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)