We all have been there, with hands on our stomachs, walking from one corner to another, struggling with acidity. The pain is an inconvenience, let alone the embarrassment and discomfort that affect your mood and the scheduled tasks for the day. So, what do you do when you struggle with acidity? Well, if your answer is ‘Nothing’ because you genuinely don’t know what to do, this blog post is just for you. Keep reading to know the helpful tips that can provide you relief from acidity.
Acid reflux, commonly known as acidity is an uncomfortable condition in which bile or stomach acids travel back into the digestive system and cause a burning pain or discomfort in the chest, upper abdomen, or throat, usually after eating.
Several factors may contribute to the development of acidity, including poor eating habits, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol use. Pregnancy, stress, and some drugs may occasionally raise the chance of becoming acidic. Although each person experiences acidity differently, the most typical symptoms include:
- Flatulence or gas
- Indigestion
- Bad Breath
- A sensation of a lump in the throat
- Constipation
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Nausea or feeling of vomiting
- Heaviness in the stomach after eating
- Frequent burping
- Regurgitation of undigested food
Top remedies for acidity relief
Apple cider vinegar (ACV):
Due to its ability to relieve heartburn and help balance the pH level in the stomach, apple cider vinegar is a well-acknowledged natural cure for acidity. To avoid acidity, combine one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and consume it before meals.
Baking soda:
Sodium bicarbonate, sometimes known as baking soda, is a naturally occurring antacid that can neutralise stomach acid and offer immediate relief from heartburn. Whenever you feel signs of acidity, mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water and drink it.
Aloe vera:
An all-natural anti-inflammatory, aloe vera works wonders to ease oesophagal irritation and relieve acidity symptoms. Before meals, sip half a cup of aloe vera juice to aid digestion and avoid acidity.
Fennel or saunf:
One teaspoon of fennel powder, taken with a glass of warm water, can help promote digestion and calm some symptoms of acidity, including bloating and heartburn.
Cold milk
Cold milk can help provide instant relief from acid reflux by neutralising stomach acid. Drink a glass of low-fat or skim milk when you experience acidity symptoms for quick relief.
Ginger:
Traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger has a long history of use in Chinese medicine for controlling acidity by smoothening stomach issues and neutralising stomach acid. To relieve the symptoms of acidity, consume ginger tea or chew on a tiny piece of ginger.
Tea made from chamomile flowers:
Chamomile soothes the stomach and is a natural treatment for heartburn. A cup of chamomile tea before bed will help lower acidity at night and encourage peaceful sleep.
Bananas:
Known for their natural antacid properties, bananas can relieve symptoms of acidity by neutralising stomach acid. Additionally, they’re also rich in pectin (a soluble fibre) that helps keep food flowing smoothly through the digestive tract. Consuming a banana when it’s ripe can help offset stomach acid healthily and effectively.
Coconut water:
Unsweetened coconut water can be another excellent option for acid reflux. This beverage is an abundant source of helpful electrolytes, such as potassium. It supports pH balance within the body, which is essential for managing acid reflux.
Licorice root:
An ancient herbal medicine called licorice root may assist with heartburn. Preliminary studies suggest that licorice-containing herbal formulations can assist in relieving heartburn even more effectively than antacids.
Chewing gum:
Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which can relieve symptoms of acid reflux and help balance stomach acid. Saliva contains bicarbonate, which acts as a natural acid buffer.
Dietary changes:
Replace large meals with more frequent, smaller ones. Also, avoid lying down or going to bed immediately after eating
Mint leaves:
The high salicylic acid and vitamin A found in mint leaves (pudina) not only aid in digestion but also bring a cooling effect to your entire system.
Sleeping on your left side:
Multiple research studies have found that sleeping on your left side reduces reflux episodes. This position seems to be the lower oesophagal sphincter that lies above the level of stomach acid.
Closing thoughts
Consult your physician if you frequently suffer from heartburn or acid reflux. To avoid these symptoms, they might suggest lifestyle modifications. For instance, they can suggest that you stay active and engage in regular exercise, eat fewer meals, stand up straight after eating, or exclude particular foods from your diet. They can also urge you to give up smoking or reduce weight. If altering your lifestyle doesn’t completely resolve your symptoms of acidity and the symptoms severely interfere with your life, your doctor can suggest over-the-counter or prescription drugs.