Acidity: Causes And Home Remedies

Heartburn is characterised by a burning sensation in your chest, immediately beneath your breastbone. The discomfort is frequently stronger after eating, at night, or even when lying or leaning over.

Heartburn is prevalent but not the reason for concern. Most people may control their heartburn symptoms by themselves with lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter drugs. However, acid reflux that occurs more regularly or conflicts with your regular activities might signify a more seriousmedical condition that requires medical attention. In addition, many dietitians recommend diets which are beneficial in curbing acidity and, at the same time, detoxifying the body.

Table Of Contents

1. What Is Acidity?

2. Causes Of Acidity

3. Symptoms Of Acidity

4. Home Remedies To Cure Acidity

5. The Final Say

6. FAQs

What Is Acidity?

Acidity is a diagnosable condition caused by an excess of acid production. This acid is generated by the stomach glands. Acidity produces symptoms such as stomach ulcers, gastric irritation, heartburn, and dyspepsia.

It is typically caused by various causes, including irregular eating patterns, a lack of active sports or activities, alcohol intake, smoking, stress, fad diets, and bad eating habits. In addition, people are more likely to acquire acidity in areas with higher consumption of non-vegetarian, spicy, and greasy foods.

Many medicines, including NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), might make a person more prone to developing stomach acidity. After a large meal, acidity is marked by a deep burning feeling. Acidity is also associated with indigestion and constipation.

Causes Of Acidity

1. Eating Habits

• Consuming dishes with high levels of chilli, pepper, vinegar, and paprika.
• Deep-fried and greasy cuisine.
• Excessive caffeine consumption in the manner of tea, coffee, and chocolate.
• Excessive use of table salt.
• Fibre-deficient diet.
• Overeating or irregular eating patterns.
• Unhealthy behaviours, such as lying down immediately after eating.
• Eating just before hard physical activity.

2. Lifestyle

• Cigarette smoking.
• Excessive use of alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and carbonated beverages.
• Inadequate sleep.
• Insufficient physical activity .

3. Medications

• Excessive anxiety, stress, or sadness
• Peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and stomach cancer are all examples of stomach ailments.
• Pain relievers, antibiotics, chemotherapeutic drugs, and antidepressants are examples of pharmaceuticals.

Symptoms Of Acidity

1. Heartburn

The most frequent symptom of acid reflux is heartburn. It feels like a burning sensation in the chest area, extending from beneath the ribcage to the bottom of the throat, produced by stomach acid ascending to the throat.

2. Nausea

If you suffer from acid reflux, your stomach acids may cause a foul taste in your mouth. In addition to the regular puking and coughing associated with reflux and GERD, this flavour can cause nausea and, in some cases, vomiting.

Nausea can also be produced by increased stomach acid production due to stomach acid irritation of the oesophagus and throat. Nausea can occur independently or in conjunction with other symptoms, such as heartburn, bloating, and burping.

3. Cough

Acid reflux can cause your oesophagus, larynx, or voice box to become inflamed by recurrent exposure to stomach acid, resulting in a persistent cough, wheezing, and other breathing issues.

4. Regurgitation

Regurgitation, or the passage of stomach contents back down the oesophagus and into the mouth and throat, is another indication of acid reflux.

This might seem like a scorching, heated liquid has accumulated in the throat and back of the tongue, leaving a bitter aftertaste. However, undigested food, drink, acid reflux, and a pale yellow liquid called bile can all come back up.

5. Horse voice

Because prolonged exposure to stomach acid can alter the voice box, persons with acid reflux and GERD may suffer discomfort when speaking, as well as a sore throat and alterations in their voice.

6. Difficulty In Swallowing

As stomach acid moves up the oesophagus to the throat, it may aggravate and eventually destroy the larynx, which is important for breathing, speaking, and swallowing.

Home Remedies To Cure Acidity

1. Ripe Banana

A banana's high potassium content makes it an alkaline meal. This may assist in balancing the stomach acid that is hurting your oesophagus.

On the other hand, unripe bananas are less alkaline, contain more starch, and may cause acid reflux in certain people. So be sure you select a ripe banana. Melons, cauliflower, fennel, and nuts are some alkaline foods that may aid with heartburn.

2. Black Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds are an excellent acid neutraliser that aids digestion and relieves stomach discomfort. Crush some roasted cumin seeds and whisk them into a glass of water, or soak one teaspoon in a cup of boiling water and consume it after every meal.

3. Fennel

For immediate relief from acidity and heartburn, combine one teaspoon of fennel powder with a glass of warm water. Fennel also aids digestion and helps to avoid gas and bloating.

4. Cold Milk

Milk can help stabilise gastric acidity in persons who are not lactose intolerant. It is high in calcium, which helps to keep stomach acid at bay. All you have to do the next time you get acid reflux is consume a glass of cold milk.

5. Gums

According to some research, chewing gum may help lower acidity because the carbonate in it can assist in reducing the concentration and avoid reflux. However, more study is needed to support this claim, although chewing gum can also increase saliva production, aiding in oesophageal clearance.

6. Ginger

Ginger has several health advantages hidden under its knobbly surface. "Ginger has good digestive and anti-inflammatory characteristics," claims Fortis Hospital's Dr Ahuja. To help neutralise stomach acids, eat a slice of fresh ginger twice a day, drink a teaspoon of ginger juice twice a day, or soak fresh ginger in a cup of hot water.

7. Buttermilk

Buttermilk, often known as "chas," is one of the most effective home treatments for gastric reflux and heartburn. It includes lactic acid, which aids in the normalisation of stomach acidity. To relieve acidity, consume a cup of buttermilk after any big meal.

8. Almonds

Another home treatment that performs well to alleviate acid is raw almonds. Raw almonds are organic almonds that have not been washed or tampered with. Almonds were once thought to be a natural cure for ulceration and heartburn in Middle Eastern cultures. Almonds contain natural oils that calm and neutralise gastric acid. The high fibre content of the nut aids digestion as well. Aside from raw almonds, you may also drink almond milk to maintain your gut healthy.

The Final Say

Home remedies can assist with occasional heartburn as well as some forms of acidity. When acid reflux is left untreated for an extended period, it increases the risk of oesophagal injury. This could involve ulcers, oesophagal narrowing, and potentially oesophagal malignancy. These therapies may not be effective on their own for acid reflux. Consult a gastroenterologist to learn how some of these therapies might supplement a medical treatment regimen.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between acidity and indigestion?

People may confuse the phrases heartburn and indigestion, although they are not interchangeable. Indigestion is sometimes referred to as dyspepsia. It depicts the sensation of being full or in discomfort in the upper belly. Fluid retention, burping, and gas can all be symptoms.  A person may experience both heartburn and indigestion at the same moment, or they may experience both independently.

2. What causes acidity?

Some reasons for acid reflux include inadequate oesophageal clearance, excess acid in the stomach, and even prolonged stomach emptying.

3. Can acidity be treated?

While acidity, such as GERD, could be cured, several over-the-counter drugs can help you manage the disease. You can also change your food and exercise routine or try to shed weight. However, you should talk with your doctor and go through your treatment alternatives.

4. Why is acidity common in pregnant women?

According to Trusted Source, heartburn affects up to 45% of pregnant women. In addition, acid reflux can occur during pregnancy owing to increased oestrogen, which relaxes the gastric membrane between the stomach and the oesophagus.

5. How can acidity be avoided?

Mild acid reflux may typically be avoided by making a few lifestyle modifications. For example, don't lie for three hours after eating. In addition, eat smaller meals more often throughout the day, wear loose-fitting clothing to prevent abdominal pressure, lose extra weight, and stop smoking.

About ToneOp

ToneOp is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining your good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented diet plans and recipes. It also intends to provide value-added content to our consumers.