| What is Acidity? | | | | § The diet should contain a proper blend of |
| The human stomach contains gastric glands which | | | | all the tastes. Spicy foods must be just one dish |
| are responsible for the proper digestion of food in | | | | rather than the whole meal. |
| it. Gastric glands achieve the digestion by | | | | § Fibers are necessary in the diet as they |
| secreting various acids, the chief of which is the | | | | help in the digestion. |
| hydrochloric acid. These acids are aided by various | | | | § Red meats must be eaten only |
| enzymes of the stomach in bringing about | | | | occasionally, if at all. |
| digestion. The level of acids in the human stomach | | | | § After a meal, the body must be given |
| is generally controlled; but for some reason if the | | | | some sort of exercise. This could be as simple as |
| level of acids increases beyond thenormal levels, | | | | going for a stroll. |
| then the condition is known as acidity. | | | | § Too much addiction to strong foods such |
| Hence, acidity is the condition in which there is an | | | | as tea and coffee may cause acidity. This is also |
| excess secretion of acid within the stomach. | | | | true for other addictions such as smoking and |
| Other names for acidity are hyperacidity or acid | | | | alcohol. |
| dyspepsia. | | | | § Do not consume sour foods as they |
| Why is Acidity caused? | | | | already have acidic contents. Acidic foods to avoid |
| The stomach is equipped with these acids in order | | | | are pickles, curds, tamarinds, vinegar, etc. |
| to be able to digest the food. The acids are | | | | How can Acidity be controlled with Simple Home |
| released when foods enter the stomach. | | | | Remedies? |
| However some foods are difficult to digest than | | | | There are several simple household tips to keep |
| the others. For such foods, the stomach needs to | | | | acidity under control. The following are some of |
| secrete more acids. Continuous secretions of such | | | | them:- |
| acids could lead to acidity in the stomach. | | | | § Eat two plantains early in the morning and |
| This excessive production of acids could be made | | | | down them with a glass of milk. |
| higher due to various factors. Ulcers in the | | | | § Taking two tablespoonfuls of Isabgol |
| stomach are one of the commonest causes in | | | | (psyllium seed husks) in milk after every meal is |
| increasing acid production. | | | | beneficial for elimination of acidity. |
| People with stomach cancers will also have acidity | | | | § Squeeze the juice of a whole orange and |
| problems as one of the symptoms. For this | | | | mix it with roasted cumin seeds. Add some rock |
| reason, acidity should not be ignored if it lasts for | | | | salt to flavor it. This solution gives immediate relief |
| a long period of time, or if the person is older. | | | | from acidity. |
| There is a condition known as the acid-reflux | | | | § Eat equal portions of ginger and coriander. |
| complex, due to which the stomach acids are | | | | This pacifies the digestive fire. |
| refluxed back to the food pipe. When this | | | | § Mix equal amounts of ginger extract and |
| happens, a prominent sour taste is felt in the | | | | mint extract. Having this two to four times a day |
| mouth, and a belch might occur. | | | | provides relief. |
| What are the Symptoms of Acidity? | | | | § Alternatively, the extract of a ginger can |
| When a person has acidity in the stomach, there | | | | be mixed with equal amount of honey. This is to |
| can be a vast difference in the kinds of | | | | be put on the tongue every dawn and dusk. |
| symptoms observed. For some people it may be | | | | § Two teaspoonfuls of powder of amla |
| a simple bellyache, but for others, it could lead to | | | | (Indian gooseberry) taken twice a day is also |
| days of restlessness with continuous cramps in | | | | helpful. |
| the stomach. | | | | § If the acidity continues for a long time, |
| In fact restlessness is the most common | | | | then try adhering to a milk diet. Milk may initially |
| symptom of acidity, followed by nausea and | | | | be troublesome to the digestive system, but the |
| vomiting. There is a sour taste felt in the mouth, | | | | indigestible curds it would form in the body would |
| which is due to the excess deposition of the acids. | | | | generally be vomited out. |
| Sometimes there are sour belches and passing | | | | § Mixing two teaspoonfuls of ghee in a |
| off wind. Other digestive problems like | | | | glassful of milk and taking this once a day acts as |
| constipation and indigestion will also occur. In some | | | | a laxative, which would flush out the excess |
| cases, stiffness is felt in the stomach. | | | | toxins from the body. |
| How can Acidity be avoided? | | | | § Coconut water is good for reducing acidity |
| A proper dietary pattern is the best thing in order | | | | in the stomach. |
| to avoid acidity. The following tips must be | | | | § If using rice, make sure it is at least two |
| followed:- | | | | years old. Wheat flour can also be beneficially |
| § Avoid foods that are rich in oils and fats. | | | | used to reduce acidity. |
| These foods are difficult to digest, so they may | | | | Read More on Acidity treatment by Ayurveda |
| make the stomach release more acids. | | | | and Acidity Home Remedies. |