By | May 15, 2025

How To Avoid Hyperacidity

Avoiding hyperacidity (also called acid reflux or excess stomach acid) involves a mix of smart eating habits, lifestyle changes, and avoiding triggers. Here’s a complete guide to help you prevent that burning, bloated, or sour-stomach feeling:

🔥 How To Avoid Hyperacidity

🍽️ 1. Eat Small, Frequent Meals

  • Large meals stretch the stomach and increase acid production.
  • Aim for smaller portions every 3–4 hours instead of 2–3 big meals.

⏰ 2. Don’t Lie Down Right After Eating

  • Wait at least 2–3 hours before lying down or sleeping.
  • Gravity helps keep stomach acid where it belongs—in your stomach.

❌ 3. Avoid Common Trigger Foods

These can increase stomach acid or relax the lower esophageal sphincter:

  • Spicy foods
  • Fried or fatty foods
  • Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges)
  • Tomatoes and ketchup
  • Coffee and caffeinated drinks
  • Chocolate
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Alcohol
  • Garlic and onions

👉 Tip: Keep a food diary to track your personal triggers.

💧 4. Drink Plenty of Water

  • Water helps dilute stomach acid and flush out irritants.
  • Avoid drinking too much during meals—this can over-distend the stomach.

🚬 5. Quit Smoking

  • Nicotine weakens the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to rise into the esophagus.

💤 6. Elevate Your Head While Sleeping

  • Use a wedge pillow or raise the head of your bed by 6–8 inches.
  • Helps prevent nighttime reflux and heartburn.

⚖️ 7. Maintain a Healthy Weight

  • Excess abdominal fat increases pressure on the stomach, leading to acid reflux.
  • Even a small amount of weight loss can improve symptoms.

👖 8. Avoid Tight Clothing Around the Waist

  • Belts, tight jeans, or shapewear can compress your stomach and push acid upward.

🧘 9. Manage Stress

  • Stress doesn’t directly cause acid, but it aggravates symptoms.
  • Try meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or walking regularly.

💊 10. Use Medications Wisely

  • Avoid overusing NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin), which irritate the stomach lining.
  • If needed, talk to a doctor about:
    • Antacids (for quick relief)
    • H2 blockers (like ranitidine or famotidine)
    • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs like omeprazole)