We often here that people say, “I have acidity problem“. What does it mean if they said they have this problem?

To understand this meaning, causes, symptoms and what we can do to relieve the acidity, just have a glance at this article…

What is Acidity / Acid Reflux?

Acidity is a burning sensation in the chest (sometimes in the throat) due to back flow (regurgitation) of the acid (hydrochloric) content of the stomach into the esophagus.

Why does acid reflux happen?

The stomach contains hydrochloric (Hcl) acid, which is a strong acid that helps break down food and protect against pathogens such as bacteria.

The lining of the stomach is specially adapted to protect it from the powerful acid, but the esophagus is not protected.

A ring of muscle, the gastro-oesophageal sphincter, normally acts as a valve that lets food into the stomach but not back up into the esophagus.

When this valve fails, stomach content regurgitates back into the esophagus. A person will feel a burning sensation in their esophagus as the acid rises up and it is experienced as a heartburn or acid reflux.

Risk factors of acid reflux:

Acid reflux can affect people of all ages, sometimes for unknown reasons.

• obesity
• smoking (active or passive)
• stress and anxiety
• low levels of physical exercise
• medications, including drugs for asthma, calcium-channel blockers, antihistamines, painkillers, sedatives, and antidepressants
• pregnancy

Food and dietary habits that have been linked to acid reflux include:

• caffeine
• alcohol
• fatty foods
• spicy foods
• tomatoes and tomato sauces
• onions and garlic
• eating large meals
• lying down within 2-3 hours of eating a meal
• consuming chocolate, carbonated drinks, and acidic juices

Acidity Symptoms

Acidity symptoms differ from one person to another.

While the most common acid reflux symptoms are chest pain and burning sensation below the breastbone (DIAPHRM), there are other symptoms that are uncommon.

Acidity symptoms include the following:

• Burning sensation and pain in the stomach
• Burning sensation and pain in the throat
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• or the sensation of food being stuck in your throat
• Frequent burping or hiccups, for no apparent reason
• Burning sensation and pain in the chest
• Regurgitation: Prolonged sour taste in the mouth or bitter-tasting acid that backs up into your throat and mouth
• Post-meal heaviness
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Bad breath
• Restlessness

How to Treat Acidity?

 Acid reflux is a condition that requires a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Let’s discuss this a little more in-depth.

1. Medication

There are several over-the-counter medications available for the treatment of acidity. And while this may work in the short run, we recommend consulting a doctor and creating a long-term plan of action based on the conditions underlying causes.

2. Adequate sleep and proper position

Maintaining a gap of at least 2-3 hours between your mealtime and sleep time is important. It allows food to digest properly and prevent avoid reflux.

The height and angle of your bed could actually impact your acidity. This is because you are more prone to developing acid reflux when your stomach is in the same line as your esophagus. To prevent this, raise the head of the mattress by 10 cm – 20 cm by placing a few rolled-up towels at one end of it.

3. Try to lose weight

As touched upon before, obesity could cause severe acidity. Hence, it’s important you take the necessary steps required to prevent it. Start by exercising at least 4 times a week and try to avoid deep-fried, fatty, & relatively unhealthy food by replacing it with a good amount of fiber, protein and healthy fats.

4. Visit a nutritionist

If you experience heartburn on a regular basis, it is probably a good idea to consult a nutritionist. They will give you a better understanding of the food that triggers you and will help you create a well-rounded diet plan suited to your personal requirements. 

Acidity Treatment

When you visit your healthcare provider, your symptoms are considered to determine whether you have acidity or if it is a complication of some other serious problem.This is based on your condition and the depth of the acid reflux problem,

• You will be prescribed an antacid that contains aluminum, calcium, or magnesium
• Your doctor may also suggest the use of histamine blocking agents (H2 receptor blockers) such as cimetidine, nizatidine, ranitidine, and famotidine
• If the condition is severe, they may prescribe proton pump inhibitors
• If the condition is extremely severe, your doctor may suggest Vagotomy surgery that helps to reduce the production of acid in the stomach.

Your healthcare provider may suggest certain do’s and don’ts based on your health, which can help you control acidity.

15 Easy Home Remedies for Acidity

Acidity can be frustrating and can have a debilitating effect on your social life. Simple home remedies not only provide quick relief in acidity problems but can also cure them completely.

1. Cold Milk

Drinking cold milk provides great relief in acidity. Milk is rich in calcium and prevents acid buildup in the stomach.

2. Coconut Water

Coconut water is rich in electrolytes, which in turn balance out the excessive acid production.

3. Cumin Seeds

Directly chew some cumin seeds or boil 1 teaspoon of them in a glass of water and drink. Black cumin seeds prevent acidity and its symptoms like heartburn, nausea, bloating, constipation, etc.

4. Fennel or Saunf

Have one teaspoon of fennel powder with a glass of warm water for instant relief from acidity.

5. Lukewarm Water

Drink lukewarm water on an empty stomach in the morning and at bedtime. 

6. Cardamom

Chew one cardamom every day to get rid of acidity, indigestion, and gastric problems.

7. Watermelon Juice

Drink a glass of watermelon juice daily for instant relief from acidity and heartburn.

8. Buttermilk

Buttermilk is rich in lactic acid that soothes the stomach and normalizes acidity. Drink a glass of buttermilk with a pinch of black pepper and coriander for instant relief in acidity.

9. Ginger

Chewing a piece of raw ginger or drinking ginger tea helps prevent acidity and its symptoms. It also improves digestion.

10. Cloves

Put a piece of clove in your mouth and swallow its juices. Clove helps to relieve acidity, gastric irritability, indigestion, and nausea.

11. Banana

Banana neutralizes acidity and soothes the stomach. Consume milk and banana together to prevent acidity.

12. Papaya

Papaya consists of an enzyme called papain that reduces gastric acid secretion and gives relief from acidity.

13. Ajwain

Ajwain is an effective anti-acidic agent. It relieves acidity and improves digestion.

14. Turmeric

Turmeric is a magic spice. It works wonders for our bodies. It also helps relieve acidity and boosts digestion.

15. Jaggery

Jaggery is great for digestion. Eating a small piece of jaggery post your meal may help you soothe acid reflux problems.

16. Basil Leaves

 

How to Prevent  Acidity?

Mild cases of acid reflux can usually be prevented by adopting a few lifestyle changes. For example:

1. Avoid lying down for three hours after a meal.
2. Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
3. Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid pressure on your abdomen.
4. Lose excess weight.
5. Quit smoking.
6. Raise the head of your bed six to eight inches by placing wooden blocks under your bed posts.

Summary 

Acid reflux is not a severe condition. But chronic acidity can cause other health problems that can damage the esophagus. It can be confused with other chest-related problems that can be fatal. It is advised to visit your healthcare provider if the symptoms of acidity are persistent even after taking medication.