Stomach acid medicine at the pharmacy can be an option when someone has digestive disorders. The digestive system in the human body functions to break down food into a form that is easily absorbed and turned into energy.
in the book Human Anatomy And Physiology by Raimundus Chaliks, organs in the digestive system are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine, and anus. Food and drinks are converted into small molecules by the digestive system to be easily absorbed by the body and used for energy, growth, and cell repair.
When the digestive system is not working properly, problems will arise health. Digestive system disorders are problems that occur in the tract or organs involved in the digestive system. One of them, stomach acid disease.
Stomach acid is a watery, colorless liquid produced by the stomach wall. Its main function is to inactivate microorganisms that are ingested with food and drink so as to inhibit infection.
Sometimes, the body produces higher than normal levels of stomach acid. Jastria Pusmarani in Pharmacotherapy of Diseases of the Gastrointestinal System explains, high levels of stomach acid can lead to a number of complications, including:
- Stomach cramps.
- Acid reflux.
- Gastritis (ulcer).
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
To overcome this, patients can consume stomach acid medicine.
Stomach Acid Medicine at the Pharmacy
Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) allows various stomach acid drugs to be purchased at pharmacies with and without a doctor’s prescription. Three types of acid reflux medications you can buy at the pharmacy include:
1. Antasida
According to the National Center for Drug Information (PIONAS) Antacids are drugs that neutralize stomach acid to relieve indigestion. Antacids are available in tablet or liquid form and can be purchased at pharmacies and stores without a prescription. The dose of antacids is 1-2 chewable tablets 4 times a day.
2. H2 .-receptor antagonist
H2-receptor antagonists function to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers by reducing gastric acid secretion. This drug can also be used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) due to increased stomach acid.
Some H2-receptor antagonists must be prescribed. However, there are some that can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription, namely:
- Cimetidine.
- Ranitidine.
- Famotidine.
3. Proton pump inhibitor
Proton pump inhibitor or proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) is a class of drugs to decrease the production of stomach acid which is profound and prolonged. This drug works by inhibiting gastric acid secretion by inhibiting the hydrogen-potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system of the gastric parietal cells.
Some of the drugs included in the PPI are omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole. Low-dose types of omeprazole and lansoprazole can be purchased without a prescription. While other types include high doses and require a doctor’s prescription.
Natural Gastric Acid Medicine
Several studies have proven that foods and beverages can be consumed to naturally lower stomach acid levels. Here are natural gastric acid remedies that you can try.
1. Ginger
Ginger It is rich in antioxidants and chemicals that can be used as a natural remedy to treat stomach acid. Research in journals Food Science & Nutrition explained, the phenolic compounds in ginger can relieve gastrointestinal irritation and reduce stomach contractions. Ginger can also reduce stomach acid that rises up into the esophagus.
Ginger can be used in cooking or eaten raw. Ginger can also be soaked in water to make ginger tea. The trick, put the ginger slices into the water, let it simmer slowly for 10 to 20 minutes. Add honey to taste. You can also make ginger tea with milk.
2. Banana
In The International Journal of Current Research and Academic Review, banana It is used as a natural remedy for acid reflux due to increased stomach acid levels. Bananas function to coat an irritated esophagus, as well as to relieve discomfort. The high fiber content in bananas is also beneficial for strengthening the digestive system.
3. Wheat
Oats are a good source of fiber, so they make you feel full. Wheat is also used as a natural stomach acid remedy because it can absorb stomach acid and reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according to research in Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility.
4. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea provides a calming effect after drinking. Study Phytomedicine shows that chamomile tea can be used as a natural remedy to treat stomach acid. Chamomile tea also calms the nervous system and helps treat acid reflux by reducing inflammation and relaxing muscles.
5. Egg White
Egg whites are low in fat and cholesterol, so they can be used as a remedy for high stomach acid, according to a University of Southern California study. Avoid egg yolks as they are high in fat and can trigger reflux symptoms.
6. Honey
From the Johns Hopkins Medicine website, honey It has an alkaline effect that neutralizes stomach acid. Honey can reduce inflammation in the esophagus. The texture of honey allows it to better coat the mucous membrane of the esophagus.
7. Fish
Fish is low in fat and high in protein. Fish consumption is an excellent natural gastric acid remedy according to the University of North Carolina medical website. Oily fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, and trout, have omega-3 fatty acids that are healthy and good for consumption.
8. Licorice
Licorice root extract may also relieve symptoms of acid reflux disease, including acid reflux and heartburn, according to a study in Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology.
9. Tofu
Tofu is a good source of fiber and can help absorb stomach acid according to studies in Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology.
10. Papaya
Eat pawpaw can keep you safe from acid reflux symptoms. This one fruit contains the enzyme papain which helps improve digestion. Its fiber content also cleanses the stomach of toxins according to the University of New Hampshire Health & Wellness website.
Symptoms of High Stomach Acid
High stomach acid causes several symptoms according to Jill Seladi-Schulman’s article and the medical review of dr. Saurabh Sethi is entitled What to Know About High Stomach Acid.
Some of the symptoms of high stomach acid include:
- Discomfort in the stomach that gets worse when empty.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Bloated.
- Indigestion.
- Diarrhea.
- Appetite down.
- Unexplained weight loss.
Acid reflux is generally easy to treat. However, if you experience persistent or recurring digestive symptoms, contact your doctor immediately for further treatment.
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