Know About Acidity

Acidity is related to Heartburn and Gas formation in stomach. In acidity, acid reflux or Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), or more commonly known as 'Urdhvag Amalpitta' in ayurveda, there is a movement of gastric juices ( acid in nature) from the stomach into the lower part of esophagus. Ayurveda considers it to be caused by the aggravation of Pitta dosha. When Kapha is associated with this aggravated Pitta, the Acid starts climbing the oesophagus. This is exactly the hyperacidity for most of us and is translated widely as- Heartburn, Acid Reflux, Acid Brash etc.

CAUSES :

• Excessive use of the oily and spicy foods
• Anxiety, depression and anger
• Irregular eating habits.
• Consumption of Maida products in large quantity.
• To use leafy vegetables in excess
• Sleeping just after taking meal.
• Drinking of excessive water
• Not to sleep in night, long working hours.
• Excessive intake of the caffeine and nicotine products.
• Constipation
• Carbonated drinks
• Foods which are rich in fats, such as chocolates cause acidity or acid reflux diseases.
• Excessive intake of alcohol, smoking, keeping stomach empty for long time, skipping breakfast causes acidity.
• Other causes of acidity or heartburn are pregnancy, aging, obesity, and bad eating habit, like eating junk foods.

SYMPTOMS :

• Pain in upper abdomen immediately following a large or spicy meal
• Nausea, vomiting, and loss of desire to eat which may persist for 1-2 days
• Heartburn or sour belching
• A sense of abdominal distension or 'bloating'
• Flatulence (burping, belching)
• Blood vomiting or blood in stool may occur in severe cases
• If gastritis persists there may be eventual development of anemia

 TREATMENT :

Home Remedies

• 1] For an instant relief from the high acid take tender coconut (Cocus nucifera) water. A dose of 100 to 500 ml should be taken twice/day. This is the best quick releiveing home remedy for the Heartburn alias Acid reflux.
• 2] Take the powder of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) in a dose of 3 to 6 g should be taken with100 to 250 ml water twice/day. Amalaki is one of the best pacifier for the Pitta as well as the Kapha Dosha and also a rich source of Vitamin C- to heal the bruised stomach and esophagous due to the high production of the Acid in stomach.
• 3] To get relief from the high reflux of the acid mix gruel of rice corn, raw sugar, and honey in equal quantity. A dose of 100 to 200 g should be taken twice/day. This will full the stomach and the mucoidal layer on will protect the Stomach and esophagus for longer times and will keep the heartburn and acid reflux, away.
• 4] Take powdere of Haritaki and Bhringraja (Eclipta alba) in equal quantity. A dose of 3 to 6 g should be taken with 12 g of jaggery and warm water twice/day- this will help you to get rid of the basic causes behind the Acid Reflux and Heartburn. Bhringraj is a herb of choice to get rid if the liver problems and all kind of digestive upsets.
• 5] Instead of Tea or Coffee prepare a decoction from the equal parts of stem of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), fruit of Neem, leaf of snakeguard, and Triphala. A dose of 14 to 28 ml should be taken twice/day. Take it only after cooling down to the room temperature. If you dont find the taste of above one, try this second option - prepare a decoction of equal parts of dried ginger, fruit of coriander, and leaf of snakeguard. A dose of 14 to 28 ml should be taken twice/day, keep in mind if you are mixing sugar- dont boil the sugar.
• 6] Drink coriander (Coriandrum sativum) and cumin (Cuminum cyminum) tea, it is nice when your Acid reflux or heartburn is caused by the indigestion or overloading of the stomach in a late night party.

DIET & LIFESTYLE :

What to eat and how much to eat is an important factor in controlling acidity. The following tips should be followed:

• The diet should consist of milk with sugar, and a little old rice.
• Other recommended substances are: barley, wheat, rice (at least one year old), cucumber, bitter gourd, green banana, pumpkin, pomegranate, and cow's milk.
• Eat dinner two to three hours before sleeping time as it keeps you healthy.
• Fibers are necessary in the diet as they help in the digestion.
• Take the balanced diet, don't shift to the totally bland spice-less foods.
• Eat small meals more often as it helps in digestion.