Home remedies for acidity and gas problems - Docindia.org
Acidity is a very common digestive problem that may bother people of all ages, and all genders. Acidity, also known as acid reflux in clinical terms, occurs when there is a backward flow of acid from the stomach to the esophagus or the food pipe.
In most cases, apart from medicines, doctors may advise you to use natural and home remedies. Opting for home remedies to treat acidity can be helpful as in this case, you will be able to get rid of the side effects of different chemicals that are present in medicinal drugs.
All the details you must know about acidity:
Acidity is a condition that develops after indigestion, often accompanied by heartburn that occurs in or around the lower chest area. Usually, food particles after being sent into the food pipe while we take in our food, that travels down into the stomach.
Acidity usually develops in the stomach when the gastric glands produce a large number of acidic components, so the pH levels become unbalanced, and this acid is more than what is needed for a successful digestion. When a person is developing acidity, there is a greater possibility of developing a burning sensation in an area that is above the stomach, or right below the breastbone.
Read the entire article to know more details about acidity and how to get rid of acidity by natural remedies.
What are the common causes of acidity?
Acidity or acid reflux in the stomach can occur as a result of a number of conditions but develops mostly due to indigestion. Some of the most common causes of acidity are listed here as follows:
1. Eating a spicy and oily diet:
Having a diet that is rich in high amounts of spices, oils, or fast foods, then there is a tendency of developing acid reflux in the body. When you consume these foods, there is a gradual acid build-up in the body, which causes acidity and heartburn.
2. Pregnancy:
Pregnancy can be a potential reason behind developing acidity and heartburn, along with morning sickness. Though this reason is not applicable for all, pregnancy results in the formation of hormonal secretions that can result in nausea and acidity.
3. Smoking:
Smoking cigarettes increases the risks of developing acidity, mostly because the chemicals such as nicotine that is present in tobacco can also loosen the lower esophageal sphincter.
4. Anxiety and high stress:
High levels of stress can be another reason that is believed to increase the tendencies of developing acidity. In fact, acid reflux develops as a sign of panic attacks and stress.
Apart from these, a person’s body weight, health conditions, and the medications the person is consuming can also be the causes behind acidity.
What are the symptoms of acidity?
The symptoms that develop as a result of acidity or acid reflux may differ from one person to another, based on the intensity of the acidity, but there are some common signs which will show you that you are developing acidity. Some of the most usual signs of acidity include the following:
Restlessness
Regurgitation
Nausea
Feeling heavy after meal
Indigestion
Constipation
Burning sensation in the stomach
Bad odour from mouth
A burning sensation in the throat and heart
Problems in swallowing your food
Sour taste remains persistently in the mouth
Belching.
List of effective home remedies and natural ingredients to cure acidity:
1. Try fennel tea:
Fennel seeds are often considered to be some of the most important home remedies for better digestion and reducing acidity. Try having a cup of tea with added fennel seeds. You can have this after meal and they also aid in reducing gas, acidity and bloating.
2. Cinnamon can be useful:
Cinnamon is a such a spice that is advised by experts to be added in your diet. Cooking meals with a pinch of cinnamon can help in improving digestion and can help reducing acidity. Health care professionals also advise you to drink cinnamon tea that can help to cure acidity and cure infections in the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Basil leaves reduces acidity:
Basil leaves can be a wonderful relief for curing acidity and helps improving your digestive system. Doctors often advise you to take in basil leaves immediately when you feel acidity, or you can brew a cup of tea by adding 3 to 4 leaves of basil to cure acidity almost instantly.
4. Having oats can help:
Oats are high in fiber content and can be beneficial to cure acidity, naturally at home. Oats help to reduce acid reflux in the body and makes you feel full for much longer compared to oily or unhealthy snacks.
5. Ginger is a powerful remedy:
Ginger is known to be highly beneficial as a natural remedy for improving digestion since the time of the Ayurveda. You may add ginger in your daily meals while cooking, or you can make ginger tea (or simply add ginger each time you have tea) to neutralize acidity. You can also have raw ginger or ginger lozenges that can help to reduce inflammation in the esophagus and improve digestion.
6. Try apple cider vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is highly beneficial for curing acid reflux because it helps to maintain a healthy balance of stomach acid. So, try to mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with water and drink it before your meals to get rid of acidity.
7. Have bananas for acid reflux:
Experts often advise their patients suffering from acidity to have bananas if they develop acidity. This is because having ripe bananas may help to neutralize stomach acid and heartburn, as they contain necessary nutrients, potassium, dietary fiber, that are beneficial for curing acid reflux.
8. Cloves are beneficial:
Cloves are rich in natural compounds that can help reduce acidity. Either add cloves directly in cooking, or you can chew them. You may also add cloves in your ginger tea.
9. Have leafy greens:
Having green leafy vegetables such as kale, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, and so on can help to neutralize the acidity and will help to give you relief from indigestion and heartburn.
10. Almonds are useful for acid reflux:
Doctors often recommend you have almonds to cure the symptoms of acidity, because almonds consist of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which improves digestion.
What are the best tips and lifestyle changes for preventing acidity:
To reduce the risks of developing acidity, you need to follow a healthy and disciplined lifestyle and consume foods that are easier to digest and help you to stay healthy. The following are the useful tips for you to reduce the risks of developing acidity:
1. Cut off excessive smoking:
Smoking is not at all good for digestion and can cause acidity, so cut off smoking for reducing acid reflux.
2. Limit or avoid alcohol intake:
Alcohol consumption can increase the risks of acidity, so avoid the drinking of alcohol.
3. Chew your food slowly:
Doctors always advise to chew your meal slowly and properly for better digestion.
4. Have plenty of fruits and green leafy vegetables:
Green leafy vegetables and fruits help you to have a healthy and balanced diet that is beneficial for healthy digestion.
5. Stay hydrated:
Beat dehydration with ample intake of water and fruit juices.
6. Avoid foods high that are rich in sugar content:
Having foods that are high in sugar content can increase the risks of acidity, so limit your sugar intake.
7. Perform exercises and relaxation every day:
Performing exercises and relaxation techniques every day can help in better digestion and reduce risks of acidity.
When should you consult a doctor?
If you see that you are developing indigestion related problems for a long time, it is recommended to consult a doctor. You need to see a doctor in the following cases.
When home remedies cannot cure your acidity
When your acidity persists for long
If the symptoms of acidity start affecting the activities of your daily life.
Conclusion:
Acidity or acid reflux is a very common condition of indigestion that can be easily cured by using natural components and home remedies to get away with the harmful side effects of medicinal drugs. Follow healthy lifestyle procedures to get rid of acidity and have improved digestion.
