Acidity: Here is Everything you Need to Know About

In the recent past, acidity has become one of the most common gastrointestinal problems in the whole world. More than 20% of the average population is racked with pain from chronic acidity and heartburn. Almost all of us hear this word often but do we even know what it is and how it can affect our lives? We bring you closer to this topic by giving you each and every detail about acidity.

What is acidity?

Acidity occurs due to surplus production of acid in your abdominal by a small number of glands. Acidity causes some unpleasant symptoms to your stomach which can sometimes be painful and hard. Your stomach naturally produces gastric acid which is known as hydrochloric acid. When the quantity of this acid increases and exceeds its production beyond a certain limit, it gives rise to acidity. The reasons for the exceeding of gastric acid could be anything. When this acid moves up from the stomach to the oesophagus (food pipe) it can further lead to acid reflux which can give burning sensations in the chest and the other related area. Acidity produces various symptoms like:

• Stomach ache
• Burning sensation in the chest
• Burping
• A sensation of food stuck in the throat
• Bloating
• Indigestion
• Vomiting

When the reflux of acid and heartburn continuously happen for more than twice a week then this problem becomes more serious and is also known as the GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

Due to the busy and chaotic lives, the lifestyle and diet we follow is a major factor that contributes to producing high acid. Our food choices and passive lifestyle is a varied factor for gaining weight and increasing acidity. The most common various causes of acidity include:

• Consumption of high fat (simple carbs)
• Excessive alcohol
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Overweight and obesity
• High blood pressure
• Taking aspirins

Not only this, a major disclosure to infections and general environmental pollution can also result in high acid levels. Due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, 80% of pregnant women are also prone to acidity and heartburn.

There are various medicines for the management of acidity but a great and well-balanced diet is equally effective as prescription medicines.

Here are some effective diet & lifestyle hacks to manage acidity:

• Do not stick down at a place immediately after eating a weighty meal. This can hinder your digestion process which can give rise to acids as well as to obesity. Always take care of the gap between your dinner and bedtime. That is how you can effortlessly digest the food.
• The best home remedy to get rid of the acidity is to drink ginger water. It can easily be prepared in no time by simply grating half an inch of ginger and boiling it in some water. Strain it, cool it down and then drink it sip by sip. You can exactly prepare Ajwain and fennel water and add it in your day to day lifestyle.
• Start by saying no to carbonated drinks. Almost every person in the world believes that consuming carbonated beverages is one of the best ways to simplify acidity. However, this belief is false and these drinks can increase acid inside the stomach while worsening the influx of it.
• Try to limit the consumption of alcohol in your diet. Alcohol can give rise to the acid in the stomach in no time.

Not only this, deep-fried foods like pooris, parathas, or sugary items like cakes, pastries, jams, and jellies can increase the acid in no time.

Acidity is a much common problem these days and it can also be bothersome in future as well. So, make sure you stick by these general tactics to have a happy and healthy gut!