1. Alkaline-rich foods. Those with excessive stomach acid should consume alkaline-rich foods like dairy, blood products, soy sauce, and fresh vegetables and fruits such as spinach, rapeseed greens, and cabbage. Reduce intake of acidic foods including beans, peanuts, vinegar, and fatty foods. For severe acidity, boil ginger with Pu'er tea and drink the broth.Low-fat, low-sugar foods are recommended for hyperacidity, as high-fat and sweet foods can increase gastric acid secretion. Avoid seasonings that stimulate acid production, such as chili peppers, coffee, and mustard.
3. Grain-based foods. Grain-based foods should form the mainstay of the diet for hyperacidity, as they dilute stomach acid and their alkaline content helps neutralize it. Soy milk and congee also dilute acid and protect the gastric mucosa.
Note: Limit fried foods, chili peppers, overly acidic or sweet items daily to prevent worsening acid reflux. For hard-to-digest or gas-producing foods like rice dumplings, rice cakes, root vegetables, and legumes, chew thoroughly before swallowing or consume in small portions.
Treatment for Excessive Stomach Acid
1. Decoction: 3g Evodia fruit, 3g Coptis rhizome, 9g Oyster shell, 9g Talcum, 9g Oyster shell. Boil in water and take in two divided doses, morning and evening. This formula effectively soothes the liver, harmonizes the stomach, warms the middle burner, transforms dampness, disperses nodules, and relieves pain.
2. Decoct 9g each of Codonopsis and Poria, 6g each of Tangerine Peel and Prepared Pinellia, 6g each of Atractylodes and Amomum, 6g each of Cardamom, Cyperus, and White Peony, plus 3g of Fried Licorice. Take twice daily, morning and evening. Regular use yields remarkable results.
3. Decoct 6g each of Shenqu and Magnolia Bark, 5g of Tangerine Peel,Coptis rhizome 2g, Ziziphus jujuba 3g, Cardamom 3g, Poria cocos 9g, Chicken gizzard lining 6g, Dioscorea opposita 12g, Gentiana root 1.5g, Licorice root 3g. Prepare one dose daily, decoct twice, and take morning and evening. This formula suppresses acid reflux and discomfort while warming the spleen and benefiting the stomach.
Four Dietary Recommendations for Hyperacidity
1. Maintain regular eating patterns. Opt for smaller portions per meal with increased frequency to avoid hunger-induced stomach pain. If hunger or gastric discomfort arises, consume light snacks first.
2. Prioritize easily digestible foods. Ensure meats are thoroughly cooked, and vegetables are not underdone.Avoid extremely cold or hot foods/beverages; maintain moderate temperatures for tea, water, and soups. Limit spicy, sour, or excessively salty foods. Opt for light, bland meals, as strong flavors stimulate acid secretion.
3. Minimize irritants like garlic, onions, chocolate, citrus fruits, mint, and tomatoes.Small amounts of ginger and pepper can warm the stomach and enhance the protective function of the gastric mucosa. Avoid alcohol and coffee. Alcohol, in particular, is highly irritating to the stomach and can worsen ulcers. 4. Do not smoke after meals; quitting smoking altogether is preferable. Avoid eating before bedtime. Additionally, elevate your head or the head of your bed slightly while sleeping.
Note: For excessive stomach acid, prioritize noodles and steamed buns as staples and consume more alkaline foods. This helps neutralize acidity. Additionally, adopt frequent small meals—overeating risks gastric perforation, while undereating intensifies acid production. Frequent small meals ensure the stomach remains partially full most of the time, protecting the digestive tract from acid erosion.