High Acidity Symptoms: Causes, Signs, and Effective Remedies for Acid Imbalance

Have you been experiencing persistent heartburn, unexplained fatigue, or digestive discomfort that just won’t go away? You might be dealing with high acidity, a condition that affects millions of people but often goes unrecognized or undertreated. While occasional acid reflux is common, chronic high acidity can significantly impact your quality of life and, if left unaddressed, lead to serious health complications.

High acidity, also known as acid reflux, GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), or hyperacidity, occurs when there’s an imbalance in your body’s pH levels or when stomach acid frequently flows back into your esophagus. Your stomach naturally produces hydrochloric acid to break down food and kill harmful bacteria. This acidic environment is normal and necessary for proper digestion. However, when acid production becomes excessive or when acid escapes from the stomach into areas where it doesn’t belong, problems arise.

At Conscious Medicine in Alpharetta, we see patients every day who have been struggling with high acidity symptoms for months or even years. Many have tried over-the-counter antacids with limited success, while others don’t even realize that their seemingly unrelated symptoms, like chronic cough, throat irritation, or even breathing difficulties, are actually caused by an acid imbalance.

This comprehensive guide will help you understand what high acidity really is, recognize its many symptoms (including some you might not expect), identify what’s causing your acid imbalance, and discover effective remedies that address the root cause rather than just masking symptoms. 

Understanding High Acidity and pH Balance

To understand high acidity, you first need to understand pH balance and how your digestive system works.

What is pH Balance?

pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is, measured on a scale from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral (like pure water), below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline (also called basic). Your body maintains different pH levels in different areas, each optimized for specific functions.

Normal pH Levels in the Body: Your blood maintains a very tight pH range of 7.35-7.45 (slightly alkaline). Your stomach is highly acidic with a pH of 1.5-3.5 (necessary for digestion). Your small intestine is more alkaline at pH 7-8 (optimal for nutrient absorption). Your skin is slightly acidic at pH 4.5-5.5 (protects against harmful bacteria). Your urine pH varies from 4.5 to 8, depending on diet and hydration.

Why Stomach Acid Is Important: Despite its reputation as a problem, stomach acid is actually essential for health. It breaks down proteins into amino acids your body can absorb, activates digestive enzymes like pepsin, kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites in food, facilitates absorption of minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, and supports vitamin B12 absorption (crucial for energy and nerve health).

What Is High Acidity?

High acidity or hyperacidity refers to conditions where stomach acid causes problems, either because there’s too much acid production, acid is present in the wrong places (like the esophagus), or the protective mechanisms that normally shield tissues from acid are compromised.

Common Forms of High Acidity:

Acid Reflux: Stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, causing heartburn and irritation. This happens occasionally in most people but becomes problematic when it occurs frequently.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): Chronic, severe acid reflux that occurs at least twice a week. GERD can damage the esophageal lining and lead to complications if untreated.

Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by excessive acid production, H. pylori infection, or use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen).

Peptic Ulcers: Open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or upper small intestine when protective mucus is reduced and acid damages the tissue.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR): Also called “silent reflux,” this occurs when stomach acid reaches the throat and voice box, often without causing typical heartburn.

At Conscious Medicine, we recognize that high acidity isn’t just about too much stomach acid; it’s often about acid being in the wrong place, protective mechanisms failing, or underlying imbalances that need to be addressed. Our functional medicine approach looks at the root causes of acid imbalance rather than just suppressing symptoms.

Common Symptoms of High Acidity

High acidity symptoms can range from obviousm digestive discomfort to surprising manifestations that you might not immediately connect to acid imbalance.

Classic Digestive Symptoms

Heartburn: The most recognizable symptom of high acidity is heartburn, a burning sensation in your chest that typically occurs after eating and may worsen when lying down or bending over. This burning can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that mimics a heart attack. The pain usually starts behind the breastbone and may radiate upward toward the throat. It often occurs 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating, particularly after large meals or trigger foods.

Regurgitation: This involves the sensation of acid backing up into your throat or mouth, leaving a sour or bitter taste. You might experience a sour taste in your mouth, especially in the morning, a feeling of liquid coming up into your throat, or the need to swallow repeatedly to clear your throat. Unlike vomiting, regurgitation happens without nausea or forceful stomach contractions.

Bloating and Gas: Excessive stomach acid can lead to uncomfortable bloating (feeling of fullness and abdominal distension), excessive belching or burping, flatulence (gas), and a feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen. These symptoms often worsen after eating and may be accompanied by gurgling sounds in your stomach.

Nausea: Many people with high acidity experience persistent nausea, particularly in the morning or after eating. This can range from mild queasiness to severe nausea that interferes with eating and daily activities. The nausea may be accompanied by loss of appetite or early satiety (feeling full quickly).

Indigestion (Dyspepsia): This umbrella term describes uncomfortable feelings in your upper abdomen, including burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, feeling uncomfortably full during or after meals, and discomfort that may come and go but is often related to eating.

Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Chronic acid exposure can cause inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus, leading to a sensation of food getting stuck in your throat or chest, pain when swallowing, or the need to drink liquids to help food go down. This symptom should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider as it can indicate serious complications.

Respiratory and Throat Symptoms

Many people don’t realize that high acidity can cause symptoms far beyond the digestive system, particularly affecting the respiratory tract and throat.

Chronic Cough: A persistent, dry cough that doesn’t respond to typical cough treatments is a common symptom of acid reflux. This occurs because acid irritates the throat and airways, triggering a cough reflex. The cough is often worse at night or after eating and may be accompanied by throat clearing.

Hoarseness and Voice Changes: Acid reaching the throat and voice box (larynx) can cause inflammation of the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness (rough, raspy voice quality), voice fatigue (voice tires easily with use), loss of voice, particularly in the morning, and changes in voice pitch or quality. This is particularly common in LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux) or “silent reflux.”

Sore Throat: Chronic throat irritation from acid can cause a persistent sore throat without infection, a feeling of a lump in the throat (globus sensation), constant need to clear your throat, and throat pain that’s worse in the morning.

Asthma-Like Symptoms: High acidity can trigger or worsen respiratory symptoms, including wheezing (whistling sound when breathing), shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly at night. The relationship between acid reflux and asthma is complex; each condition can worsen the other.

Can acid reflux cause shortness of breath?

Yes, absolutely. This is one of the most concerning and often overlooked symptoms of high acidity. Acid reflux can cause breathing difficulties through several mechanisms. When stomach acid reaches the throat, tiny amounts can be inhaled into the airways (micro-aspiration), causing direct irritation and inflammation of the delicate lung tissues. This triggers bronchospasm (sudden constriction of airway muscles), making breathing difficult.

Additionally, acid in the esophagus can trigger a reflex response through the vagus nerve, causing the airways to constrict even without actual aspiration. This protective reflex is meant to prevent aspiration, but in people with chronic acid reflux, it can be triggered inappropriately, causing shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness.

Recognizing Acid Reflux-Related Breathing Problems: Shortness of breath that worsens after eating, particularly after large meals or trigger foods, breathing difficulties that increase when lying down or at night, improvement with acid-reducing treatments, and occurrence alongside other acid reflux symptoms (even mild ones) all suggest that acid reflux may be contributing to your breathing problems.

Important: If you experience sudden, severe shortness of breath or chest pain, seek emergency medical care immediately to rule out a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or other life-threatening conditions. While acid reflux can cause breathing difficulties, it’s crucial to exclude more dangerous causes first.

Other Surprising Symptoms

Dental Problems: Stomach acid that reaches the mouth can erode tooth enamel, leading to increased tooth sensitivity, cavities and decay, discoloration of teeth, and bad breath (halitosis). Dentists often notice signs of acid erosion before patients realize they have a reflux problem.

Ear Pain: Acid reflux can cause referred pain to the ears, leading to earaches without infection, a feeling of fullness in the ears, or ear discomfort that worsens after eating.

Sleep Disturbances: High acidity often worsens at night when lying flat, causing difficulty falling asleep due to discomfort, waking frequently during the night with heartburn or coughing, morning hoarseness or sore throat, and daytime fatigue from poor sleep quality.

Chest Pain: Acid reflux can cause chest pain that mimics heart problems, including burning or pressure in the chest, pain that radiates to the back, neck, or jaw, and discomfort that may worsen with certain positions or after eating. Always seek immediate medical evaluation for chest pain to rule out cardiac causes.

At Conscious Medicine, we understand that high acidity symptoms can be diverse and sometimes confusing. Our comprehensive evaluation considers all your symptoms, even those that seem unrelated, to identify whether acid imbalance is affecting your health and quality of life.

What Causes High Acidity?

Understanding what causes high acidity is essential for effective treatment. Rather than just suppressing symptoms, addressing root causes leads to lasting relief.

Dietary Factors

Trigger Foods: Certain foods and beverages are notorious for triggering acid reflux and increasing stomach acid production.

Common Culprits Include: 

• Fatty foods.
• Spicy foods.
• Citrus.
• Tomato products.
• Chocolate.
• Caffeine.
• Alcohol.
• Carbonated drinks.
• Mint.
• Onions and garlic.

Eating Habits: How you eat matters as much as what you eat. Large meals (overfilling the stomach, increasing pressure), eating too quickly (which doesn’t allow proper digestion), eating close to bedtime (lying down with a full stomach promotes reflux), and skipping meals (can lead to excessive hunger and overeating) all contribute to high acidity.

Lifestyle Factors

• Obesity and Excess Weight: Carrying extra weight, particularly around the abdomen, increases pressure on the stomach and lower esophageal sphincter (LES), promoting acid reflux. Even modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight) can significantly improve symptoms.
• Smoking: Tobacco use weakens the LES, increases acid production, reduces saliva production (saliva neutralizes acid), impairs esophageal healing, and increases risk of serious complications like Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.
• Stress: While stress doesn’t directly cause high acidity, it significantly worsens symptoms by increasing acid production, affecting eating habits (eating too quickly, choosing trigger foods), slowing digestion, and increasing sensitivity to symptoms. Chronic stress also impairs the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
• Lack of Physical Activity: A Sedentary lifestyle contributes to obesity, slows digestion, and may worsen reflux symptoms. However, vigorous exercise immediately after eating can also trigger reflux.
• Tight Clothing: Wearing tight belts, waistbands, or shapewear increases abdominal pressure, pushing stomach contents upward and promoting reflux.

Medical Conditions

• Hiatal Hernia: This occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Hiatal hernias are common in people with GERD and can significantly worsen acid reflux by disrupting the normal barrier between the stomach and esophagus, allowing acid to flow backward more easily.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy relax the LES, while the growing uterus increases abdominal pressure. This combination makes acid reflux extremely common during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester.
• Gastroparesis: This condition involves delayed stomach emptying, often due to diabetes or nerve damage. When food stays in the stomach longer, it increases the likelihood of reflux.
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection: This bacterial infection of the stomach lining can cause gastritis, ulcers, and increased acid production. H. pylori affects approximately 50% of the world’s population and is a major cause of peptic ulcers.
• Autoimmune Conditions: Conditions like scleroderma can affect the esophageal muscles and LES function, promoting reflux.

Medications

Certain medications can trigger or worsen high acidity by relaxing the LES, irritating the stomach lining, or slowing stomach emptying.

Common Culprits Include NSAIDs.

• Calcium channel blockers.
• Nitrates.
• Asthma drugs.
• Sedatives.
• Antidepressants.
• Bisphosphonates.

Important: Never stop prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare provider. If you suspect a medication is worsening your acid reflux, discuss alternatives with your doctor.

Hormonal Factors

Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones can affect LES function and acid production. Women often notice worsening reflux during menstruation, pregnancy (as mentioned above), and menopause (hormonal changes can affect digestive function).

At Conscious Medicine, we take a comprehensive approach to identifying the root causes of your high acidity. Rather than assuming all cases are the same, we investigate your unique triggers, lifestyle factors, medical history, and underlying imbalances to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the source of your symptoms.

Effective Remedies for High Acidity

Managing high acidity effectively requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both immediate symptom relief and long-term root causes.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Dietary Changes: Modifying your diet is one of the most effective ways to manage high acidity.
• Foods to Avoid or Limit: Eliminate or reduce trigger foods identified earlier (fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, mint).
• Foods That May Help: Non-citrus fruits (bananas, melons, apples, pears), vegetables (especially green vegetables, root vegetables), whole grains (oatmeal, brown rice, whole wheat bread), lean proteins (chicken, turkey, fish, tofu), healthy fats in moderation (avocado, olive oil, nuts in small amounts), ginger (natural anti-inflammatory that may soothe digestion), and alkaline foods (leafy greens, cucumbers, broccoli).
• Eating Habits That Help: Eat smaller, more frequent meals (5-6 small meals instead of 3 large ones), chew food thoroughly and eat slowly (aids digestion and reduces air swallowing), avoid eating within 2-3 hours of bedtime (allows stomach to empty before lying down), stay upright for at least 2-3 hours after meals, drink water between meals rather than with meals (too much liquid with food can dilute digestive enzymes), and keep a food diary to identify your personal triggers.
• Weight Management: If you’re overweight, losing even 5-10% of your body weight can significantly improve acid reflux symptoms. Weight loss reduces abdominal pressure on the stomach and LES, decreases inflammation throughout the body, and improves overall health markers.
• Elevate the Head of Your Bed: Raising the head of your bed 6-8 inches (not just using extra pillows) uses gravity to keep acid in the stomach during sleep. Use bed risers under the legs at the head of the bed, or invest in a wedge pillow designed for reflux. This simple change can dramatically reduce nighttime symptoms and improve sleep quality.
• Quit Smoking: If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take for your digestive health. Smoking cessation strengthens the LES, reduces acid production, improves esophageal healing, and decreases the risk of serious complications.
• Manage Stress: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine, including meditation and mindfulness practices, deep breathing exercises, regular physical activity (but not immediately after eating), adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night), yoga or tai chi, and counseling or therapy if needed.
• Wear Loose Clothing: Avoid tight belts, waistbands, and restrictive clothing that increases abdominal pressure. Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, especially around your midsection.

Natural Remedies

• Ginger: This natural anti-inflammatory has been used for centuries to soothe digestive discomfort. Drink ginger tea (steep fresh ginger root in hot water), chew small amounts of fresh ginger, or add ginger to meals. Start with small amounts, as too much ginger can sometimes worsen symptoms.
• Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera has soothing properties that may help reduce inflammation in the esophagus. Drink 1/4 cup of aloe vera juice about 20 minutes before meals. Choose products specifically designed for internal use and free from aloin (a laxative compound).
• Chamomile Tea: This gentle herb has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce stomach acid. Drink chamomile tea between meals or before bedtime to soothe the digestive tract.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: While it seems counterintuitive to add acid when you have high acidity, some people find relief with diluted apple cider vinegar. The theory is that it may help improve digestion and LES function. Mix 1-2 tablespoons in a glass of water and drink before meals. However, this remedy doesn’t work for everyone and may worsen symptoms in some people.
• Baking Soda: Sodium bicarbonate can neutralize stomach acid for quick relief. Mix 1/2 teaspoon in a glass of water and drink. Use this only occasionally, as regular use can lead to electrolyte imbalances and other problems.
• Slippery Elm: This herb forms a protective coating in the esophagus and stomach. Take as a supplement or mix powder with water to create a soothing drink.
• Licorice (DGL): Deglycyrrhizinated licorice may help protect the stomach and esophageal lining. Take DGL supplements before meals. Choose DGL rather than regular licorice to avoid side effects like high blood pressure.

Important Note: While natural remedies can be helpful, they’re not substitutes for medical treatment when needed. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting new supplements, especially if you’re taking medications or have underlying health conditions.

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Antacids: These provide quick relief by neutralizing existing stomach acid. Common brands include Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox. They work within minutes but provide only temporary relief (30 minutes to 2 hours). Use for occasional symptoms, not chronic management. Overuse can cause side effects like constipation (calcium-based) or diarrhea (magnesium-based).
• H2 Receptor Blockers (H2 Blockers): These reduce acid production and provide longer-lasting relief than antacids. Common options include famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet), and nizatidine (Axid). They work within 30-60 minutes and last 6-12 hours. Useful for preventing symptoms before trigger situations (like before a meal you know causes problems).
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Available over-the-counter in lower doses, PPIs are the most effective acid-reducing medications. Common options include omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), and lansoprazole (Prevacid). They block acid production at the source and provide relief for 24 hours. Take 30-60 minutes before your first meal of the day for best results. They take 1-4 days to reach full effectiveness.

Prescription Treatments

• Prescription-Strength PPIs: Higher doses of proton pump inhibitors may be needed for severe GERD or when over-the-counter options aren’t effective. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and duration.
• Prokinetic Agents: Medications like metoclopramide (Reglan) help the stomach empty faster and strengthen the LES. These are typically reserved for cases where other treatments haven’t worked due to potential side effects.
• Baclofen: This muscle relaxant can reduce LES relaxations that allow reflux. It’s used in specific cases when other treatments fail.
• Surgery: In severe cases that don’t respond to medication, surgical options may be considered. Fundoplication (wrapping the upper stomach around the lower esophagus to strengthen the LES) is the most common procedure. The LINX device (a ring of magnetic beads placed around the LES) is a newer, less invasive option.

The Functional Medicine Approach

At Conscious Medicine, we go beyond symptom suppression to address the root causes of high acidity.

Our Comprehensive Approach Includes:

Advanced Testing: Comprehensive stool analysis to assess gut health and microbiome, food sensitivity testing to identify trigger foods, evaluation of digestive enzyme function, assessment of H. pylori infection, and hormone testing when relevant.

Personalized Nutrition Plans: Customized dietary recommendations based on your specific triggers and needs, guidance on meal timing and portion sizes, and strategies for sustainable, long-term dietary changes.

Gut Healing Protocols: Targeted supplementation to support esophageal and stomach lining healing, probiotics to restore healthy gut bacteria, digestive enzymes if needed, and nutrients that support tissue repair (zinc, vitamin A, L-glutamine).

Stress Management Support: Techniques and resources for managing stress effectively, addressing the mind-body connection in digestive health, and supporting overall nervous system balance.

Lifestyle Optimization: Guidance on sleep, exercise, and daily habits that support digestive health, strategies for maintaining a healthy weight, and long-term wellness planning.

Medication Management: When medications are necessary, we work to find the lowest effective dose, monitor for side effects and nutrient deficiencies, and create plans for eventually reducing or discontinuing medications when appropriate.

When to See a Doctor?

While occasional heartburn is common and usually not serious, certain symptoms warrant professional medical evaluation.

Seek Immediate Emergency Care For:

Severe chest pain or pressure (especially with exertion, sweating, or radiating to arm or jaw may indicate a heart attack), sudden, severe shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or wheezing that’s getting worse, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, black, tarry stools (may indicate bleeding), or severe abdominal pain.

Schedule an Appointment If You Have:

Heartburn or acid reflux occurring more than twice a week, symptoms that don’t improve with over-the-counter medications after 2 weeks, difficulty or pain when swallowing, persistent nausea or vomiting, unexplained weight loss, chronic cough or hoarseness lasting more than 2 weeks, symptoms that interfere with sleep or daily activities, or need to use antacids or other medications daily.

Conclusion

High acidity symptoms affect millions of people, causing not just digestive discomfort but a wide range of symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life. From classic heartburn and regurgitation to surprising manifestations like chronic cough, hoarseness, and even shortness of breath, acid imbalance can affect multiple body systems.

If you’re struggling with high acidity symptoms, you don’t have to suffer in silence or rely on daily antacids indefinitely. At Conscious Medicine in Alpharetta, we specialize in identifying and treating the root causes of acid imbalance through comprehensive functional medicine approaches.

What Sets Conscious Medicine Apart:

• Comprehensive Evaluation: We look beyond symptoms to identify underlying causes, including food sensitivities, gut microbiome imbalances, stress factors, and lifestyle contributors.
• Personalized Treatment: Based on your unique health history, symptoms, and test results, we create customized treatment plans that address your specific needs.
• Root Cause Focus: Rather than just suppressing acid with medication, we work to restore balance and heal the underlying issues causing your symptoms.
• Whole-Person Care: We consider how high acidity affects your entire body and life—digestion, sleep, energy, respiratory health, and overall quality of life.
• Ongoing Support: We monitor your progress, adjust treatments as needed, and provide continued guidance throughout your healing journey.

Don’t let high acidity control your life. Whether you’re experiencing classic heartburn or hidden symptoms like chronic cough or breathing difficulties, we’re here to help you find answers and achieve lasting relief.

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding high acidity, acid reflux, or other medical conditions. If you experience severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or other emergency symptoms, call 911 or seek immediate medical care.

FAQ’s

1. What happens if acidity is too high?

High acidity can cause heartburn, stomach discomfort, nausea, and acid reflux. Over time, it may irritate the stomach lining and worsen digestive symptoms.

2. How to stop acidity?

You can reduce acidity by avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, staying upright after eating, drinking water, and managing stress. Persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

3. How to flush acid in the body?

Staying hydrated, eating alkaline-leaning foods (like vegetables and fruits), and reducing spicy or acidic foods can help the body balance acid levels. Medical guidance is important for ongoing symptoms.

4. What causes excess stomach acid?

Common causes include stress, spicy or acidic foods, overeating, certain medications, smoking, alcohol, and conditions like acid reflux or H. pylori infection.

5. What are the first signs of acidity?

Early signs include heartburn, sour taste in the mouth, bloating, burping, stomach discomfort, and a burning sensation in the chest or throat.

6. Can too much acid damage your stomach?

Yes. Excess acid can irritate the stomach lining and may lead to inflammation, ulcers, or worsening reflux if not managed properly.