What is Acid and Acidity
Acid, also known as acid reflux, is a common condition that occurs when stomach acid flows out of the food pipe. Severe pain, heartburn, bloating, hiccups, and flatulence (acid reflux) are common symptoms. Hyperacid occurs when acid in the stomach which is supposed to be digested through food finds its way into the food pipes.
Acid is a term for a range of symptoms caused by excessive production of acid by the gastric glands in the stomach. Acid occurs when excess acid is released from the glands, causing gas, bad breath, stomach pain and other symptoms.
Acid reflux, also known as acid, is a condition in which bile (stomach acid) flows from our oesophagus into the food pipe, causing irritation. This means that our body needs to produce less acid to break down food and relieve painful heartburn. Inflammation, a reaction caused by your immune system, is helpful when it comes to healing wounds and fighting infections, but it can worsen health problems such as acid reflux in some people.
Home Remedies For Acidity
There are many home remedies that can help with acidity and gas problems. You can try these solutions for few days to see if it helps you.
- Start by adding whole milk to your diet, because the lactose in the milk helps to break down sugar in your stomach and prevent acid reflux.
- You should also try taking 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar every day before each meal. This should help reduce bloating and gas problems.
- Eat turmeric with your food, because it reduces bloating and improves digestion.
- Drink ginger tea or lemon water to soothe indigestion or gas pain.
- Take activated charcoal tablets after every meal to absorb harmful toxins from the stomach lining which can worsen stomach ache and heartburn symptoms.
Vinegar
Drinking a glass of lukewarm water on an empty stomach before bed can ease the acid. Simmering a small amount of apple cider vinegar with water (about a teaspoon) of wholesome vinegar can reduce acidity in the stomach. Like other natural remedies against acid, it helps maintain the vital balance of the digestive bacteria in our stomach.
Acid reflux can be unpleasant but lifestyle changes and home remedies can help alleviate symptoms without medication. Here are 12 simple ingredients that are readily available in the kitchen or refrigerator and can be used to eliminate stomach acid.
Cumin seeds are effective in reducing or preventing acid and its symptoms such as heartburn, pain, nausea, bloating and constipation.
Fennel can be chewed during meals to prevent stomach acid, advises nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat. These remedies can help you get rid of acid or heartburn and relieve symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain.
A teaspoon of fennel powder in a glass of warm water can relieve acid and its symptoms, such as heartburn and bloating, and can improve digestion. Chewing a few fennel seeds can also reduce the symptoms of the acid; soak them in water or drink them and chew them for immediate relief.
Ginger is often used as a preventive treatment for eating large hot or fatty meals but it can also be used to treat acid indigestion and heartburn and to relieve stomach upsets. You can chew or drink ginger tea pieces to promote proper digestion and control the production of gas in the stomach.
Baking soda is one of the best natural treatments for acid reflux, heartburn and bloating caused by excess gas because it neutralises stomach acid and calms the digestive tract. Consumption of baking soda, which neutralises stomach acid, can reduce indigestion, flatulence and gases. Sprinkling with baking soda or adding a glass of lemon to water can help reduce acidity and improve digestion.
Divide carbonated drinks such as bottled water and soda on Pinterest send a lot of gas into the stomach that can cause bloating and pain. The gastric glands in the stomach produce the acid needed to digest the food we eat. The digestive system produces excessive intestinal gases, a mixture of oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen when gastric acid is insufficient for digestion.
Reasons Behind Acidity
Factors Affecting acidity
- According to Delhi-based nutritionist, Anshul Jaibharat acid can be caused by
- long breaks between meals,
- an empty stomach and excessive consumption of tea,
- coffee,
- smoking, and alcohol.
Acid can also be triggered by
- Eating stale foods,
- Fatty and spicy foods.
Acid secretion is stronger than usual in heartburn and acid reflux (GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease), which is triggered when we eat heavy meals and spicy food.
Problems Comes With Acidity
The longer the stomach is full, the greater the likelihood that stomach acid will push up through the oesophagus, triggering reflux, indigestion, stomach cramps, and discomfort. Small meals spread over the day instead of three large meals can help relieve the symptoms of acid reflux. Untreated acid flux can lead over time to serious conditions such as Barrett’s esophagus and oesophageal damage, making it difficult for you to swallow food.
Cloves have been around since ancient times as part of Indian cuisine, and they help ward off the effects of the excess acid produced in the gastrointestinal tract, which means that they do not allow the formation of gases.
To use DGL against acid reflux, you can take a 400mg tablet every 20 minutes after eating or every 20 minutes before bedtime if you have nighttime symptoms.
Indigestion, gas, bloating, hiccups, heartburn, stomach problems, ulcers, and nausea are common causes of an unhealthy lifestyle such as binge eating, smoking, alcohol consumption, poor sleep, difficulty eating junk food, and stress.
