Key Difference: Medically, gastric refers to anything that is related to the stomach, like gastric ulcer defines an ulcer formed in the stomach. On the other hand, acidity refers to any kind of condition that leads to excessive secretion of acid from the gastric glands.

Many people consider gastric and acidity as one and the same thing. However, gastric is used as an adjective that denotes anything that is pertaining to the stomach. 

Some examples to show the usage of the word gastric:-

• A peptic ulcer of the stomach is called a gastric ulcer.
• What are the natural ways to cure gastric pain?
• A gastric tissue biopsy is normal.
• Gastric means anything that is related to the stomach.

On the other hand, acidity denotes a condition that occurs due to the excessive amount of acid that is secreted by the glands of the stomach. This extra acid (the major component being hydrochloric acid) flows through the stomach’s digestion area and then moves to the lower esophagus. Due to this, pain is experienced and a stomach dysfunction takes place.

How the excessive amount of acid is formed? The answer to this question is simple. Our diet consists of many food items which are the source of acidity. The examples of acidic foods are meat, poultry or any other protein source. The acid produced is not neutralized properly.

Acidity greatly affects the overall health of a person and thus, the energy is also reduced. In the earlier stages of acidity, one can easily identify the symptoms and the cure can take place by simple over the counter medicines. However, once it becomes severe, then it may cause a lot of trouble and can lead to certain complications.

The symptoms of acidity are:-

• Burning sensation of pain is the chest
• Ulcers in the mouth or in the food pipe
• Bloating of the abdomen
• Weight loss in an abnormal way
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting

Some suggested home remedies that one can try to overcome acidity:- 

• Eat banana, watermelon, pineapple, cucumber, yogurt, jaggery
• Drink lot of water, coconut-water, lemon juice and milk
• Try maintaining a gap of 2-3 hours between last meal and sleeping
• Try having small, regular meals
• Chew basil leaves, cloves, aniseed or chewing gum
• Avoid pickles, spicy chutneys, vinegar
• Reduce aerated (soft) drinks, smoking, and alcohol
• Exercise
• For instant relief, cold milk can be taken.

Gastric denotes anything that is related to the stomach, whereas acidity defines a condition caused due to excessive amount of acid that is secreted by glands of stomach. Therefore, acidity is also referred to as gastric acidity.

Image Courtesy: medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com, missclinic.com