Acidity Simplified
Are you taking long gaps between your meals, consuming excessive alcohol or caffeine, and experiencing a burning sensation in the stomach region? It might be causing acid in your body. Acidity is when the stomach lining starts producing gastric fluids due to Ph imbalance, one may experience bad breaths and indigestion as a result. Some typical acidity causes include unhealthy food, untimely eating, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Did you know acidity can also destroy the enamel of your teeth?
Symptoms of Acidity?
Many do not understand what acidity is but often experience its symptoms. Some of these symptoms are:
- Burning sensations and pain in the stomach, chest, and throat are symptoms of acidity
- Increased formation of gas is a symptom of acidity
- Acidity leaves a foul breath
- Acidity causes nausea and vomiting
- Heavy stomach soon after eating is caused due to acidity
- Acidity leads to constant burping
- Acidity causes indigestion
- Constipation is a symptom of acidity
- Regurgitation: Presence of sour/bitter taste in mouth backing up from food eaten
- Food getting stuck in the throat is a symptom of acidity
Note that acidity symptoms vary from person to person. In some instances, severe acidity results in hyperacidity.
Symptoms of hyperacidity are:
- Hyperacidity leads to pain and discomfort in the stomach and chest - heartburn
- Discomfort in the upper abdominal area is a symptom of hyperacidity
- Blood in the stool (feces) and vomiting is caused by hyperacidity
- Sore throat and hoarse voice is caused by hyperacidity
- Hyperacidity causes rapid weight loss without any underlying reason
We always recommend seeking urgent medical care in such cases. Seek a doctor's help for an accurate diagnosis of the issue.
How to Treat Acidity?
If diagnosed with acidity, your healthcare expert will provide you with acidity treatment based on the severity. Here are some primary acidity treatment methodologies:
- Antacid prescription to neutralize excessive acid formation in your stomach with magnesium, aluminum, or calcium
- Histamine-blocking agents
- In cases of hyperacidity, prescription of proton pump inhibitors
- Vagotomy is a surgery to reduce gastric acid secretion. It is done in extreme conditions where the lining of the stomach or esophagus is destroyed due to excessive acid production.
However, one can adopt plenty of home remedies to modify their unhealthy eating habits and reduce acidity.
What are Acidity Home Remedies?
Here are the top 10 acidity home remedies that one can easily incorporate into their day-to-day lives. Let us begin:
Basil Leaves as Home Remedies for Acidity
Basil leaves are rich in carminative properties; it reduces the build-up in the stomach. Eat them directly daily, or boil 3-4 leaves in water and consume. Take small sips. It is considered one of the best remedies for acidity.
Fennel (Sauf) is a Home Remedy for Acidity
Take 1 tbsp fennel powder with a glass of warm water, or boil fennel seeds for 5-10 minutes and strain and drink as a tea every day. Sauf is loaded with multiple benefits in relieving any irritation in the digestive system. The oils found in fennel seeds cure bloating and heaviness in the stomach. You will see results within a few minutes of consumption.
Black Cumin Seeds are Home Remedies for Acidity
One can chew them raw or boil 1 tsp in a glass of water and take sips. It has immense gastro-protective properties that prevent heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.
Cinnamon is Used as a Home Remedy for Acidity
This natural antacid is used as an ingredient to make cinnamon tea, consumed during winters. It heals any infections in the stomach and reduces acidic reflux.
Watermelon Juice Acts a Home Remedy for Acidity
Your stomach will love a fresh glass of watermelon juice every day. It helps in relieving acidity and improves digestion.
Cardamon is Used as a Home Remedy for Acidity
You can prevent flatulence (accumulation of gas), heartburn, and bloating by chewing one pod of cardamom a day. You will feel better in less than 15 minutes. It is one of the best home remedies for gastritis.
Buttermilk is an Effective Home Remedy for Acidity
Buttermilk or chaas (in Hindi) is a lifesaver in acid build-up situations. The lactic acid in chaas or buttermilk balances the acidity of the stomach. You can add 1 tsp of coriander leaves for better results. Consume it every day with lunch.
Fruits: Banana and Papaya are Effective Home Remedies for Acidity
Banana milkshake and papain enzyme present in papaya work to reduce the stomach's acid secretion. Having these fruits for breakfast will keep your acidity in check.
Ginger is used as a Home Remedy for Acidity
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and hence neutralizes acid in the stomach. You can either chew a small portion of ginger or consume 1-2 tsp ginger powder in boiling water.
Coconut Water is an Effective Home Remedy for Acidity
Coconut water helps mucus production in the stomach and prevents the lining from acids' harmful action. Its rich fiber aids in digestion.
When suffering from acidity, avoid caffeine, carbonated drinks, and citrus fruits. For instant relief, take a glass of cold milk or have ½ teaspoon baking soda with water.
In A Nutshell!
If you ever suffer from acidity, try adopting these natural home remedies to relieve your stomach from the harmful action of acids. Stay active and avoid unhealthy food. Making these small changes can help you reduce acidity in the long run.
References
- Anders Bergh Lødrup, Christina Reimer, and Peter Bytzer, January 2013; Systemic review: Symptoms of rebound acid hypersecretion following proton pump inhibitor treatment- Systematic review: symptoms of rebound acid hypersecretion following proton pump inhibitor treatment: Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology: Vol 48, No 5 (tandfonline.com)
- NIH; Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults-
niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/all-content - Jennifer Phan, Jihane N. Benhammou, and Joseph R. Pisegna, September 2015; Gastric hypersecretory states: Investigation and management- Gastric Hypersecretory States: Investigation and Management | SpringerLink
- Mark Hsu, Anthony O. Safadi, and Forshing Lui, August 2020; Physiology, stomach- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535425/
