Nowadays, the problem of acidity in humans is becoming a common thing. Consuming too much oily and spicy food leads to an increase in acid in the stomach and this acid is produced by the Gland of the stomach. Hydrochloric acid pepsin is present in our stomach which plays an important role in the digestion of food. Hydrochloric acid breaks food into pieces and prevents diseases from external bacteria. The lining of our stomach is adapted to this acid so it does not harm the stomach. If acidity occurs repeatedly, it can also turn into Gastro Esophageal Disease (GERD).
What is Acidity in Humans ??
In Ayurveda, hyperacidity is called Amlapitta and in common language it is also called bile formation. A person gets acidity due to consumption of excessively spicy, hot and pungent food. In Ayurveda, disease occurs due to imbalance of doshas. Due to excessive increase or decrease of any dosha, the dosha comes into unbalanced state and causes disease. In Acidity, mainly Pitta Dosha increases and produces acidity due to which the person experiences burning sensation in the chest and sour belching.
Ayurvedic treatment also gives instructions on correct eating habits and lifestyle, hence along with treatment to reduce pitta, it is also advised to consume diet to reduce pitta, if the prescribed diet is not followed while undergoing treatment. If left, the disease will not be cured. Therefore, in Ayurvedic treatment, attention should also be paid to eating habits.
Causes of Acidity -
- Eating excessively spicy and oily food.
- Eating again without digesting the previously eaten food.
- On consuming more acidic substances.
- Not getting enough sleep can also cause the problem of hyperacidity
- Staying hungry for a long time also causes acidity problem.
- Due to taking medicines like painkillers for a long time.
- Acid reflux problem also occurs in pregnant women.
Due to excessive consumption of salt. - Excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine-containing substances.
Overeating and falling asleep after eating. - Due to excessive smoking.
- Sometimes, due to excessive stress, food is not digested properly and acidity problem occurs.
- Nowadays, farmers use many types of pesticides and fertilizers in growing crops, due to which these poisonous chemicals reach the body through food items and cause stomach related diseases.
Early Symptoms of Acidity
Although the basic symptom of acidity is the production of gas in the stomach, but apart from this there are other symptoms which are common-
Burning sensation in the chest that persists for a few hours after eating.
Sour belching: Many times the food also reaches the throat along with belching.
Excessive belching and bitter taste in mouth
Abdominal distension
nausea and vomiting
wheezing in throat
bad breath while breathing
head and stomach pain
restlessness and hiccups
Standard Acidity Precautions?
Generally, acidity problem occurs due to an unbalanced diet and lifestyle. For this, by making some changes in your lifestyle and diet, the problem of acidity can be brought under control to some extent.
- Even though tomato is sour, it increases the amount of alkali in the body and its regular consumption does not cause acidity.
- Drink a cup of pineapple juice regularly after meals.
- Stay away from oily and spicy food, eat as simple and less spicy food as possible.
- Do not sleep immediately after having a full meal. Have food about two hours before sleeping.
- Make a habit of taking 100-150 steps walk after meals,
- After waking up in the morning, drink 2-3 glasses of cold water regularly and do not eat anything for about an hour.
- Do not consume junk food and food containing preservatives at all.
- Minimize tea and coffee consumption.
- Instead of eating a lot of food at once, eat small amounts 2–3 times a day.
- Except for pomegranate and amla, other sour fruits should be avoided.
- Eat papaya fruit for breakfast.
Do yoga and pranayam.
Can Acidity go away on its own?
Acidity, commonly called acid reflux, is a condition in which gastric acid flows back up into the esophagus. If the incidence of acidity occurs occasionally then it is quite normal, but if its frequency is high then it is a matter of serious concern.
Acidity can be a long-term condition and in that case, it does not go away on its own. Consulting a doctor becomes necessary for prompt treatment, otherwise it can lead to complications like ulcers, narrowing and swelling in the esophagus.
Key Highlights:
- treatable by a medical professional
- usually self-diagnosable
- No lab testing required
- non-communicable
What are the Natural Ways to Reduce Acidity?
Cold milk, helpful in reducing acidity
In case of acidity, drinking sugar candy mixed with cold milk provides relief.
A mixture of cumin and celery is effective in acidity
Roast one spoon cumin and carom seeds, boil them in water, cool it and drink it after adding sugar.
Fennel is beneficial in acidity
Chewing fennel after eating food provides relief from acidity.
Consumption of jaggery reduces the acidity of the stomach
Consume jaggery after meals or any time during the day. Jaggery is very helpful in digestion, makes the digestive system more alkaline, and reduces the acidity of the stomach by jaggery.
Banana provides relief from acidity symptoms
eating one – two bananas daily provides relief.
- Coconut water helps fight acidity
Tulsi cures acidity
Boil 5–7 basil leaves in water. Now cool it, add some sugar to it and drink.
- Gulkand helps in getting relief from acidity
Amla mixture provides relief from acidity
Making powder of fennel, amla and rose flowers and taking half teaspoon each in the morning and evening provides relief from acidity.
Mixture of nutmeg and dry ginger beneficial for acidity
Make powder by mixing nutmeg and dry ginger and taking it one pinch at a time helps in eliminating acidity.
Best Medicine for Acidity
- Antacid
- Proton pump inhibitors
- H2 blockers
- Aciloc
- Prostaglandins
How to cure acidity at Home
Cold milk, helpful in reducing acidity
In case of acidity, drinking sugar candy mixed with cold milk provides relief.
Mixture of cumin and celery is effective in acidity
Roast one spoon cumin and carom seeds, boil them in water, cool it and drink it after adding sugar.
Fennel is beneficial in acidity
Chewing fennel after eating food provides relief from acidity.
Consumption of jaggery reduces the acidity of the stomach
Consume jaggery after meals or any time during the day. Jaggery is very helpful in digestion, makes the digestive system more alkaline, and reduces the acidity of the stomach by jaggery.
Banana provides relief from acidity symptoms
eating one – two bananas daily provides relief.
- Coconut water helps fight acidity
Tulsi cures acidity
Boil 5–7 basil leaves in water. Now cool it, add some sugar to it and drink.
- Gulkand helps in getting relief from acidity
Amla mixture provides relief from acidity
Making powder of fennel, amla and rose flowers and taking half teaspoon each in the morning and evening provides relief from acidity.
Mixture of nutmeg and dry ginger beneficial for acidity
Make powder by mixing nutmeg and dry ginger and taking it one pinch at a time helps in eliminating acidity.
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