Acidity- The Causes, Symptoms and Remedial Approach

Acidity is also known as acid reflux is a very common problem faced by many people, it is mostly characterized by the feeling of heartburn, felt in the form of pain around the lower chest area, which mostly occurs when the stomach’s acid flows back up into the food pipe, this condition mostly takes place due to unhealthy eating habits or poor choices of lifestyle.

How does it occur?

The food we eat passes down to the stomach through our esophagus, the glands in the stomach work to create acid that can digest the food that is being sent their wat, and to kill any germs that may enter with it. Acidity or acid reflux occurs when a large amount of the acid is produced, which is not required for the digestion process, and this is felt as a burning sensation or pain below the breastbone. This condition is common in India due to the heavy consumption of spicy and oily food.

Who is more prone to acidity?

• – Those indulging in alcoholism
• – Obese people
• – Those who consume spicy food often
• – Those consuming non-vegetarian food
• – Women are pregnant/ going through menopause
• – Those who are taking NSAIDs
• – Those who have a medical condition, such as diabetes, hernia, asthma, peptic ulcers, etc.

Some of the main causes of acid reflux are-

• – Unhealthy eating habits
• – Consuming an excess of some food types
• – Side effect of medicines
• – Existing medical conditions
• – Stress, lack of sleep, etc.

Symptoms

• – Burning sensation in throat, stomach, or heart
• – Difficulty in swallowing
• – Regurgitation
• – Nausea
• – Belching
• – Sour taste in the mouth
• – Bad breath
• – Constipation
• – Indigestion
• – Restlessness

Home remedies and Treatment
– Tulsi Leaves
It has anti-ulcer properties, and therefore tulsi helps to lower the levels of gastric acid secretions and stimulate the digestive system to increase the secretion of mucus in the stomach, it relieves signs of acidity almost immediately.
– Ginger
Ginger is an anti-inflammatory, it lessens the flow of stomach acid back to the esophagus, and helps improve mucus production, and aids in digestion. Having a glass of ginger tea can be a huge problem solver for acid reflux.
– Cold Milk
It is a natural remedy for acidity, the calcium from the milk averts any excess secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and it offers instant relief from the burning sensation in the stomach or heartburn. Make sure to have cold milk without any sweetener or sugar.
– Mint
It is a natural coolant and has carminative properties which help pacify acid secretions, soothes abdominal cramps, acidity, and mint tea can calm an irritated stomach.

Footnote-

Due to the acidity, you can feel bloated, therefore drinking warm fluids after meals can be a good way of avoiding getting acidity.