Most of us have gone through the discomforts of acidity like pain, heart burn, loss of appetite, nausea etc. Acidity is a condition seen commonly in every age group. Irregular food habits, anxiety, intake of steroids, spicy foods, alcohol, over use of coffee and tea are the common reasons for acidity.

Normally, acidity results either from excess acid secretion or weakness of gastro – oesophageal valve. Weight lifting and other heavy exercises that exert high pressure in to abdominal area can also cause acidity.  Lying down soon after heavy food can also cause acidity since acids are released to the lower part of oesophagus causing heart burn.

Treating Acidity Through Food
Take balanced food. Avoid unhealthy foods and canned food items. Formulate a schedule for food intake and follow it strictly. Try to take food once in 2 – 3 hours in small portions. Do not repeat the same food on the same day. Include fruits in your daily diet. You should follow a balanced diet containing complex carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and healthy fats.

Reduce or avoid roots and tubers from your diet chart. Take whole wheat, brown rice, oats etc. which are rich in dietary fiber.  Include dark green vegetables and leafy vegetables in your diet. The dietary fiber which you get from these will help you to control loss of appetite, indigestion, constipation, gastritis and other digestive problems.

Drink 12 glasses of water daily to control acidity. Do not over use dairy products. Avoid spicy foods that can increase your heart burn. Do not indulge in any physical activities. Avoid taking nap soon after taking food since it can slow down food metabolism causing indigestion resulting in acidity. Also do not haste while having food. Chew your food well before swallowing since saliva helps in digestive process.

Tips For Immediate Relief
• Take a piece of ginger, chew it well and swallow or else take two tablespoons of ginger juice for pain due to indigestion.
• Chew garlic as well to get relief from acidity.
• Cumin and coriander seeds help to prevent acidity. Boil water with cumin and coriander seeds and drink it glassful twice per hour. Repeat it 3 – 4 times.
• Take lemon juice mixed with ginger juice to get relief from all discomforts of acidity.

Instead of going for medicines, we can treat acidity through food itself. These easy-to-follow tips and change in diet can give you permanent relief from acidity.