ACIDITY

Acid reflux is also known as heartburn, acid indigestion, or pyrosis. It happens when some of the acidic stomach contents go back up into the esophagus. Acid reflux creates a burning pain in the lower chest area, often after eating.

Although the name may imply the heart, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart itself. ... So, when food and stomach acid regurgitate back into the esophagus, a burning feeling is felt near the heart. This feeling is known as heartburn.

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is the backward flow of stomach acid into the tube that connects your throat to your stomach (esophagus). During an episode of acid reflux, you might feel a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn). This can occur after eating a big meal or drinking coffee or alcohol.

Acidity symptoms:-

Acidity symptoms differ from one person to another. The most common acid reflux symptoms are chest pain and burning sensation below the breastbone, other symptoms are uncommon. Acidity symptoms include the following:-

•  Burning sensation and pain in the stomach
• Burning sensation and pain in the throat
• Difficulty swallowing 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

Home remedies for acidity:-

1.    Drink a glass of lukewarm water after every meal. Drink at least two liters of water every day.

2.    A glass of buttermilk after a spicy meal helps reduce the uneasiness in the stomach.

3.    Ginger aids in digestion. Use ginger in your cooking or boil it in a glass of water, reduce it to half glass and consume the water.

4.    Coconut water: This tasty treat is known to soothe your stomach and the digestive system. Take at least two glasses a day.

5.    Cumin is a great remedy for acidity. Boil a teaspoon of cumin in a glass of water. Boil until the water is reduced to half. Drink it on an empty stomach.

6.    Fresh lime juice is taken at least an hour before lunch helps to reduce the uneasiness caused by acidity.

7.    Watermelon juice: It is great to counter acidity. You can take a glass of watermelon juice with breakfast.

8.    Take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water every morning on an empty stomach.

  

9.    Sucking on a piece of clove when you have acidity helps to reduce the symptoms.

10. Include banana, cucumber, and curd in your diet. They are known to give instant relief from acidity.

11. You can either munch on a few holy basils (tulsi) leaves, or boil them in water and drink it frequently to reduce acid reflux. You can also do this with mint leaves.

12. You can chew fennel seeds (Sauf )after meals, to prevent stomach acidity. (For gastrointestinal benefits, fennel tea is sure to help the digestive tract be healthy and happy. The tea is considered very useful to help indigestion and bloating because of the oils found in these seeds).

13. Cinnamon: This spice works as a natural antacid for stomach acidity and can settle your stomach, by improving digestion and absorption. For relief, drink cinnamon tea to heal infections in the gastrointestinal tract.

14. Jaggery:- It aids digestion and makes your digestive system more alkaline in nature, thus reducing stomach acidity. Suck on a small piece of gur after a meal, and reap the benefits.

15.  Cold Milk. Drink a glass of cold milk the next time you suffer from acidity.

The main cause of acidity is your lifestyle, and hence, the most vital remedy is lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes that may help include:

·         Losing weight if you are overweight or obese.

·         Consumption of healthy food.

·         Maintaining regular eating time with dinner ending at least two to three hours before bed.

·         Having small regular meals.

·         Following a low-carb diet.

·         Avoid food that triggers acidity such as raw onion and citrus juice.

· Avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks.

·         Avoid sleeping on your right side.

·         Cut down on smoking and alcohol.

·         Keeping your mind and body active.

·         Starting stress-relieving activities.

·         Try to avoid medications that cause acidity.