Question

Which measures are taken to decrease acidity in the body? Why?

Answer 1

Acids like hydrochloric acid are mainly produced by the stomach during digestion. It helps to kill harmful bacteria, provide an acidic medium for gastric digestion, and also soften the food by dissolving hard solid material.

Complete Answer:
High secretion of acid causes acidity in the stomach due to which burning sensation occurs inside the abdomen and chest area. Acidity also causes heartburn by acid reflux action. To control the acid level it is prescribed to use antacid that contains aluminum, calcium, and magnesium. Another measure has been taken such as the use of histamine blocking agents and proton pumps. Doctors also prescribe to use coconut water, watermelon juice, buttermilk, lemon juice, and banana in the diet which helps to lower down the burning sensation of the abdomen. In severe cases, the doctor performs vagotomy surgery to reduce the production of acid.
If acidity can't be controlled on time then it will lead to the occurrence of various type of disease like bronchoconstriction which causes difficulty in breathing, vomiting, bloody stool, stomach ulcer, esophagitis, esophageal stricture, and in severe case it leads to cancer of the oesophagus and death of a person.

Additional information:
Causes of acidity include skipping meals, overeating, high consumption of spicy food and salt, low fiber intake, excessive consumption of beverages, and excessive intake of junk food. Regular exercise and proper diet help to control the acid level in the stomach.

Note: Acidity in the blood is caused due to decrease in pH level by high accumulation of carbonic acid in the blood which occurs due to improper function of the kidney and lungs called acidosis. Treatment includes the use of sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, and antibiotic. High levels of acid in blood cause kidney stones, asthma, and kidney failure.