Acidity: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, Treatment, and Home remedies of acidity.

 

Acidity

Acidity:

When we eat food, a kind of digestive juice is secreted from our stomach for digestion. This digestive juice is basically hydrochloric acid which helps to break down food and protects our body from harmful bacteria. It is not only the acid that is excreted by eating food. The acid secretion increases at a specific time when food is eaten every day, due to the smell of delicious food, food vision, etc. This excess acid subsequently refluxes into the esophagus and cause acidity problem like heartburn. The lining inside the stomach is very hard and protects from hydrochloric acid. But the lining inside the esophagus is relatively soft and cannot resist the corrosive properties of hydrochloric acid. And if the mucous layer of the stomach is damaged, it can cause ulcers if it comes in contact with the muscular layer inside the stomach.

Symptoms of acidity:

• Heartburn occurs and the condition worsens when lying down or leaning forward. This condition may last for several hours. Conditions may worsen after eating food.
• Acid reflux can cause neck and throat pain.
• There may be a lot of belching, and then there is a sour taste in the mouth.
• Many people feel nauseous, many even vomit.
• Loss of appetite.
• In some cases, back pain may occur.
• Feeling full after eating a little.
• There may be a feeling of fullness or bloating.
• May cause persistent dry cough.
• There may be a rumbling sound in the chest.
• There may be a throat problem, such as a sore throat.
• There may be a pain in the throat for a long time.
• There may be difficulty swallowing food, as well as pain.
• Chest pain with upper abdominal pain.
• Acid reflux can cause damage to tooth enamel.
• May cause bad breath.
• There may be blood in the stool; Stools may be darker (black) in color than usual.
• There may be constant hiccups.
• Weight loss will be followed by fatigue and constant tiredness.

Causes of acidity:

• Dysfunction of the valves of the stomach or esophagus.
• Changing in eating habits such as being on an empty stomach, not to eat on time, eating late at night, falling asleep early after eating.
• Eating excessive oily, fried, spicy foods, very hot or cold foods.
• Taking too much tea, coffee, or soft drinks.
• Insufficient sleep, or waking up at night.
• Stress or depression.
• Taking painkillers every day or for a long time.
• Drinking, smoking, or taking any kinds of narcotics.

Prevention of acidity:

• You need to take food at the right time to stay away from the problems of acidity.
• You can't fill your stomach when eating.
• An adequate amount of pure drinking water should be drunk.
• Excessive sugar foods should be avoided.
• Always eat fresh food.
• It is better not to eat frozen food as much as possible.
• Exercise regularly to keep the body free from toxins.
• Get enough sleep and stay stress-free.
• Eat dinner at least 2 hours before bedtime.
• It is not advisable to lie down after eating, make it a habit to walk a little.
• Excess weight needs to be reduced.
• You have to refrain from smoking and drugs.
• Food made in an unclean environment and outside food should be removed from your food list.
• Excess oil and spicy foods should not be eaten.
• Do not drink water immediately after eating oily food, drink water at least 30 minutes later.
• Heavy foods such as meat, biryani, Chinese should be included in the morning or lunch menu without eating at night.
• Stale, rotten food cannot be eaten.
• Fiber-rich foods that act as laxatives and block gas production should be eaten regularly.

Treatment of acidity:

Treatment of acidity is not a complicated procedure. Very few cases require surgery. Changes in eating habits and lifestyle are the main treatment. If there is any damage to the esophagus, it should be treated.

Prescription:

Antacids:

Easily available at drug stores. These drugs are very effective in creating excess acid in the stomach and stopping the acid reflux.

Acid suppressants:

There are two main types of drugs used to reduce stomach acid production: (a) Proton pump inhibitors (b) Histamine 2 receptor antagonists. These drugs repair damage to the lining of the esophagus and reduce excessive acid production.

Prokinetic agents:

These drugs push all the food particles down through the esophagus and stomach. This reduces the chances of acid reflux.

Oral protective agents:

These drugs form a protective layer on the lining of the esophagus. This results in acid reflux but no irritation is felt inside the esophagus.

Surgical treatment:

The symptoms do not subside even after taking the medicine for a long time. Sometimes long-term use of the drug can lead to unwanted side effects. If someone does not agree to take the medicine for a long time, surgery may be an alternative treatment. The size and pressure of the sphincter (a valve in the esophagus) can be adjusted surgically. It reduces acid reflux. For those who have difficulty swallowing food, surgery may be considered an option.

Lifestyle changes:

• In addition to changing eating habits, lifestyle changes can be considered to properly control acidity.
• Take medicines (anti-acid) like time (at least 30-60 minutes before meals). This will stop the formation of excessive acid in the stomach before eating.
• Avoid chewing gum and peppermint-scented medicine.
• Go to bed at least 2 hours after meals.
• Eat an evening meal at least 2-3 hours before going to bed.
• Do not eat or drink uncontrollably.
• Eat small meals more often. Don't eat too much at once. This will reduce the number of acid reflux.
• When sleeping, lift the pillow under the head so that it is level with the feet. Acid reflux is low in this position.
• Do at least 30 minutes of any kind of exercise throughout the day, such as walking, jogging, yoga, aerobics, swimming, etc. This will reduce acidity.

Home Remedies for Acidity:

There are some home remedies that will help to get rid of acidity very easily. These home remedies are discussed below:

Holy basil:

Basil leaves multiplied by thousands. It plays one of the most important home remedies for acidity. If you chew 5-6 basil leaves, you will see that the acidity has decreased. Even blending basil leaves every day with water will reduce the tendency of acidity.

Cumin:

Researchers say that if you have indigestion, you can try cumin water or cumin tea, you will get benefits. The oil content of cumin helps in relieving indigestion and flatulence.

Cinnamon:

It is very good for digestion. It is called a natural antacid which removes stomach gas. Boil half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of water and eat it 2/3 times a day. You can also eat it with soup/salad if you want. In addition, there is no alternative to fix any intestinal infection and give some relief.

Jaggery:

Eating a little jaggery at the end of the meal contains high levels of magnesium which helps in digestion by reducing excess acidity in the stomach and keeps the stomach cool.

Ginger:

Ginger is a herbal ingredient that helps us a lot. Eating a small piece of ginger half an hour before each meal will cure acidity problems. But you may not always have ginger on hand, in which case you can cut the ginger thin and dry it in the sun. Then you can easily carry it in a small bottle in your pocket or in a vanity bag.

Cold milk:

Milk also helps to reduce acidity. Because milk contains a lot of calcium, which helps to reduce stomach acid. Leaving a glass of milk in the fridge at night and drinking it on an empty stomach the next morning can keep you free from acidity throughout the day. However, if someone's stomach is hypersensitive to milk, it is better not to feed them.

Clove:

Cloves have been used for many years to treat indigestion. Clove prevents acid-forming in the stomach. It works well for acidity problems. If you chew two cloves in your mouth, its juice will help to eliminate your acidity.

Apple Cider Vinegar:

Its alkaline effect helps to alleviate the problem of stomach acidity. You can mix 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and eat it once or twice a day before meals.

Hot water, lemon, and salt mixer:

If you have a problem with hyperacidity or heartburn then try to mix one or one and a half teaspoons of lemon juice and a little salt in a cup of hot water. Within a short time, the burning sensation in the chest will decrease. Remember, you must take light hot water, not cold water.

Yogurt:

Yogurt contains a variety of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Acidophilus, and Bifidus. All these beneficial bacteria help in the fast digestion of food as well as destroy bad bacteria. So, eating yogurt improves digestion, reduces acidity. This is why eating yogurt after a meal is quite effective.

Cucumber:

Cucumber is a very effective food to keep the stomach cool. Chewing raw cucumber plays a role in digestion. This is because it contains flavonoids and anti-inflammatory ingredients that reduce flatulence. Moreover, it contains a lot of silica and vitamin C. For those who want to lose weight, cucumber is an ideal tonic. Moreover, regular consumption of cucumber eliminates long-term constipation.

Papaya:

Papaya contains an enzyme called papain which increases digestion. So, if you eat papaya regularly, the problem of acidity will be reduced.

Pineapple:

Pineapple contains 85 percent water and a natural digestive enzyme called bromelain which is a highly effective digestive juice. It keeps the digestive system clean. Moreover, pineapple is also beneficial for the skin.

Yellow:

Turmeric is very effective in solving all kinds of digestive problems. It plays a role in the digestion of fatty foods. Moreover, turmeric contains anti-inflammatory ingredients, which reduce inflammation.

Banana:

People who eat too much salt may have acidity and digestion problems. The potassium in bananas maintains the balance of sodium and potassium in the body. Banana helps in digestion. Removes toxins from the body.

Water:

Everyone knows the benefits of drinking water. Drink two glasses of water on an empty stomach every morning, you will see that you will not have to suffer from acidity problem all day long. Because water is a very effective ingredient to increase digestive power. Moreover, water also works to keep the digestive system clean.