mucus and a specific substance linamarin. Regular intake of seeds helps to eliminate inflammation, pain in the stomach, and also restores acid-damaged mucous tissues.
• Chaga (birch mushroom) is an antimicrobial agent that has been used for a long time to treat and prevent gastritis, stomach ulcers, and cancerous tumors. Chaga is famous for its anti-inflammatory, choleretic, healing and restorative effects on the body.
• Golden mustache - this plant contains substances that, with increased acidity of the stomach, neutralize the aggressive effect of acidic secretion, and with reduced acidity, they replenish the missing acid.
• Chamomile is a good remedy for gastritis associated with high acidity. It is especially useful to drink an infusion in which chamomile is combined with St. John's wort or yarrow.
• Propolis - cures inflammation of the mucous membrane, eliminates spasms of smooth muscles, relieves symptoms of heartburn and sour belching well. Propolis can help even when ulcers and erosion begin to form on the irritated stomach lining.
• St. John's wort is used as part of medicinal preparations, as it has a pronounced astringent and bactericidal effect. In addition, St. John's wort can stop diarrhea and flush out toxic substances with minor food poisoning.
• Aloe - the juice of this plant is usually used in combination with honey. Firstly, it significantly enhances the effect of the treatment, and secondly, it smoothes out the bitter and unpleasant aftertaste of the agave. For the treatment of increased acidity, it is better to use juice from the leaves of a plant of 3-5 years old - its properties are most valuable.
• Peppermint is a part of gastric preparations, since the properties of this plant - soothing, antispasmodic, bactericidal, choleretic, analgesic, astringent - help to establish digestion and restore the function of secretory glands.
• Calendula is a plant with high pharmacological activity, which is used to treat many diseases, including the digestive system. The properties of the plant are astringent, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic - they can be used for high acidity associated with gastritis or functional digestive disorders.
• The herb crushed milk - has an anti-inflammatory, astringent, antibacterial effect. Plant-based medicines are used to treat peptic ulcer disease, since the dried cassis not only normalizes the pH of the gastric environment, but also has a reparative effect.

Plants such as ginger, rosehip and plantain are not used with increased acidity, since they contain substances that aggravate irritation of the gastric mucosa.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies can help relieve a burning sensation and pain in the stomach, unpleasant belching and heartburn. Experts allow the following drugs to be used with high acidity:

• Potassium bichromicum 3, 6 - stabilizes the level of acidity, eliminates pain in the stomach;
• Hydrastis 6, 30 - effective for acidity associated with peptic ulcer disease;
• Calcarea carbonica (calcium carbonate obtained from oysters) 3, 6, 12, 30 - helps in eliminating flatulence and stomach pain. Take 8 drops of the drug up to 4 times a day;
• Acidum sulfuricum 6, 30 - will help with belching with acid, with a burning sensation in the esophagus and stomach;
• Natrium phosphoricum 6 stabilizes acidity when the powder is taken 2-3 times a day;
• Argentum nitricum (lapis) 3, 6 - helps with stomach pain and unstable acidity.

The listed funds have no contraindications, they rarely cause allergic reactions and can be used as an additional treatment while taking medications.

Operative treatment

Since the increased acidity of the stomach is not yet a disease, but only a symptom of incipient malfunctions, the operation in this condition is not indicated.

Surgical treatment can be prescribed if an increase in acidity occurs against the background of:

• perforated ulcer;
• esophageal tube strictures;
• internal bleeding;
• Barrett's esophagus;
• hemorrhagic esophagitis;
• profuse ulceration of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract.

In addition, surgery is used in cases where conventional treatment does not have a positive effect.

Diet with increased acidity of the stomach

With high acidity, dieting is a prerequisite for recovery. Often it is proper nutrition that allows you to get rid of the problem without the use of medications.

Should be excluded from the diet:

• strong broth;
• mushrooms;
• alcoholic beverages (including low alcohol);
• spicy, fatty, salty, smoked, fried foods;
• any baked goods;
• citrus fruits;
• strong coffee and tea;
• soda;
• flavoring additives (spices, sauces, vinegar, mustard);
• radishes, onions and garlic;
• conservation, marinades;
• sour fruits and berries.

The menu should be composed mainly of vegetable, cereal dishes, weak broths based on low-fat meats or fish. You can eat eggs, dairy products, noodles, crackers, potatoes.

Food with increased acidity of the stomach should be balanced in terms of the content of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Any foods that can provoke irritation of the walls of the stomach and a reflex increase in acid secretion are banned.

Dishes are cooked in a double boiler, boiled, stewed. Eliminate fatty, coarse-fiber foods that are difficult for the stomach to digest.

Optimally, food intake is 6 times a day.

Menu with increased acidity of the stomach

The approximate composition of the daily menu with an increase in acidity may be as follows:

• For Monday:
  • We will have breakfast with milk semolina with honey.
  • We have a snack with tea in milk and steamed cheesecake.
  • We have lunch with chicken breast cream soup, boiled rice, vegetable salad.
  • For an afternoon snack, you can drink a cup of milk.
  • We have dinner with vegetable stew, cottage cheese casserole with tea.
• For Tuesday:
  • We will have breakfast with oatmeal, boiled egg.
  • We have a snack with milk mousse with a crouton.
  • We have lunch with vegetable soup and baked apples with cottage cheese.
  • For an afternoon snack - chamomile tea.
  • We have dinner with boiled veal with mashed potatoes.
• For Wednesday:
  • We will have breakfast with pasta and cottage cheese.
  • Snack on oatmeal jelly.
  • We have lunch with carrot cream soup, boiled fish fillets, salad.
  • For an afternoon snack - a cup of kefir with a crouton.
  • We have supper with meat pâté and vegetable puree.
• For Thursday:
  • We have breakfast with a rice casserole.
  • Snack on a baked apple with carrots.
  • We have lunch with rice soup and potato zrazy.
  • Afternoon snack - cottage cheese and sour cream.
  • We have dinner with pasta and meat.
• For Friday:
  • We will have breakfast with a steam omelet.
  • We have a snack with biscuits and compote.
  • We have lunch with bean soup, rice with vegetables.
  • For an afternoon snack - milk.
  • We have supper with stewed fish with carrots and onions.
• For Saturday:
  • We will have breakfast with cottage cheese and milk.
  • We have a snack with milk tea with a crouton.
  • We have lunch with vegetable soup, carrot cutlets and a steamed chop.
  • Afternoon snack - cottage cheese with tea.
  • We have dinner with fish baked with potatoes.
• For Sunday:
  • We will have breakfast with rice casserole with sour cream.
  • Snack on a baked pear.
  • We have lunch with buckwheat soup and stew with vegetables.
  • For an afternoon snack - a banana.
  • We have supper with dumplings with cottage cheese and sour cream.

Mineral water with increased stomach acidity

Mineral waters have varying degrees of mineralization (salt content). With a small mineralization, the water is absorbed well. The higher the salt content, the harder the water is absorbed, but in this case it can have a pronounced laxative effect. With high acidity, highly mineralized waters should be avoided so as not to provoke unnecessary irritation of the stomach.

• Borjomi is table mineral water with sodium bicarbonate composition. Borjomi is useful for metabolic disorders, gastritis, peptic ulcer, enterocolitis.
• Essentuki is a group of sodium chloride-hydrocarbonate-water. The group is represented by the following types of medicinal drinks:
  • No. 17 - water with an increased level of mineralization, which is used mainly for the treatment of liver diseases;
  • No. 4 - medicinal table water, can be used with high acidity;
  • No. 2 - medicinal table water, increases appetite;
  • No. 20 - brackish water, can be used as a treatment and prevention of high acidity.

With an increase in acidity, mineral waters are consumed warm, one and a half to two hours before meals, 200-250 ml each, three times a day.

Allowed foods for increased stomach acidity

• Honey - with increased acidity, it is consumed only in a warm form, since in combination with cold water it can have the opposite effect.
• Dairy products - with increased acidity, non-acidic products are used in food, such as milk, non-acidic sour cream, cottage cheese, cream, yogurt, butter.
• Cottage cheese - non-acidic, in the form of cheese cakes, casseroles, puddings.
• Milk - only fresh, preferably homemade, can be in the form of cereals, milk soups, jelly.
• Yogurt is non-acidic, natural, without additives in the form of stabilizers, dyes and preservatives.
• Fruit - non-acidic varieties, preferably baked or in the form of stewed fruit and jelly.
• Teas are not strong, it is possible with the addition of chamomile, St. John's wort, mint.
• Apples - non-acidic varieties, ripe, preferably baked and boiled.
• Persimmon - in small quantities, preferably without peel. Without problems, you can add persimmon pulp in jelly, compotes, jelly.
• Potato juice is a very useful product in case of high acidity, as it contains almost the entire range of B vitamins, folic acid, vitamin U and other useful substances. Potato juice can relieve inflammation, irritation, and speed up the healing of ulcers and erosions. Take 1 spoonful of freshly squeezed juice on an empty stomach, regularly, until the condition improves.
• Salt - with increased acidity, it is allowed for use, but is limited to about 3 g / day.
• Kissel - cooked on non-acidic fruits, has an enveloping effect, which allows you to quickly achieve relief from gastritis. Oatmeal and milk jelly are especially useful.
• Carrots are another vegetable that is especially beneficial for acidic conditions. The beneficial properties are explained by the presence of vitamin A in carrots, which has healing and reparative properties.
• Bananas are a unique product that is able to stabilize the acidity of the gastric environment, therefore it can be used with increased acidity with practically no restrictions.
• Pumpkin is a very useful product in case of high acidity. Equally useful are the juice and the pulp of the product, which contain resinous substances, B vitamins, oils. Pumpkin improves digestion and helps to normalize the functions of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Beets - are able to lower acidity to normal levels in a short time. You can eat a salad of young fresh beets, stewed and boiled beets, as well as fresh beet juice.
• Blueberry is a non-acidic berry that improves the composition of the intestinal flora, protects the mucous membrane from irritating factors, lowers secretion, and reduces the severity of pain and inflammation. The main condition when eating blueberries for people with high acidity is not to abuse it.
• Sauerkraut - despite the presence of acid in it, it can be used in moderate quantities for gastritis with high acidity.
• Oats - are actively used for gastritis with excess acidity, as it has an enveloping, anti-inflammatory, healing properties.

Prohibited foods with increased acidity of the stomach

• Kefir is considered an undesirable product with an increase in acidity, since it itself contains a large amount of acid, which can increase irritation of the mucous membrane. Homemade fresh and non-acidic kefir (yogurt) can only be consumed at the stage of permanent relief of symptoms.
• Fermented baked milk - see above - is not recommended with an increase in acidity along with other fermented milk products.
• Lemon - contains a large amount of acids, including citric and ascorbic acids. This allows you to actively use lemon in food with low acidity in the stomach.
• Coffee - this strong drink stimulates the secretion of digestive juice, increases receptor vulnerability. If there is an excess of acid in the stomach, drinking coffee is undesirable. If you cannot imagine a morning without a fragrant cup - give preference to a ground natural product, rather than a granular and instant drink.
• Wine - increases the sensitivity of the gastric mucosa to acid and aggravates heartburn.
• Berries - almost all, with rare exceptions, increase gastric secretion. Non-acidic berries do not have this property, but they are allowed to be consumed in small quantities and not on an empty stomach.
• Cranberry - is actively used to increase acidity in patients with insufficient production of digestive enzymes. If the gastric environment is too acidic, then it is undesirable to use cranberries.
• Chicory - most experts do not prohibit drinking this drink with high acidity, but in moderation and after meals.
• Bread, like any yeast pastry, increases the acidity in the stomach. Therefore, with an increased level of acid, bread is consumed only not fresh, dried, in the form of toasts or crackers. From baked goods, the use of biscuit biscuits in small quantities is also allowed.

Prophylaxis

Important points in the prevention of increased acidity of the stomach are:

• adherence to the diet;
• the use of dietary products;
• quitting bad habits - smoking and alcohol abuse.

It is necessary to avoid food harmful to the stomach, observe the rules of hygiene when preparing food.

In addition, the nervous system should be protected from the negative effects of stress. It is important to learn how to manage your emotions, to resist psycho-emotional and depressive states.

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The stomach in the human body performs functions that cannot be overestimated. It is the most important part of the gastrointestinal tract, which is responsible for the chemical processing of food mass using gastric juice. This juice contains various enzymes and hydrochloric acid.

The state of digestion and the level of protection of the body against the penetration of harmful bacteria and pathogenic microflora into the body depend on its quality. And this quality is determined by the amount of acid. It, in turn, characterizes the acidity of the stomach.

As for the increased acidity of the stomach, it leads to such unpleasant symptoms as heartburn, abdominal pain, a feeling of heaviness and other discomfort. By itself, the balance of acidity in the body is not disturbed - there are always certain reasons, the treatment of which should be dealt with in the first place.

Causes

Hydrochloric acid, which influences the pH level in the stomach, is produced by the fundic glands. In the normal state, acid production occurs continuously and at the same rate. Often, the causes of hyperacidity are disturbances caused by nutrition.

This is facilitated by the use of spicy, fatty, bitter, sour or fried foods. Preservatives, pickles, or even a harmless lack of adequate food intake can cause this unpleasant condition. Fast food, poor eating habits, inadequate nutrition, stress and just lack of rest can all affect the acidity of the stomach.

In addition, the consumption of hot food and constant overeating can lead to gastritis against the background of high acidity. Often, gastritis becomes chronic, so it is highly undesirable to allow its appearance, because then you will have to constantly be examined for the presence of cancerous tumors that may form over time.

Norm

This indicator is one of the criteria for the health of the digestive system.

Acidity rates differ in different parts of the stomach. The mucous membrane in its lumen has this indicator of 1.2-1.6 pH, and on the mucous membrane facing the epithelium has a pH of 7.0, that is, neutral.

However, the average value is not taken into account in the diagnosis. Much more important is the change in acidity per day in several parts of the stomach. Sometimes you need to find out what happens to her when using irritants and stimulants.

Symptoms of increased gastric acidity

Most often, people suffering from heartburn diagnose themselves on their own, because this unpleasant sensation cannot be compared with anything. In adults, symptoms of gastric acidity include the following:

• heartburn;
• sour belching;
• bitterness in the mouth;
• patients rarely complain of a lack of appetite;
• changes in bowel function (colic, constipation);
• concentrated in the center;
• nausea turning into vomiting;
• constant feeling of hunger;
• cardiopalmus;
• late dull pains (occur "in the stomach" a couple of hours after eating, are aching-pulling in nature).

To reduce the acidity of the stomach, you need to eliminate the causes that caused its increase. Establish nutrition, if possible, stop taking medications that are detrimental to the stomach. Protect yourself from stress, quit smoking, undergo a course of treatment prescribed by a specialist.

Diagnostics

To figure out how to treat increased acidity of the stomach, it is necessary not only to diagnose a symptom, but also to determine the cause of its development. For this, certain tests are assigned:

1. FEGDS - swallowing a probe with a camera at the end, which will show on the computer screen areas of the stomach damaged by acid;
2. Determination of acidity level- done during the FEGDS procedure;
3. Identification of Helicobacter pylori- can be carried out with FEGDS, as well as by a breath test or a blood test.

The patient's subjective feelings can only indicate the possibility of the existence of increased acidity, however, they are not a direct confirmation of this.

Treatment of high acidity of the stomach

It is possible to cure high acidity with modern drugs, but it is worth remembering that it can be not only an independent disease, but also part of the symptom complex of another, more serious ailment.

As medications for lowering the acidity of the stomach are prescribed:

1. Gastrocepin. It blocks cholinergic receptors, and also forms a protective film and reduces the production of gastric acid secretion
2. Almagel. This drug is referred to as an antacid, which reduces the acidity in the stomach.
3. Ranitidine, Nizatidine which are very good histamine blockers.
4. Omeprozole. It inhibits the production of gastric acid secretion.
5. Drinking soda. It neutralizes the action of hydrochloric acid very well. But here you should be very careful, as excessive consumption of soda can lead to irreparable consequences.

It is worth noting that a diet with high acidity is very important. After the situation has improved and the acidity level has stabilized, it is not necessary to stop the diet, it is best to stick to it constantly.

Diet

A diet with excess acid production means avoiding food that stimulates the production of gastric juice. Therefore, you should forget about some products:

• smoked meats;
• acute;
• bold;
• fast food;
• coffee;
• alcohol;
• soda;
• raw onions, garlic, radish, sorrel;
• black bread;
• sour fruits.

• soups in a weak broth;
• rice, oatmeal, pearl barley and semolina porridge;
• lean meat and fish;
• low-fat cottage cheese and cheeses, fermented milk and dairy products;
• potatoes, beets, pumpkin, carrots;
• eggs;
• homemade jelly, jelly, soufflé.

All food should be warm, not too hot or, on the contrary, ice-cold food and drinks. Dishes can be baked, boiled, steamed or stewed, but not fried. To reduce the load on the stomach and normalize the secretion of gastric juice, it is useful to eat often (5-6 times) in small portions.

Sample menu for the day:

• Breakfast: porridge "Hercules" with milk, steamed meatballs, mashed potatoes and carrots, tea with milk.
• Second breakfast: curd and beetroot pancakes.
• Lunch: squash soup with croutons, beef stroganoff with noodles (boil meat), plums.
• Dinner: lazy dumplings, a glass of tea.
• Before bed: cookies, a glass of milk or cream.

As you can see, a diet with increased acidity of the stomach can be quite varied and tasty. Of course, along with proper nutrition, medications prescribed by your doctor should be taken.

Folk remedies

With increased acidity of the stomach, treatment with folk remedies can be a worthy replacement or a good addition to drug therapy.

1. Honey with increased acidity of the stomach take as follows: dissolve 1 spoonful of honey in warm water (100 ml.). This portion should be drunk before each meal, after waiting 30 minutes. Such a remedy also helps with peptic ulcer disease, gastritis.
2. Potato juice, obtained from fresh tubers (not green!), are drunk before meals. The initial dose (1 spoon) is gradually increased to half a glass. After taking the juice, be sure to lie down for 20 - 30 minutes.
3. Anise seeds are a good folk remedy for high stomach acidity - they can easily cope with heartburn. They are pounded, poured into 1 liter of vodka and infused for 30 days. Then a pinch of cinnamon or powdered lemon zest (chosen to taste) is poured into the product, 300 g of sugar are added. The composition is shaken well and filtered. Take it after meals for 1 small glass.
4. Squeeze out lettuce juice(2 tablespoons), drink for pain and heartburn in the stomach. Such a remedy will help "extinguish" acid, gently restores mucous membranes, and improves bowel function.

In addition to the above recipes, infusions and decoctions from a variety of medicinal herbs also bring relief.

Herbs

Among the herbs with increased acidity of the stomach, folk remedies from the following plants are useful:

• valerian;
• calamus marsh;
• marsh dryweed;
• tansy flowers;
• three-leaf watch;
• St. John's wort herb.

Dry orange peels are added to them. All these folk remedies are taken in equal proportions, and 100 grams are measured from the ready-made collection.