ACIDITY and REMEDY

▶▶ Acidity is  a problem that almost every people suffers from now-a-days. Well, what is it?

When we eat food and it reaches to stomach, this food needs to get digested. To help digestion of food, stomach releases an acid which is called Hydrochloric Acid (HCl). This acid helps to break down food and digestion. Digestion is a process of breaking down foods and make it water soluble so that it can be absorbed into the water rich bloodstream and we can get energy. The problem occurs when stomach produces  excessive acids. Acidity is a term used for symptoms caused by excess production of acid by the gastric gland of stomach.  Gastric gland is an essential body component and the primary secretory unit of stomach containing parietal cells which secret hydrochloric acid. When this happens, we feel like burning sensation in the  chest, stomach, throat or having sour taste, nausea, feeling like throwing up, restlessness, heaviness etc. 

▶ what causes stomach to produce excessive acid?? 

⚫ Generally excessive acid production by stomach caused due to some external factors like- 

- Irregular Eating habits.  

- Stress

- Lack of Sleep.

- Consumption of spicy and non-vegetarian foods

- Smoking and alcohol

- Lack of physical activity

-One kind of bacterial infection named H. pylori can lead to excessive acid production.

- Stomach ailments like peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach tumors, etc.

- Medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs for example- aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

The individuals who eat more of oily, spicy and non-vegetarian foods, acidity is more incident to them. After eating a meal, people may experience a burning sensation  and sour belching is  commonly seen. In some cases, the constipation and indigestion is seen among people with acidity. Excessive consumption of fiber, which takes longer to digest, leading to greater acid production.

5 foods that are highly likely to cause acidity---

 1. Junk food: Fried, junk food items that are loaded with butter, mayonnaise, cream and cheese are the main culprit of heart burn and acid reflux. Oily and buttery fried foods remain in the stomach longer than other foods, mainly because they lack fibre. As a result the stomach produces more amount acid than it usually does, causing acidity and make heartburn more likely.

2. Spices: Spices are no doubt meant to add flavour to food but too much of spices can be a problem if you’re suffering from acidity. Spices can affect the levels of acids in a few people. If spices are your heartburn trigger, then you should stay away from them. 

3. Caffeine containing foods: Tea, coffee, chocolates, cola, soda etc are some caffeine containing food items that can trigger acidity. Since the triggers for acidity can vary from person to person, if you find out that coffee or tea is worsening your acidity you should stop taking it.

4. Tomatoes: Tomatoes and sauces containing them can be a major trigger of heartburn for a few. While tomatoes are packed with nutrients and are extremely healthy, they are acidic in nature. This can upset your stomach, causing acid reflux, as you digest your meal. Since you cannot completely avoid eating tomatoes, cook them with alkaline foods like raw spinach , fenugreek, mushrooms, potatoes, radish etc to balance its acidic effect in your meal.

5. Alcohol: While alcohol can cause much deeper problems, acidity is surely one of the first bad health effect that you may experience with it. Several studies show an association between alcohol abuse and acidity. 

▶ What are the Symptom of Acidity??

The common signs and symptoms that you might experience are-

1. Burning in the Chest

1.   Burning in the stomach

2.   Burning in the throat

3.   Restlessness

4.   Belching

5.   Nausea

6.   Sour taste

7.   Indigestion

8.   Constipation

▶What to do when you are suffering from Acidity??

The most relieving thing is that there are many strategies to manage acidity and minimize acid secretion level. There are natural remedies as well as with the help of medication. Let us know about natural remedies first. 

🔴 Natural remedies to reduce stomach acid or Acidity: 

There are foods that can help reducing stomach acid. These foods are- 

⚫Milk:

Most antacid medications use calcium as one of their primary ingredients. Calcium is an alkaline mineral that works to neutralize acid on contact. Milk is an alkaline drink containing large amounts of calcium, making it one of the best food remedies for the buildup of stomach acid. Drink a glass of milk as needed to soothe your stomach and quell your stomach acid. Drinking milk can also help influence your body's overall pH and could combat any acidity existing outside of your stomach's walls.

⚫Chamomile or Fennel Tea:

These herbal teas are considered among the best teas to use in the battle against stomach acid. They help to calm your stomach's acid and production of more acid. The best way to ingest these types of tea is to sip them slowly after they have cooled slightly--don't drink tea that's too hot, as this can trigger more acid production, but drink the tea before it cools too much.

⚫Apple Products:

Both apples and apple cider vinegar are widely regarded as effective treatments of stomach acid. Although apples are acidic, they contain healthy acids and enzymes that help neutralize stomach acid inside your body. For best results, use organic apple products--this helps to avoid various pesticides and other chemicals that might exacerbate stomach acid.

⚫Bananas:

Bananas are a rich source of potassium and help keep the level of acid production in your stomach in check.Certain components in the fruit also help increase the production of mucous in your stomach, which helps protect it from the harmful effects of excessive acid production. They are high in fibre content which helps speed up digestion, preventing the recurrence of acidity.

• Eat a ripe banana for some relief. You could also eat an overripe banana to beat an especially bad bout of acidity, as they tend to contain more potassium which makes it the perfect antidote

⚫Basil Leaves:

The soothing and carminative properties of basil leaves can give you instant relief from acidity, gas and nausea.

• Simply eat some basil leaves at the first sign of acid upset. Be sure to chew them thoroughly.
• Another option is to boil three to five basil leaves in a cup of water and then let it simmer for a few minutes. You can sweeten this basil tea with honey. Do not add milk, though. Sip it frequently.

⚫Mint Leaves:

Mint leaves help to lower the acid content of the stomach and improves digestion and has a cooling effect which helps reduce the pain and burning associated with acid reflux.

• If you feel an attack coming on chop some mint leaves, add them to a pot of boiling water and drink this water after it cools.

⚫Amla:

Amla having high amounts of vitamin C that helps in healing the injured stomach lining and esophagus.

Have one teaspoon of amla powder twice a day to help keep acidity at bay.

⚫Cinnamon:

Cinnamon is good for your digestive health. It works as a natural antacid and helps dispel stomach gas.

1. Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of water.
2. Bring it to a boil and then allow it to steep for a few minutes.
3. Drink this cinnamon tea two to three times a day.

You can also add cinnamon powder to your soup or salad.

⚫Cloves:

Cloves can help alleviate acidity and dispel gas due to their carminative effect that increases hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Contrary to the popular belief, acidity can be caused due to low stomach acid too.

• Chew two to three cloves thoroughly so that the juices are released into your system.
• Eating crushed cloves and cardamom mixed in equal amounts can help minimize acid trouble and freshen bad breath that often accompanies this problem.

⚫Cumin Seeds:

Cumin seeds can also be used to treat acidity as cumin works as a great acid neutralizer. Also, it aids in digestion and relieves stomach pain.

• Slightly crush some roasted cumin seeds and stir it into a glass of water. Drink it after every meal.
• You can also boil one teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of water, strain it and then drink the water after your meal.
• Another option is to mix one teaspoon each of coriander seed powder, cumin seed powder, fennel seed powder and some sugar in one-half cup of water. Drink it on an empty stomach.

⚫Ginger:

The anti-inflammatory properties in ginger help treat acidity. Ginger juice can also neutralize stomach acids.

• During acidity just chew a slice of fresh ginger.
• You can also put some fresh ginger slices in a cup of boiling water, let it steep for a few minutes and then drink it.
• Even a spoonful of ginger juice taken two to three times a day can provide relief from acidity.

⚫Jaggery:

Jaggery aids digestion and becomes alkaline in the digestive system, thus reducing stomach acidity. You can buy jaggery at most Indian or Asian ethnic grocery stores.

After each meal, suck on a small piece of jaggery until acidity subsides. This remedy is not suitable for people who have diabetes.

⚫Fennel:

Fennel has carminative properties that aid digestion and help relieve stomach gas.

• Simply chew some aniseed after eating a heavy or spicy meal.
• You can also steep one or two teaspoons of fennel seeds in a cup of hot water. Strain and drink it a few times a day.

⚫Baking Soda & Lemon:

One conventional home treatment for gas is the use of lemon and baking soda, which combined makes an effective antacid.

• Put the juice of one fresh lemon in a glass and add some baking soda to it. This will cause fizzing. Add some more baking soda and a cup of water and stir it well so the baking soda dissolves completely. Drink this slowly.
• For instant relief from stomach gas, you can add a small amount of baking soda to a glass of water and drink it on empty stomach.

⚫Chewing Gum:

Chewing a piece of sugar-free gum for half an hour after a meal can reduce heartburn, as it stimulates the production of saliva. Saliva is alkaline, so swallowing saliva neutralizes stomach acid.

⇨ Other than foods, some other things also can help in reducing acidity. Such as- 

>Get enough sleep. 

Not getting enough sleep can increase the production of stress hormones, which can trigger acid reflux, put you at higher risk for chronic diseases, and lower life expectancy. 

• Strategies for getting enough sleep include a quiet, dark, cool environment and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and sugary foods for 4-6 hours before bed. You should also avoid eating 2-3 hours before bed and work or exercise 3-4 hours before bed.
• For more info on getting enough sleep, check: How to Sleep Better

>Avoid stretching or bending after meals. 

In general, you should avoid exercising for at least 2–4 hours after eating. If you frequently have acid reflux or heartburn, even slight bending, stretching or climbing stairs can promote stomach acids. Gently paced walking, in contrast, helps reduce stomach acids and aids digestion.

>Quit smoking. 

Studies suggest that smoking increases acid secretion, impairs muscle reflexes in the throat, and damages protective mucus membranes. Smoking reduces salivation, and saliva helps neutralize acid.

>Avoid drinking alcohol. 

>Practicing Relaxation Techniques.

Avoid stress triggers. Stress can relate to increased acid reflux since it can cause people to eat more, drink alcohol, smoke, or sleep less. Food takes longer to digest in stressful conditions, delaying gastric emptying and making it likely for food to be regurgitated. Learning to avoid stressful environments and managing stressful situations with ease can help improve your overall well-being. Simple ways to reduce stress are:

• Slow, deep breathing in a quiet environment
• Focusing on positive outcomes
• Restructuring priorities and eliminating unnecessary tasks
• Reducing use of electronic devices. These can also cause eye-strain and trigger headaches.
• Using humor. Research has found humor to be an effective way to deal with acute stress.
• Listening to relaxing music

Practice meditation. 

You can meditate by simply taking five minutes to relax and shut off your mind to outside disturbances. It may be frustrating to practice at first, but this is a great, simple way to help lower stress. To meditate, follow these steps:

• Find a quiet, comfortable area, such as a private spot at the office, the park, or even at home.
• Get into a comfortable position and sit with your spine straight, cross-legged if possible, or on a chair, the floor or grass.
• Find something to focus on. Pick a meaningful word or phrase and repeat it. You can even focus your attention on a flower or doorknob or simply close your eyes.
• While sitting in comfort and relaxation, don’t be distracted by your thoughts. Instead, try to keep your focus on the word or object for 5–10 minutes or until you feel calm and serene.

This is all for today. In next post, I'll be discussing about medication that can help neutralizing stomach acid and prevent excessive acid secretion by stomach.