What Causes Excess Stomach Acid?

Excess stomach acid can lead to discomfort and various health issues. Below are the primary causes behind this common condition.

Gastrointestinal Diseases
Conditions such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and bile reflux gastritis can disrupt the normal balance of stomach acid production. These disorders often interfere with the stomach's ability to regulate acid secretion properly.

Dietary Habits
Consuming overly spicy, salty, sour, sweet, or fatty foods can trigger the stomach to produce excessive amounts of acid. These types of foods are known to stimulate acid secretion and may lead to irritation or discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Emotional Stress
High levels of stress or fatigue can cause nervous system imbalances, which may interfere with the regulation of the vagus nerve. This disruption can result in either increased or decreased stomach acid production, depending on the individual's response to stress.

Medication Use
Certain medications, including aspirin used by heart patients or specific laxatives, can irritate or damage the stomach lining. When the gastric mucosa is inflamed, it may respond by producing too much or too little acid, worsening digestive issues.

Understanding these causes can help individuals make informed lifestyle and dietary choices to manage their stomach acid levels more effectively.