Acidity is a common but excruciating condition. We often hear people saying they have acidity problems due to which they cannot eat anything they want. Sometimes even a water change gives them acid reflux. Thus, it is essential to understand what acidity is and how we can effectively treat it at home.
Table of contents -
Summary
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Acidity?
Acidity, also known as Acid Reflux, heartburn, or acid indigestion, is a feeling of burning sensation below the chest area.
The food we eat goes into the stomach, passing through the oesophagus. The oesophagus is a hollow muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. It is located behind the airpipe.
In general, when food passes through the oesophagus, the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES) closes soon. However, when LES does not close more quickly or gets open more often, acid produced by the stomach comes up to the oesophagus. This opening of the valve leads to the discomfort of burning chest or heartburn.
If acid reflux happens more than twice in a week, it indicates the presence of Acid Reflux diseases, called Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases (GERD)
What are the Causes of Acidity?
Acidity is caused due to stomach abnormality called a Hiatal hernia - a condition where the top of your stomach bulges through an opening in your diaphragm.
Other factors that cause acidity include:
Unhealthy Eating Habits
Unhealthy eating habits are one of the major causes of the occurrence of acidity. Skipping of meals or eating at irregular intervals leads to indigestion which also creates acidity. According to experts, fatty foods takes a longer time to digest, which leads to acid reflux. Additionally, if anyone has a low intake of dietary fibre, he may experience acidity.
2. Overeating
An excess of anything is harmful to health. Therefore, overeating or excess consumption of any food, including tea, coffee, carbonated drinks or fatty foods, can create acidity.
Apart from the points mentioned above, certain medicines also lead to acidity as their temporary side-effects. These medicines can be anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, medicines for high blood pressure, etc.
People who suffer from medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and connective tissue disorder are more prone to acidity. It is also a common problem in women who are obese, pregnant or nearing menopause.
What are the Symptoms of Acidity?
The symptoms of acidity differ from person to person; however, they are pretty similar to gastric problems. The most common symptom of acidity is the burning sensation below the chest; however, some other uncommon acidity symptoms come in front sometimes.
The other common symptoms of acidity are the following:
Heartburn - Burning sensation and pain in stomach and throat.
Regurgitation - sour, bitter-tasting acid coming back to your throat or mouth.
Bloating - Belly feels swollen after eating heavy meals. It causes pain and discomfort.
Burping - an act of expelling excess air from the stomach through the mouth. It is majorly caused by eating or drinking too quickly. And also by consuming carbonated drinks.
Hiccups - involuntary contractions of the diaphragm.
Constipation, indigestion, heaviness.
It is recommended to consult a doctor if you see that symptoms of acidity are persistent and not getting relieved even after following medications.
What is the treatment available for Acidity?
The treatment for Acidity depends upon the level of its severity. If your healthcare provider observes more complicated symptoms of acidity in you, then he may prescribe proton pump inhibitors. And in extremely severe conditions, Vagatomy surgery is recommended.
In general, doctors prescribe antacids that contain aluminium, magnesium or calcium. At the same time, a healthy lifestyle is taken as the best treatment for acidity.
Effective Home Remedies for Acidity
If acidity is not severe, one can go for easy and effective home remedies for acidity. These home remedies are tried and tested for ages. These remedies do not lead to any side effects and are safe for young children as well.
Some of the helpful home remedies for acid reflux are listed below:
Coconut water - Coconut water has potassium, a helpful electrolyte that promotes pH balance in the body, controlling acid reflux.
Watermelon juice - Watermelons are high in antioxidants and fibre. It helps in preventing acid reflux by maintaining mucous membrane. Furthermore, the cooling effect of this fruit helps to maintain the hydration level of the body as well as the pH level. Thus, a glass of watermelon juice after breakfast can help to control acidity problems.
Buttermilk - The lactic acid present in buttermilk is responsible for the easy digestion of food. Moreover, it controls acid reflux. Therefore, a glass of plain buttermilk mixed with a pinch of salt can render a quick relief from acidity.
Banana - Banana is an alkaline fruit that contains a high level of potassium. A ripe banana helps coat the stomach lining to prevent acid reflux and other stomach discomforts.
2 litres of water in a day, at least - Water is a natural treatment for acidity. Water neutralizes acid and washes it off from the oesophagus. Water brings a huge relief from acidity. Therefore, one should drink at least 2 litres of water a day to keep acidity at bay.
Acidity can also be well-managed by some healthy changes in lifestyle.
Consume healthy and nutritionally balanced food.
Avoid eating oily and spicy food.
Eat food at the proper intervals.
Follow a low-carb diet.
Cut down smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol.
Keep your mind and body active and stress-free.
Exercise regularly to manage your weight.
Summary
Acidity is one of the common health problems, but one can easily control its occurrence by adopting a healthy lifestyle and following home remedies. However, when the symptoms of acidity become severe, it is good to consult with the doctor to prevent any severe damage to the oesophagus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to cure acidity naturally?
Answer - The best way to cure acidity naturally is to follow a healthy lifestyle regularly. Home remedies can provide a good solution to acidity problems, but drinking plenty of fresh water, a healthy lifestyle, and a night of good sleep is recommended to cure acidity permanently.
2. How acidity occurs?
Answer - Acidity happens when acid produced by our stomach to digest food comes up to the oesophagus. And also when there is an excess secretion of acids in the gastric glands of the stomach.
3. Is acidity dangerous to health?
Answer - Occasional acid reflux is not associated with serious health complications, but when frequent acid reflux is left untreated, it may lead to ulcers, oesophagitis, and other health problems. Although, the death rate caused by acid reflux is meagre.
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