Dealing With Acid

• Digestive juices in the stomach contain a lot of hydrochloric acid, or HCL. If you eat greasy food or a lot of red meat, you might find you overproduce HCL and your stomach hurts because it has become too acidic. For many people, nerves and stress also cause the same thing--overproduction of stomach juices. This can lead to acidity, stomach pain, stomach ulcers and acid reflux, also known as heartburn.
  
  If you suspect stomach trouble is coming--if you have a nervous stomach--medications like Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid AC and Axid are available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. These drugs block Histamine 2, the chemical in the body which triggers stomach acid production. Prescription drugs like Nexium and Prevacid also reduce acid production and are more often used to treat acid reflux issues.
  
  But what if the acid's already there? That's when simple over-the-counter and even home remedies can be effective. Simple bicarbonate of soda--the primary ingredient in Alka Seltzer and the only substance in baking soda--neutralizes acid quickly. Just add either to water and drink for quick results. Other antacid products like Tums and Rolaids rely on calcium carbonate--which produces similar results.
  
  

Gas

• Preventing the pain of stomach acid and indigestion doesn't necessarily deal with the issues of gas. To get rid of the pressure, bloating, flatulence and pains associated with gas, try simethicone. Simethicone is the primary active ingredient in over the counter medicines like Phazyme, Gas-X, and Mylanta. Activated charcoal tablets, available in most health and natural food stores, can also reduce gas.
  
  The menthol in peppermint oil can reduce spasms in the digestive tract and can therefore help relieve some of the pressure and pain associated with gas. Simply drink natural peppermint tea. However, peppermint oil may not be helpful to a highly acidic stomach and may worsen problems for those experiencing heartburn.
  
  Treatments also exist to prevent gas. For those with lactose intolerance, using a lactase product like Lactaid may prevent the gas associated with ingesting dairy products. Lactase now comes in drops and pills as well as in Lactaid dairy products. Similarly, Beano is a product which uses enzymes to prevent the gas which may result from the consumption of beans, legumes and highly fibrous vegetables.
  
  

Common Sense

• Stomach problems and gas have many causes. Understanding what's going wrong is critical to making good choices about a treatment or even a prevention. Antacids may not be an appropriate choice for someone with stomach problems associated with food poisoning or flu. Stomach pains and gas in combination with other factors may be an indicator of a mild heart attack.
  
  Make sure to know what's going on with your body before choosing a course of treatment. And while we often treatment stomach upset and gas as minor everyday occurrences, it never hurts to consult a physician for medical guidance.