From the Research
Yes, having a stomach pH that is too low can cause symptoms, and reducing gastric acid to a pH > 4.0 is crucial for symptom relief and effective treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 1. This condition, known as hyperacidity, can lead to heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, bloating, nausea, and stomach pain. It may also contribute to conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcers. To manage these symptoms, over-the-counter antacids like Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox can provide quick, temporary relief by neutralizing stomach acid. For more persistent symptoms, H2 blockers such as famotidine (Pepcid) or ranitidine can reduce acid production for several hours. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole (Prilosec) or esomeprazole (Nexium) offer stronger, longer-lasting acid reduction and are typically taken once daily, 30 minutes before breakfast. Some studies have shown that esomeprazole may be more effective than omeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole for the rapid relief of heartburn symptoms and acid reflux symptoms in patients with reflux esophagitis 2. Lifestyle modifications can also help, including:
- avoiding trigger foods (spicy, fatty, or acidic foods)
- eating smaller meals
- not lying down after eating
- elevating the head of your bed
- limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption. The stomach naturally produces hydrochloric acid to break down food and kill harmful bacteria, but excessive acid production or weakened protective mechanisms can disrupt this balance, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. Reduction of GERD symptoms and mucosal healing correlates with the number of hours that intragastric acid is suppressed to a pH > 4.0 1. Mucosal healing was achieved in most patients who received different types of proton pump inhibitors, but only in 50% of those who received H2 blockers 1. Therefore, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective treatment option for reducing gastric acid and alleviating symptoms of GERD 1, 2, 3, 4.