Acidity

Acidity is a term used for a set of symptoms caused by excess production of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach. The stomach normally secretes hydrochloric acid which is required for the breakdown and digestion of food we eat. Acidity causes symptoms like dyspepsia, heartburn, gastric inflammation and ulcers in the stomach.

People suffering from acidity feel a burning sensation after eating a meal. Sour belching is also commonly seen. Sometimes, constipation and indigestion is also seen in people having acidity. 

Causes
Our stomach produces gastric acids to aid digestion. But, their corrosive effects are neutralised by the production of natural bicarbonate and prostaglandins secreted in the mucous lining. When the production of these chemicals is interrupted then it leads to damaged stomach lining which causes acidity.

Stress Consumption of spicy and non-vegetarian foods. Smoking and alcohol Stomach ailments like peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach tumors, etc. Medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Symptoms
The common signs and symptoms that you might experience are - Burning in the stomach Burning in the throat, Restlessness, Belching, Nausea, Sour taste, Indigestion, Constipation.

Treatment
Acidity can be treated with antacids and mainly by making changes in eating and lifestyle habits. A new technique called endostism can also provide relief from acid reflux. Usually, acidity is treated with the help of antacids which contain either magnesium or calcium or aluminium containing compounds. These antacids neutralise the excess acid in the stomach thus providing relief from the symptoms. Sometimes, histamine blocking agents (H2 receptor blockers) such as cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine or nizatidine or proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole and lansoprazole can also be prescribed by your physician. In rare cases, surgery (vagotomy) is performed to reduce the acid sensation. 

Home Remedies for acidity that actually work

Bananas: 
Banana has many benefits to do with both health and beauty problems, including acid reflux. It is an alkaline fruit which helps to neutralize the acid in the stomach. Eat bananas regularly to get rid of acid reflux completely and quickly.

Some effective ways to treat acid reflux slowly and completely.

1. Banana
Eat banana before or after meals.Or Add banana to your cereal in every morning, yogurt, smoothies and salads.

2. Banana with Cinnamon Powder and Sugar
Peel a ripe banana and cut into slices. Sprinkle some sugar and pinch of cinnamon powder to it. Eat these banana pieces for better digestion regularly.

3. Banana with Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a whole grain food that neutralizes the stomach’s acidity, reduces the pain and other acid reflux or heartburn symptoms. This combinational process is one of the best ways to treat acid reflux or GERD.
Process: Peel a ripe banana and cut into slices. Add them to cooked oatmeal and stir. Eat as a breakfast daily to cure acid reflux and constipation.

4. Banana and Avocado Smoothie
Ingredients: Bananas – 3 to 4, Avocado (skin removed) – 1/2 piece, Cinnamon (ground) – 1/2 teaspoon, Almond milk – 1 ½ cups, Honey – 1 tablespoon, Chia seeds – 1 tablespoon, Vanilla paste – 1/2 teaspoon, Bee pollen – 1 tablespoon, Ice cubes
Process: Blend all ingredients on a high speed in a blender for 3 minutes.Drink this smoothie at least twice a week.

Basil Leaves

The soothing and carminative properties of basil leaves can give you instant relief from acidity, gas and nausea. Simply eat some basil leaves at the first sign of acid upset. Be sure to chew them thoroughly. Another option is to boil three to five basil leaves in a cup of water and then let it simmer for a few minutes. You can sweeten this basil tea with honey. Do not add milk, though. Sip it frequently.

Cumin Seeds



Cumin seeds can also be used to treat acidity as cumin works as a great acid neutralizer. Also, it aids in digestion and relieves stomach pain.

Slightly crush some roasted cumin seeds and stir it into a glass of water. Drink it after every meal. You can also boil one teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of water, strain it and then drink the water after your meal. Another option is to mix one teaspoon each of coriander seed powder, cumin seed powder, fennel seed powder and some sugar in one-half cup of water. Drink it on an empty stomach.

Cloves

Cloves can help alleviate acidity and dispel gas due to their carminative effect that increases hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Contrary to the popular belief, acidity can be caused due to low stomach acid too.

Chew two to three cloves thoroughly so that the juices are released into your system. Eating crushed cloves and cardamom mixed in equal amounts can help minimize acid trouble and freshen bad breath that often accompanies this problem.

Ginger

Ginger is well known best remedy for digestion process and it also helps to reduce the back up of contents into esophagus.

Ginger regulates the flow of juices in the digestive system to ensure proper absorption of food.It has anti – inflammatory property which reduces inflammation and irritation. Ginger absorbs excess stomach acid and aids in proper digestion. The shagoals and gingerols in ginger soothe taut and stomach muscles by subverting the acids in the stomach. It plays an important role in pushing the food through bowels fast and thus prevents the unwanted formation of gas in the stomach. Ginger relieves nausea and vomiting.It has certain phenols which help to relax stomach muscles and thus reduces the over activity of the stomach. It speeds the digestive process to prevent the buildup of gas. Ginger tightens the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent the back-flow of stomach acid.

Ginger

1. Ginger and Lemon Juice
Peel a one-inch piece of ginger root. Crush it to extract its juice. Mix with a few drops of lemon juice. Stir well and drink daily to prevent acid reflux.
2. Plain Ginger
Peel and grate ginger root. Eat 1 teaspoon daily.
3. Ginger with Bland Foods
Bland foods like oatmeal and yogurt settle the stomach. Peel and grate fresh ginger. Add this to bland foods and eat. Repeat daily.
4. Ginger Root Candy
Wash, peel and mince ginger root.Place in frying pan with honey, cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of butter. Stir over low heat until all ingredients are combined. Place in oven for 10 minutes to get crystallizes. Take out of oven and allow it to cool. Break into chunks and eat to calm acid reflux. Eat this before meals for effective results.
5. Ginger as a Spice
Ginger tastes great in stir-fry, rice, quinoa, and soups. Use it as a spice in your cooking as often as possible to prevent acid reflux.

Prevention 

Acidity can be prevented by the following methods:

Don’t consume spicy food. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Eat small, regular meals. Consume your last meal at least a few hours before sleeping. Chew tulsi leaves, cloves, saunf, etc. Avoid medications like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and steroids. Reduce stress.

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