Acidity is more common that we would like to believe. If you look at the ads that talk about curing heart burn, indigestion and gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD), acidity could be more common than we would like to thin. Eating junk food, lack of sleep, drastic lifestyle changes and work related stress are the common reasons for our stomach undergoing turmoil because of acidity.
How does acidity take place:
The stomach secretes acid(HCL) that aids in the digestive process. This acid helps in breaking down food during the process of digestion. When there is excess production of acid in the stomach, it results in the problem called acidity. Normally, there are protective mechanisms against the acid in the stomach and the intestine, but an imbalance between the protective functionality of the body and the acid secretion can lead to acidity.
Symptoms of acidity:
Dyspepsia: A burning ache or sensation in the abdomen, that is characterized by a stabbing sensation moving through the gut. You can expect to get a feeling of fullness, bloating, flatulence or nausea.
Heartburn: This is a burning sensation in the stomach and chest(or either of them) caused by stomach acid that backs up the esophagus.
How can you prevent acidity:
1. Sleep well on time
2. Avoid citrus fruit and tomatoes because they are acidic in nature.
3. Avoid high fat foods because they are not digested easily and remain longer in the digestive system.
4. Food allergies: if you are allergic to certain foods, or groups of foods, you can be allergic. So, it is better to avoid such foods.
5. Reduce intake of alcohol and chocolate: Foods containing caffeine like tea or coffee should be avoided and so should be alcohol.
6. Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs(NSAIDs): These can cause acidity too. So, you should check with your doctor for an antacid along with the medicine.
7. Avoid drinking water between meals as it dilutes the digestive juices produced in the stomach.
Cure for acidity:
Acidity can be cured with simple changes in your lifestyle and diet:
1. Eat a wholesome diet rich in fresh fruit, vegetables, high-fiber food and grains. This will make sure that your body is filled with essential nutrients for optimal functioning of your body.
2. Increase intake of papaya and pineapple: These fruits have digestive enzymes like bromelain and papain that aid in digestion.
3. Make use of mint, cumin and fennel in your diet to improve digestion. All of these three can also relieve gas and colic problems.
4. Drink peppermint and ginger tea half an hour before meals to stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes
5. Cabbage juice is especially recommended for heart burn . Its high glumatine content (the digestive tract uses this amino acid for energy production)is the reason why it is so effective against heart burn.
6. Drink cold milk; it can settle acidity in a matter of hours.
Changes in lifestyle:
Stressful lifestyle is synonymous with acidity. A person who is highly nervous and emotional is prone to be acidic. While in stress, the body sends energy through the bloodstream to ease the muscles and cope with a stressful situation. However, there is not enough blood to flow towards the digestive system. Thus, digestion is slowed down and undigested food and gastric juices remain longer in the stomach, causing acidity. So, it is important to de-stress, exercise, relax and do yoga to bring the body back to balance
