Understanding and Managing Acidity:

 

                    

What is Acidity?

The food we eat goes into our stomach through the esophagus. The gastric glands in your stomach create acid, which is necessary to digest the food. When the gastric glands create more acid than needed for the digestion process, you can feel a burning sensation below the breastbone. This condition is commonly known as acidity.

Acidity, also called acid reflux, is a condition that is characterized by heartburn that is felt around the lower chest area. It is a common condition that occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe.

The most common acid reflux symptom is a burning sensation in the chest or pain. While most people suffer in pain, they do not realize that poor lifestyle choices are the primary reason behind acidity.

When acidity symptoms occur more than twice a week, your doctor may diagnose you with Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Chronic acidity may lead to serious risks that include:

• Esophagus damage: Esophagus is the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach and when acid moves back up and enters the esophagus, it sets the stage for esophageal ulcers, oesophagitis, esophageal strictures, and Barrett’s Oesophagus.
• Cavities/tooth decay: Acid reflux can wear down the enamel of your teeth and lead to cavities.

Acidity, while seemingly a minor medical issue, proves to be an extremely unpleasant experience for those who suffer from it. The majority of people appear greatly distressed by this problem.

Common Causes of Acidity

Common causes of acidity include stress, excessive consumption of spicy foods and meat, smoking, irregular eating habits, various stomach disorders, and the use of specific medications.

Beneficial Foods for Acidity

Consuming a better diet is essential for achieving a healthy lifestyle. Foods high in acid content can often lead to acidity after consumption.

Generally, individuals with a weak esophagus (the muscular tube from the throat to the stomach) have a sphincter muscle that closes the external opening of the esophagus when it contracts. This can lead to acidity, increasing the risk of developing gastritis.

If the right food choices are made, acidity can be avoided. Some foods can help reduce acidity complaints. Regular consumption of these foods is beneficial for preventing gastric acid.

Oats

Yes, this is a children's food, but it's extremely beneficial for indigestion. It's considered a soft and easily digestible food, which is why doctors recommend eating oats for acidity.

The fiber in oats helps control bloating and water retention. It also has the ability to absorb excess acid in the stomach. Other fiber-rich foods like wheat and rice products can also be beneficial for this problem.

Green Leafy Vegetables

If green leafy vegetables like spinach, mint, coriander, fenugreek, bananas, and cabbage are made a part of your daily diet, you can get rid of acidity. The problem of acidity often arises due to improper food consumption. If food is consumed in a balanced way, this problem can be avoided.

Ginger

The use of ginger is excellent for acidity. Ginger has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Along with acidity, it's also beneficial for heartburn, indigestion, and other stomach ailments.

If you experience heartburn along with acidity, make ginger tea, let it cool to room temperature, and then drink it. A small piece of fresh ginger can also be taken with smoothies, cereals, and other foods.

Melon

Melon is an alkaline fruit. For acidity, you can consume it chilled directly or as a smoothie. It's a very beneficial fruit for the stomach. Its consumption provides relief in minutes. It helps prevent dehydration in hot weather and keeps the stomach healthy.

Basil Leaves

Basil leaves also have properties that eliminate stomach gas. So, whenever you feel gas in your stomach, wash and chew a few basil leaves, or boil two to three leaves with one cup of water, let it cook for a few minutes, then strain and drink.

Yogurt

Whenever you experience heartburn and acidity, consume a bowl of cold yogurt. After eating yogurt, you'll be surprised how quickly you feel better. You can further enhance its effectiveness by adding banana or melon to the yogurt. The nutrients in yogurt resolve the problem and also provide you with energy.

Banana

Bananas contain alkaline, which makes them effective for acidity. In case of such a problem, you can eat one to two bananas. Bananas are delicious, so it's not difficult to eat them. With their consumption, you'll feel significant improvement in a short amount of time.

Jaggery

Jaggery is rich in magnesium, which strengthens the digestive system and eliminates acidity. After meals, keep a small piece of jaggery in your mouth and suck on it. Its consumption also lowers body temperature and helps relieve acidity.

Fennel Seeds

Eating a few fennel seeds after a meal can also prevent acidity. The oil present in them prevents indigestion and bloating. Fennel tea is also beneficial for maintaining a healthy digestive system.

In addition to these foods, drinking banana or coconut water can help provide immediate relief. Chewing a few cumin seeds or drinking cumin water, boiling 2 green cardamom pods in water, cooling and drinking it, or mixing a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and consuming it on an empty stomach can also provide quick relief from acidity.

---

Precaution

While the above-mentioned foods benefit the stomach in cases of acidity, if the following precautions are also observed along with these foods, the benefits will be greater and faster: Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly, and avoid eating shortly before sleeping.