Difference between Acidity and Gas in Stomach

Key Difference: Acidity is excessive acid formation in the stomach due to intake of certain food and liquid items such as too much of tea, coffee and spicy food. Gas is formed in the body due to three reasons: Firstly, excessive breathing of air from the mouth while talking, eating fast and breathing; Secondly, eating/drinking certain substances such as carbonated drinks, sweets and dairy products, and; Thirdly, bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates in the small intestine may give rise to gases.

Acidity is treated as normal when it is regulated and much below the unacceptable levels. Acidity is excessive acid formation in the stomach due to intake of certain food and liquid items such as too much of tea, coffee and spicy food. The problems start when the acidity level crosses the normal levels. This is the time when intervention of medication is advised by the doctors. The advised remedy is a pill from an allopathic doctor or alternatively it can be many other home-made recipes made from Ginger, Lemon, Honey, Spearmint, Coriander and other such similar preparations.

When is acidity alarming? Acidity becomes alarming when the patient is suffering from increased chest pains, ulceration, bloating of the stomach lineage and heart burn.  In a moderately serious medical condition - medication is prescribed by the doctor and only during highly risky medical conditions a surgery may be recommended.

Gas is naturally treated or eliminated when our body passes it through the rectum as flatulence and by burping through the mouth. Gas is formed in the body due to three reasons: Firstly, excessive breathing of air from the mouth while talking, eating fast and breathing; Secondly, eating/drinking certain substances such as carbonated drinks, sweets and dairy products, and; Thirdly, bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates in the small intestine may give rise to gases.

Gas gives rise to another symptom which is inflating of the abdominal part of the body. Excessive formation of gas inside the stomach can give rise to various symptoms such as low morale, depression, inactivity, inertia, stress and rare pain in the abdomen and flatulence. The formation of gas is not necessarily alarming unless serious symptoms start to occur. Some of the symptoms that need immediate attention are: Blood in stool, Chest pain, Fever, Nausea, Vomiting, Weight loss and no desire to consume food / constipation.

If avoided, Acidity/Gas could turn into a chronic condition giving rise to serious complications that will take a toll on the individual’s health, lifestyle and bank balance.

Hence to avoid such complications the following preventive measures can be taken:

  • Regular health check-ups: Blood pressure, Weight check, Blood and Urine test for checking the amount of sugar present in the body
  • Making exercise a part of the daily routine
  • Following a healthy diet and eating small meals 4-5 times a day instead of over-eating at one time
  • Preparing home-made remedies during the times when one feels acidic or gassy. These remedies include consuming some anti-acidic substances such as ginger, lemon, honey, milk, banana, watermelon and vegetables such as drumsticks, beans, pumpkins, cabbage, carrot and spring onion.
  • It is certainly true that hydrochloric acid formation in the stomach is necessary to aid digestion and formation of other digestive juices. This is alright as long as the acid formation happens naturally. However, it is alarming when the acids are produced in high quantities. Hence, it is necessary to avoid excessive consumption of liquids such as tea, caffeine and alcohol that may stimulate the intestine and induce the formation of excessive hydrochloric acid.

In conclusion, it can be stated that focusing on the consumption pattern and its impact on the body both positive and negative should be noted. By following this activity along with the regular health check-ups, an individual can maintain a robust health condition and also increase the body’s capacity to remain immune to germs and diseases. 

Image Courtesy: apollolife.com, transcultural.wordpress.com

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