What is Acidity?
Acidity is also known by the name of heartburn, pyrosis, and even acid indigestion. Often, it is a burning sensation in the chest that can be irritating and quite intolerable. The sensation, oftentimes, is just behind the breastbone or in the epigastrium. The burning sensation can be radiating in nature, reaching neck, angle of jaw, throat, etc. Acidity is generally associated with regurgitation of acids in the gastric cavity. While acidity is one of the major symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, it can also indicate ischemic heart disease in some cases. Generally, terms like heartburn, indigestion, dyspepsia, pyrosis, etc. are used interchangeably because of the similar symptoms. There are numerous enzymes along with hydrochloric acid in the stomach that helps in digestion of food. When there is some problem with normal functioning of the digestive system, it results in acidity. In such a condition, the acids in the stomach regurgitate into the esophagus, resulting in burning sensation.
Symptoms of Acidity
Respiratory Problems
People with acidity tend to experience problem with their respiration. Generally, during respiration, they experience acid reflux and burning feeling in the chest, and feel as if acid will regurgitate into mouth.
Vomiting
Vomiting is another prominent symptom of acidity. People with acidity always have a nauseous feeling and tend to vomit. It is largely due to improper digestion of food and regurgitation of stomach acids into the esophagus.
Coughing
Coughing causes the stomach acids to regurgitate into the esophagus, which results in excessive coughing.
Turning Down Food
Generally, people with acidity do not feel like eating anything because of fear of burning feeling in their chest. This is one of the reasons they turn down food.
Heartburn
Prolonged heartburn is one of the major symptoms of acidity. Acids from stomach regurgitate back into the esophagus and food pipe causing severe and prolonged heartburn.
Chest and Stomach Pain
Again, because of regurgitation of acids and improper digestion of food, people with acidity can experience mild and continuous chest and stomach pains.
Gas Formation
Presence of several acids, foods, and other materials in the stomach and result in formation of gas, which again is very problematic for people with acidity.
Inflammation in Chest
Repeated cough and regurgitation of acid can cause inflammation in the chest, which can prove to be quite painful, if not treated in time.
Gastroesophageal Reflux
It is one of the major reasons and symptoms of acidity. Reflux of gastric acids into the esophagus and food pipe result in acidity.
Ulcers in Esophagus :
Repeated regurgitation of stomach acids into the esophagus can lead to ulcers in the esophageal cavity, leading to pain and inflammation.
Difficulty Swallowing Foods
People with acidity often face difficulty in swallowing food. It is because of the pain and inflammation in the esophageal region due to regurgitation of stomach acids.
Other Symptoms
Some other symptoms of acidity can include:
- Wheezing
- Coarseness in the throat
- Bitter taste in the mouth
- Dry coughing
- Interrupted sleep
- Tightness in throat
- Halitosis or bad breath
Causes of Acidity
One of the major causes of acidity is malfunctioning of a band of muscle tissue called LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter). It is a complex area of smooth muscles that is responsible for the opening and closing of the lower end of the esophagus while eating and swallowing. LES generally prevents the contents of stomach to regurgitate into the esophagus and beyond. However, due to many reasons, this muscle can get weak and lose its contraction control. In such a case, the sphincter fails to close up and cannot maintain the pressure barrier between stomach and esophagus. As a result, acid and pepsin from the stomach regurgitate and cause acidity.
In addition to the above, some foods and practices can trigger the feeling of heartburn. These include
Rich, Oily, Spicy Foods
Foods that are rich in fats, oils, and spices can cause acidity.
Excessive Intake of Alcohol
Excessive intake of alcohol can increase the concentration of acids in the stomach and result in acidity.
Smoking
Smoking frequently has been associated with acidity.
Staying Empty Stomach
Staying empty stomach for long time can result in acidity, as acids start to regurgitate into the esophagus in absence of food.
Skipping Breakfast
People who skip their breakfast have been found to suffer more from acidity. It is because they spend quite a lot of time without any food in their stomach.
Intake of Caffeine
Excessive intake of caffeine has also been associated with acidity. Caffeine, if taken in high amounts, results in production and concentration of acids in the stomach, which leads to acidity.
Obesity
Obesity is one of the factors that can contribute to acidity. In general, obese people have been found to have acidity.
Bad Eating Habits
Eating junk foods frequently leads to burning sensation in stomach and chest area.
Stress :
Stress is one of the factors that can lead to acidity. It causes the body to release more acids into the stomach, which results in acidity.
Certain Medications
Some antidepressants, sedatives, and NSAIDs can lead to increase of acids in stomach, thereby leading to acidity.
Pregnancy
Elevated hormone levels during pregnancy can also result in acidity. However, this condition ceases to exist after deliver, in most of the cases.
Eating Large Meals
Eating large meals often leads to acidity. Larger meals cause stomach to release more acids to digest the food, which, in turn, regurgitates into the esophagus, resulting in acidity.
Aerated Beverages
Drinking lots of aerated (carbonated) beverages on a regular basis can result in acidity.
Non-vegetarian Diets
Generally, non-vegetarian foods are spicy in nature and can result in over-production of acids in the stomach, leading to acidity.
Home Remedies for Acidity
Potato Broth
Having potato broth on a regular basis for prolonged periods can give permanent relief from acidity.
Jaggery
Keep a small piece of jaggery in your mouth after every meal. Let it dissolve on its own. It would keep the acidic feeling down.
Aniseed (Saunf)
Boil a cup of water with 1 teaspoon of aniseed in to it. Cover the mixture and leave it overnight. Add a teaspoonful of honey after straining the water in the morning. Consume it regularly at least thrice a day for benefits.
Caraway Seeds (Shah Jeera)
Add a teaspoonful of caraway seeds to one and a half liter of water. Boil it and simmer for nearly 20 minutes. Sip warm at least two to three times a day on a regular basis. It will give relief from acidity.
Clove and Cardamom
Powder one clove and one cardamom and use it as a mouth freshener after every meal. It will provide relief from acidity and bad breath.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Tke apple cider vinegar just before or with meals. One tablespoon mixed with water will work best. Make sure you use organic variety with enzymes in it. Once it reaches the internal organ, it can end acerbic automatic right away.
Fruits, Etc.
Fruits like bananas, apples, figs, pineapple, papaya along with carrots and cabbage can prove to be beneficial in acidity. In addition to this, cinnamon, cardamom, mace, nutmeg, and slippery elm are a few herbs and spices that also help reduce the effects of acidity.
Gum
Chewing gum is another quick remedy for acid reflux. It increases saliva output which acts as a natural antacid.
Pineapple Plant
Fresh pineapple plant contains enzymes to crash proteins and modify chemical change and halt tart pathology of acidity.
Chamomile
Consume chamomile tea on a regular basis for two to three times a day to get relief from acidity.
Teas
Anise, lilac tea and mint tea reduce the amount of sulfurous in the stomach and provide relief from acidity. Alternatively, anise oil can also be used in tea to reduce sulfurous reflexive.
Mentha Piperita
Chewing mentha piperita can provide relief from heartburn, cramps, bloating and chemical action.
Washing Soda
Add half a teaspoon of washing soda to a cup of marine. The remedy can provide relief from caustic reflux and assist in belching of acidic gases.
Yogurt
Consumption of yogurt on a regular basis will keep down the symptoms of acid reflux and acidity.
Apple
An apple a day can keep sharp reflux away.
Baking Soda
Dissolve a spoonful in a glass of water, stir and drink it before it stops fizzing. It will give instant relief from acidity. Make sure you buy it from an organic or natural food store.
Aloe Vera Juice
Drinking 1 ounce of the aloe vera juice mixed in 2 ounces of water everyday on a regular basis to get relief from symptoms of acid reflux.
Licorice Root
Licorice helps coat the stomach with a protective gel. Have it tea or tincture form.
Diet and Precautions for Acidity
Change Your Diet and Dietary Habits :
Processed foods and sugars guarantee acid reflux as they create an imbalance in the stomach and intestinal tract. To avoid imbalance, eat fresh organic fruits and vegetables. An apple on a regular basis can help a great deal in this case. In addition to this, eating lots of fresh salad can do wonders. Also, taking a good probiotics supplement can help balance the bowel with good bacteria. Fix your timings for eating and try not to deviate. Get help from your dietician.
Digestive Enzymes
All cooked foods lack natural digestive enzymes. Therefore, it is suggested to cook food minimally, as only living and raw foods are high in nutrient values and the enzyme levels are crucial to combat acid reflux.
Vitamin D
Increase consumption of vitamin D. Increasing vitamin D levels will optimize production of 200 antimicrobial peptides that aid in eradicating any infection in the esophagus. It can be developed automatically in body by exposing it (body) to sun. If this is not possible, eat foods high in vitamin D or take vitamin D supplements.
Change Your Diet and Dietary Habits
Processed foods and sugars guarantee acid reflux as they create an imbalance in the stomach and intestinal tract. To avoid imbalance, eat fresh organic fruits and vegetables. An apple on a regular basis can help a great deal in this case. In addition to this, eating lots of fresh salad can do wonders. Also, taking a good probiotics supplement can help balance the bowel with good bacteria. Fix your timings for eating and try not to deviate. Get help from your dietician.
- Prefer carbohydrate-rich food, like rice, potato, etc. These foods get digested easily and do not promote formation of acids.
- Try to eat dinner two to three hours before sleeping time. It gives time to the body to digest the food properly, and prevents acid reflux.
- Distribute your food into smaller, multiple meals. It enables quick digestion, thereby preventing acid reflux.
Preventive Measures for Acidity
Balance HCL Levels :
Increasing body's natural production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach can help to prevent acid reflux symptoms. To do so, get rid of cheap table salt and replace it with high-quality sea salt (or un-processed salt).
Raw Foods
Eat a diet containing 50% raw foods. Raw foods maintain the acid/alkaline balance within the body and are rich in nutrients. Prefer eating apples, avocados, bananas, bilberries, blackberries, grapefruit, grapes, pears, pineapples, strawberries, and all vegetables.
Eat Slowly
Make sure you chew your food slowly and do not overindulge. Also make sure that the food is mixed well with saliva to form a liquid consistency before swallowing. Do not drink fluids during meals.
Follow Dietary Schedule
Design a dietary schedule and stick to eat. Also avoid eating late at night; this makes the body work more on digestion and less on restoration.
- Avoid eating fried and junk foods. These trigger acidity.
- Avoid excessive consumption of chocolates as it can lead to acidity.
- Avoid onions, citrus fruits and spicy foods, as they can worsen the acid reflux.
- Maintaining right body weight and posture can be keep acid reflux in control.
- Avoid eating protein-rich and calcium-rich foods at night.
- Do not consume alcohol and caffeine in excessive amounts to keep acidity at bay. Rather, try to quit alcohol, smoking, and caffeine as soon as possible to get relief from acidity.
- Keep a log of foods that your trigger acid reflux; it becomes easier to avoid them.
- Avoid animal protein like beef and pork, as they can lead to acidity.
- Avoid beans, cereals, crackers, eggs, flour products, grains, oily foods, macaroni, and sugar. Fruits like plums, prunes, and cranberries do not oxidize and remain acidic in nature.
- Check your urine pH on a regular basis using pH paper.
Other Treatment Methods for Acidity
Frequent Exercise
Exercising on a regular basis improves body's immune system and streamlines every bodily system. Also, make it a habit to walk after meals. Increasing the amount of cardio exercises can also help in getting rid of acidity and improve overall health.
Medicines
In conjunction with your physician, you can opt for either prescription or over-the-counter antacids. Generally, antacids are available in liquid and tablet form. Where liquid form is able to give an instant relief, tablets/capsules take a little time, but give steady and sustained relief from acidity.