What is Acidity?
The human stomach contains gastric glands which are responsible for the proper digestion of food in it. Gastric glands achieve the digestion by secreting various acids, the chief of which is the hydrochloric acid. These acids are aided by various enzymes of the stomach in bringing about digestion. The level of acids in the human stomach is generally controlled; but for some reason if the level of acids increases beyond the normal levels, then the condition is known as acidity.
Hence, acidity is the condition in which there is an excess secretion of acid within the stomach. Other names for acidity are hyperacidity or acid dyspepsia.
Why is Acidity caused?
The stomach is equipped with these acids in order to be able to digest the food. The acids are released when foods enter the stomach. However some foods are difficult to digest than the others. For such foods, the stomach needs to secrete more acids. Continuous secretions of such acids could lead to acidity in the stomach.
This excessive production of acids could be made higher due to various factors. Ulcers in the stomach are one of the commonest causes in increasing acid production.
People with stomach cancers will also have acidity problems as one of the symptoms. For this reason, acidity should not be ignored if it lasts for a long period of time, or if the person is older.
There is a condition known as the acid-reflux complex, due to which the stomach acids are refluxed back to the food pipe. When this happens, a prominent sour taste is felt in the mouth, and a belch might occur.
What are the Symptoms of Acidity?
When a person has acidity in the stomach, there can be a vast difference in the kinds of symptoms observed. For some people it may be a simple bellyache, but for others, it could lead to days of restlessness with continuous cramps in the stomach. In fact restlessness is the most common symptom of acidity, followed by nausea and vomiting. There is a sour taste felt in the mouth, which is due to the excess deposition of the acids. Sometimes there are sour belches and passing off wind. Other digestive problems like constipation and indigestion will also occur. In some cases, stiffness is felt in the stomach.
How can Acidity be avoided?
A proper dietary pattern is the best thing in order to avoid acidity. The following tips must be followed:-
- Avoid foods that are rich in oils and fats. These foods are difficult to digest, so they may make the stomach release more acids.
- The diet should contain a proper blend of all the tastes. Spicy foods must be just one dish rather than the whole meal.
- Fibers are necessary in the diet as they help in the digestion.
- Red meats must be eaten only occasionally, if at all.
- After a meal, the body must be given some sort of exercise. This could be as simple as going for a stroll.
- Too much addiction to strong foods such as tea and coffee may cause acidity. This is also true for other addictions such as smoking and alcohol.
- Do not consume sour foods as they already have acidic contents. Acidic foods to avoid are pickles, curds, tamarinds, vinegar, etc.
How can Acidity be controlled with Simple Home Remedies?
There are several simple household tips to keep acidity under control. The following are some of them:-
- Eat two plantains early in the morning and down them with a glass of milk.
- Taking two tablespoonfuls of Isabgol (psyllium seed husks) in milk after every meal is beneficial for elimination of acidity.
- Squeeze the juice of a whole orange and mix it with roasted cumin seeds. Add some rock salt to flavor it. This solution gives immediate relief from acidity.
- Eat equal portions of ginger and coriander. This pacifies the digestive fire.
- Mix equal amounts of ginger extract and mint extract. Having this two to four times a day provides relief.
- Alternatively, the extract of a ginger can be mixed with equal amount of honey. This is to be put on the tongue every dawn and dusk.
- Two teaspoonfuls of powder of amla (Indian gooseberry) taken twice a day is also helpful.
- If the acidity continues for a long time, then try adhering to a milk diet. Milk may initially be troublesome to the digestive system, but the indigestible curds it would form in the body would generally be vomited out.
- Mixing two teaspoonfuls of ghee in a glassful of milk and taking this once a day acts as a laxative, which would flush out the excess toxins from the body.
- Coconut water is good for reducing acidity in the stomach.
- If using rice, make sure it is at least two years old. Wheat flour can also be beneficially used to reduce acidity.
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