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Last Updated: Dec 16, 2023
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Home Remedies for Acidity and Gas Problem

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Dr. Aslam JavedAyurvedic Doctor • 35 Years Exp.BUMS
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Can you imagine walking down your city’s busy local market and not getting tempted by the overpowering smell of species and delicious looking deep fried street food! A bite can give you ultimate satisfaction but can you stop at one? When you gorge mindlessly on food items,  you might have experienced acidity or gas problems. 

Eating your favorite food can be a guilty pleasure but how to counter its not so pleasant after effects, will be taught to you in this article. Read more to learn about some home remedies to treat your acidity and gas problem.

How Does Acidity Occur?

Acidity is a term used to describe a combination of symptoms, such as heartburn, indigestion, and inflammation, that occur when the stomach glands secrete more digestive fluid than usual, also known as gastric juice or stomach acid, to complete the digestion process. Acidity and a burning sensation are the results of this.

Hydrochloric acid (HCl), sodium chloride (NaCl), and potassium chloride (KCl) make up the majority of the gastric juice. The strongest of these acids, hydrochloric acid, is crucial in the breakdown of food molecules and also effectively eliminates pathogens that come with the food.

Main Causes of Acidity

Acidity can be caused by a variety of factors, including irregular eating patterns, bad eating habits, fad diets, stress, alcohol and tobacco use, excessive consumption of carbonated beverages, coffee, and tea, and a lack of exercise. Eating stale, greasy, or spicy food might also contribute to this. In addition to foods, medications like ibuprofen and aspirin also contribute to acidity.

Natural Home Remedies for Heartburn, Acid Reflux and Gas Problems

Here are some excellent proven ways to alleviate acidity. Have a look:

Coconut Water

Tender coconut water provides beneficial electrolytes that maintains the body's pH balance and instantly reduces acidity. Drinking a glass of coconut water not just keeps your body hydrated, but it also contributes to stomach gas and bloating.

Amla

One of the best all-natural treatments for heartburn and indigestion is amla. It is abundant in anti-inflammatory substances, which lessen stomach pain, soreness, and swelling. Amla is renowned for reducing Pitta (Heat) in our bodies and relieving burning symptoms. 

The best way to include this in your diet can be by eating delicious amla ka murabba, adding it to your vegetable juice, munching on sun-dried amla or amla candy.

Ginger

Ginger is another top-notch natural treatment for acidity and gas and is widely used in every Indian household. Ginger works best to reduce any swelling hence it also decreases the chances of the stomach contents to flow back to the chest cavity. As a result, acidic juices don't enter the food pipe. 

Tulsi (Basil) 

Tulsi (basil), which is a common household item, is packed with powerful anti-gas chemicals that can instantly reduce gas. It also contains anti-ulcer characteristics that can help lessen the stomach's acidity. You can chew on its leaves or brew a cup of basil tea by boiling a few leaves in water.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is well known for its digestive properties. This flavorful herb not only accelerates digestive enzymes, but also facilitates a quicker breakdown of the food and soothes the problem of excessive gas. It also lowers the possibility of developing ulcers. 

You can get all its benefits by simply adding this magical bark in your diet. You can brew a cup of tea that can be spiced up with cinnamon or a hot cup of water flavored with honey and cinnamon powder.

Papaya

Papaya is utilized as a natural cure to treat symptoms including gas, bloating, and constipation as well as heartburn and improve digestion. The enzymes in papaya may easily break down complex proteins. Ripe papaya can be eaten for breakfast or as a savory after-dinner treat.

Jeera water

The powerful acid-neutralizing properties of cumin seeds help digestion, and they also quickly reduce gas, belching, and burps. Sometimes, chewing on a handful of seeds can be really effective. To avoid the overpowering flavor, you might instead pour yourself a glass of jeera water.

Fennel seed

This antispasmodic herb is known to treat indigestion as well as soothe other gastrointestinal problems like bloating and flatulence.

You can chew fennel seed after every meal as a mouth freshener that will also help you with digestion and bloating or  can also make a drink by boiling  1/2 teaspoon of crushed fennel seed in water for 10 minutes. Drink fennel tea whenever you experience indigestion or gas problems.

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

Sodium bicarbonate is often used in baking and is safe to consume. If you have indigestion, bloating, or gas, baking soda can promptly relieve the symptoms by neutralizing stomach acid. Pour 4 ounces of warm water and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda into a cup to use as a cure. You can also add some drops of lemon juice to make it more effective.

Conclusion

Acidity and gas can negate one’s quality of life and should be managed by avoiding refined, deep fried and spicy foods. If your problem persists for a long time you should consult a doctor as it could be a cause of an underlying illness like ulcer, or other gastrointestinal problem. 

Also, one should eat smaller, more frequent meals with proper chewing to help reduce symptoms of acidity and gas as larger meals seem to make the condition worse.  

Additionally, always be mindful while employing home remedies like eating papaya, and drinking baking soda as it may do more harm than good if taken in large quantities.  

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult a specialist & get answers to your questions!
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