Can I eat sweet potatoes if I have stomach acid?

Patients with excessive gastric acid should be extra careful when eating. They should not eat foods that will cause excessive gastric acid secretion in their bodies, otherwise their symptoms will aggravate. However, you can eat sweet potatoes when you have excessive gastric acid. This kind of food can also have some stomach-nourishing effects, but it can only be eaten in moderation to avoid causing stomach bloating.

The most important thing about this disease at present is how to make a correct diagnosis and appropriate drug treatment. Its possible complications, such as esophageal ulcers, lower esophageal stenosis or tumors, need to be closely monitored.

1. Medication

(1) The use of antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

(2) Antacids are divided into the following categories according to their effects: ① Absorbable antacids: such as sodium bicarbonate. ② Non-absorbable antacids: such as calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, aluminum hydroxide (tablets or gel), magnesium trisilicate, etc. Liquid or powder antacids are more effective than tablets. If tablets are used, they should be chewed before swallowing. When using antacids to neutralize stomach acid, you should pay attention to increasing the frequency of medication. You cannot rely on increasing the dosage of the drug. Generally, take it once 1 hour and 3 hours after each meal and once before bedtime, for a total of 7 times a day. The duration of antacid treatment should not be less than 3 months.

(3) Inorganic weak alkaline substances can neutralize excessive gastric acid, reduce the ability of pepsin to decompose gastric wall protein, weaken or eliminate the corrosive and irritating effects of gastric acid on the surface of gastric and duodenal ulcers, and promote the healing of the ulcer surface. The goal of acid-free therapy is to allow the ulcer to heal completely, which usually takes 8 weeks. Symptoms often disappear long before the ulcer has completely healed. Therefore, the disappearance of symptoms should never be used as a criterion for stopping antacid therapy. Otherwise, symptoms will return quickly, which is actually a worsening of the original ulcer rather than a recurrence of the disease. The duration of antacid therapy should not be less than 3 months.

2. Surgery

If the symptoms of excessive stomach acid persist, surgery may be needed to effectively relieve the symptoms.

3. Dietary guidance

(1) Do not eat frozen or very hot food or drinks. The temperature of food should be moderate. Tea, water, and soup should not be too hot.

(2) Do not consume too much spicy, sour, or salty food. The diet should be light.

(3) Eat less spicy foods, such as chili peppers, garlic, onions, chocolate, citrus fruits, mint, tomatoes, etc.

(4) A small amount of ginger and pepper can warm the stomach and enhance the protective effect of the gastric mucosa.

(5) Do not drink alcohol or coffee. Especially alcohol, which can cause excessive stimulation to the stomach and make ulcers worse.

(6) Eat regularly and avoid overeating. It is best to eat small meals frequently. If you feel hungry or have stomach discomfort, eat a small amount first.

(7) Do not eat before going to bed.

(8) Do not smoke after meals. It is better to quit smoking.

(9) Raise your head or the head of the bed when sleeping.