ACIDITY

Ayurvedic Medicines for Acidity

WHAT YOU MEAN BY ACIDITY?

Acidity is a term used for a set of symptoms caused by excess production of acid by the stomach’s gastric gland. Normally, the stomach secretes Hcl which is necessary for the breakdown and digestion of food. Acidity affects both men and women of all ages and communities and the medical term for this condition is called hyperchlorhydria. 

Acidity is often used to describe a condition known as Acid Reflux. Under normal conditions, the valve present at the end of our food pipe (esophagus) closes after the food reaches the stomach. However, this valve does not close during acid reflux, resulting in the acid back flow from the stomach to the food pipe.

As per the Montreal definition, gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition of troublesome symptoms and complications caused by the reflux of stomach’s content into the esophagus. 

Normally, the food we eat passes down the esophagus into the stomach. The gastric glands in the stomach create acid which is necessary to digest the food and to kill germs.

In case of acidity the gastric glands produce large amounts of acid more than what is needed for digestion. It causes a burning sensation just above the stomach or right below the breast bone (the hollow part).

CAUSES

Acidity is very common due to heavy consumption of oily and spicy foods. Usually acidity occurs due to unhealthy eating habits, due to certain food consumed in excess, as a side effect of certain medications or existing medical conditions and also occurs due to stress, lack of sleep, etc.

CLINICAL FEATURES

In acidity, the person might experience burning in the throat, chest and stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, sour belching, vomiting, indigestion, etc. If it is left untreated, it may lead to complications such as gastric ulcers, GERD, duodenitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), peptic strictures, etc.

ACIDITY MANAGEMENT

One can get rid of acid reflux by

• Eating sparingly and slowly, 
• Avoiding carbonated beverages and certain foods, 
• Sleeping in an inclined position,
• Losing weight (if advised).

Managing acidity at home involves dietary changes, lifestyle modifications and natural remedies using commonly available ingredients will be helpful. Identifying the foods that trigger acidity and eliminating them from the diet or reducing its intake is the first step to relieve acidity naturally.

Ayurvedic Herbs Helps In Treating Acidity

•     Tulsi (Ocimun sanctum) – It has carminative and anti-ulcer properties which stimulates the digestive system and increases the secretion of mucus.
•     Inji (Ginger / Zingiber officinale) – it is anti-inflammatory which improves mucus production and works as a digestive aid.
•     Pudina (Mint Leaves / Mentha spicata) – natural coolant and carminative, pacify the acid secretion in stomach and soothe abdominal cramps, acidity, flatulence and works as digestive aid.
•     Jeeragam (Cumin Seeds / Cuminum cyminum) – it has antioxidant and antibacterial properties which is helpful in treating all types of digestive issues.
•     Athimathuram (Licorice / Glycyrrhiza glabra) – increases the mucous coating and helps to resist the irritating effects of the stomach.
•     Indian Gooseberry (Nelli kai / Phyllanthus emblica) – helpful for elevated pitham which is responsible for acidity, and also reduces heart burn severity.
•     Cardamom (Elaichi / Elettaria cardamomum) stimulates digestion, preventing excess acid reflux.  Just crush pods of cardamom with boiling water  and drink for quick action.                  

A variety of treatments are available for acidity. Even though lifestyle modifications play an important role such as eating a healthful diet, exercising and sleeping in an elevated position may be helpful to relieve acidity.