The acid-producing cells in stomach can produce too much or too little hydrochloric acid; either condition can cause Indigestion.
Over-acidity is one of the causes of Peptic Ulcer and Gastritis. Coffee, especially decaffeinated coffee, increases acid production. Under-acidity allows food to ferment in the stomach, causing Bad Breath, Belching, and flatulence. Marijuana, pollutants such as DDT, and Fever seem to depress acid production. Among the conditions associated with under-production of acid are Anaemia, Asthma, Osteoporosis, Diabetes (diabetes mellitus), food Allergy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Thyroid Problems, coeliac disease, and Eczema.
For homeopathic remedies, see Indigestion or Peptic Ulcer, or read whichever of the above entries seems appropriate. Normalizing acid secretion by making dietary or lifestyle changes is infinitely preferable to taking antacids, drugs, or supplements of hydrochloric acid on a long-term basis. |
Back to Ailments & Diseases
