The stomach is a unique organ with the lowest pH in the body. It works efficiently and is acidic in the pH range of 1.5 - 2.5. The problem occurs when it is acidified, i.e. the pH drops below the optimal value or is too little acidic, being over 3 pH. To ensure proper digestion and efficient functioning of the digestive system, you should start with the acidity of the stomach.

Stomach acidification

Can an acidic stomach be made even more acidic? It turns out that yes. Gastric acidity, also known as hyperacidity, is a condition in which the acidity of the stomach is increased. Hydrochloric acid is produced by parietal cells in the gastric mucosa. Its main function is to digest food, especially proteins, and kill bacteria and viruses that may be present in the food we eat. Its amount and pH should be in constant balance, because when acid production is excessive or when there are disturbances in regulatory mechanisms, hyperacidity may occur. It is mainly manifested by a burning sensation or heartburn in the esophagus, abdominal pain, nausea, flatulence, sour taste in the mouth, and problems with swallowing.

The causes of hyperacidity may be various, including incorrect eating habits (e.g. eating spicy or fatty foods, alcohol abuse, smoking), stress, certain medications, Helicobacter pylori overgrowth and some diseases.

A burning problem - heartburn

A very troublesome symptom of stomach acidity is heartburn. This unpleasant, burning feeling in the chest and esophagus makes us look for a quick solution to the problem just to avoid the unpleasant symptom. Unfortunately, many medications, including over-the-counter ones, only alleviate the symptoms and do not eliminate the cause. Therefore, patients with constant heartburn take such products for a long time, without eliminating the degrading effect on the stomach.

Pathological gastroesophageal reflux

The most common symptoms of reflux are heartburn that appears after a meal or while lying down. However, there is also a link between gastroesophageal reflux and chronic cough and asthma, as well as laryngitis. In addition, the return of food content to the esophagus may also cause dental, neurological and even cardiac disorders. Gastroesophageal reflux is a situation in which the stomach contents, sometimes together with the duodenum, flow back into the esophagus or even the hypopharynx or larynx. This is very common in infants, where it occurs up to 10 times a day. However, after the first year of life, the frequency of episodes decreases to 3–5 per day, which is a typical course in adults. Atypical symptoms include irritability, anxiety, sleep disorders, reluctance to eat, stunted development, and anemia.

Interestingly, gastroesophageal reflux may manifest itself as pain in the upper abdomen. The intensity of the symptoms means that the pain is often confused with cardiac symptoms; approximately 45% of patients are admitted to the cardiology department due to chest pain, when in fact they are dealing with reflux and its consequences. In addition to heart pain, there are also arrhythmias, mainly bradycardia, fainting or palpitations. The cause of these symptoms is most likely the reaction of the autonomic system, including reflexes caused by stimulation of the vagus nerve.

Fun fact:

Studies show that the larynx is much more sensitive to acidic substances than the esophagus, which can tolerate up to 50 episodes of reflux a day, causing a drop in pH < 4, while in the larynx even 3 episodes can cause severe inflammation and damage to the epithelium.

Stomach microbiome

The gastric microbiome consists of a variety of microorganisms, mainly bacteria, that inhabit the gastric environment. These bacteria can vary in species and function. The main components of the stomach microbiome are:

• Lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium may help maintain stomach pH balance by producing lactic acid. They also help prevent colonization,
• Helicobacter pylori: is a type of bacteria that naturally occurs in the stomach. However, its hypertrophy may cause stomach ulcers and peptic ulcer disease;
• yeast and other microorganisms: in addition to bacteria, the stomach microbiome may contain yeast and viruses.

The stomach microbiome plays an important role in the health and functioning of the digestive system, influencing, among other things, digestion, immunity and metabolism. Imbalances in the stomach microbiome can lead to a variety of health problems, so keeping it healthy and balanced is important for the body's overall health.

How to check if the stomach is acidic?

A simple test can be performed in the comfort of your home using baking soda. Prepare 3/4 cup of lukewarm water and dissolve a flat teaspoon of baking soda in it. You should drink such a mixture in the morning on an empty stomach, but not immediately after waking up, and measure the time that will pass until the gas is released spontaneously. If this happens within the first minute, it means that there is hyperacidity in the stomach; if it is between 1 and 2 minutes, the acidity is correct; however, if it burps after 2 minutes, it may mean that there is too little hydrochloric acid.

How to ensure proper stomach pH?

To relieve the symptoms of stomach acidity, antacids or proton pump inhibitors, which reduce the production of stomach acid, are usually used. However, they only work by relieving the symptoms, not eliminating the cause. It is very important to identify and eliminate factors provoking stomach acidification, such as changing diet or reducing stress. It is also worth including probiotic treatment, which will help regulate the acid-base environment of the stomach. Lactobacillus acidophilus Er-2 strain 317/402 Narine bacteria contained in the Narum Tab product - a probiotic in the form of a tablet - regulates the bacterial flora of the stomach. The tablet form means that the bacteria act in the stomach, and not in the intestine, as is usually the case with prebiotics. Moreover, in severe reflux pain, Narum Tab, as a lozenge, brings immediate relief, soothing unpleasant symptoms. Please remember that the amount and duration of use is an individual matter and depends on many factors.

Treatment for restoring the acid-base balance of the stomach:

Stomach Pack Set

• 6 x Narum Tab 500 mg, 30 tablets,
• 2 x Narum Forte 100 mg, 30 capsules,
• 2 x Narum Plus 150 mg, 30 capsules.

Dosage adults and children over 12 years of age:

For the first 10 days of Narum Tab and Narum Forte:

• 1 x Narum Tab tablet 3 times a day, 15-20 min. before meals,
• 3 times a day, 2 x Narum Forte capsules, 15-20 minutes. before meals.

For the next 10 days of Narum Tab and Narum Plus :

• 1 x Narum Tab tablet 3 times a day, 15-20 min. before meals,
• 3 times a day, 2 x Narum Plus capsules, 15-20 min. before meals.

For the next 20 days of Narum Tab:

• 3 times a day, 2 x Narum Tab tablets , 15-20 minutes before a meal.

How to use:

• should be taken 15-20 minutes before meals,
• drink a drink at room temperature,
• you can open the capsule and dissolve its contents in the drink,

• For optimal effect, it is recommended to take it for 5-6 weeks.

Sources:

Extraesophageal symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, Katarzyna Chmiel, Izabela Niśkiewicz, Iwona Krela-Kaźmierczak, Liliana Łykowska-Szuber, Krzysztof Linke, 2009;

Gastroesophageal reflux in children, K Størdal , B. Bentsen , 2001;

Microbiome of the human digestive tract - selected data, Beata Tokarz-Deptuła, Paulina Dudziak, Natalia Gurgacz, Wiesław Deptuła, 2022.