Skip to content

Acidity

  • by

Acidity

What is acidity

Acid reflux is a common condition that features a burning pain, known as heartburn, in the lower chest area. It happens when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is diagnosed when acid reflux occurs more than twice a week. 

Symptoms of Acidity

  • The lining of our stomach is designed well to withstand a high acidic environment but the esophagus can’t tolerate such acidic conditions which lead to the occurrence of burning sensation in the chest.
  • symptoms of acidity include-
  • Sour taste in the mouth
  • Burning sensation in the mouth and stomach
  • Heaviness
  • Chest pain
  • Constipation
  • Bad breathe
  • Restlessness
  • Feel of a presence of a lump in the throat
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Indigestion and frequent hiccups or burps
  • Weakness
  • Trouble in sleeping
  • Worsen asthma
  • Coughing
  • Body pain.

Causes of acidity

1.The most common cause is food that’s acidic or high in fat—like citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, coffee, cheese, and peppermint. 

2.Bad eating habits– Overeating, consumption of too much spicy food, skipping meals or eating food at odd times, high intake of salt or eating too much before sleeping are some of the eating habits that should be iignored..

  1. 3. Strong medications–Certain medicines are carried with high inflammation and can cause side effects. Medicines that are prescribed for high blood pressure, antibiotics and depression/anxiety tablets can cause acidity.

4.Stress and lack of physical exercise

5.Frequent consumption of alcohol and smoking, followed by lack of sleep

6. Drinking too much coffee, tea, soft drinks or carbonated drinks or eating fat-rich food daily like pizza, fried food or doughnut

Best foods to control acidity

  • Lettuce, celery and sweet peppers – These mild green veggies are easy on the stomach – and won’t cause painful gas.
  • Brown rice – This complex carbohydrate is mild and filling – just don’t serve it fried.
  • Melons – Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all low-acid fruits that are among the best foods for acid reflux.
  • Oatmeal – Filling, hearty and healthy, this comforting breakfast standard also works for lunch.
  • Fennel – This low-acid crunchy vegetable has a mild licorice flavor and a natural soothing effect.
  • Ginger – Steep caffeine-free ginger tea or chew on low-sugar dried ginger for a natural tummy tamer.

Food to avoid in acidity

  • In general, anything that is fatty, acidic or highly caffeinated should be avoided. The worst foods for acid reflux list includes:
  • Coffee and tea – Caffeinated beverages aggravate acid reflux. 
  • Carbonated beverages – The bubbles expand in your stomach, creating more pressure and pain. Choose plain water or decaf iced tea.
  • Chocolate – This treat has a trifecta of acid reflux problems: caffeine, fat and cocoa.
  • Peppermint –peppermint is an acid reflux trigger.
  • Grapefruit and orange – The high acidity of citrus fruits relaxes the esophagus sphincter and worsens symptoms.
  • Tomatoes – Also avoid marinara sauce, ketchup and tomato soup – they’re all naturally high in acid.
  • Alcohol –This has a double whammy effect. Alcohol relaxes the sphincter valve but it also stimulates acid production in the stomach.
  • Fried foods – These are some of the worst foods for reflux. Skip the french fries, onion rings and fried chicken — cook on the grill or in the oven at home.
  • Late-night snacks – Avoid eating anything in the two hours before you go to bed. Also, you can try eating four to five smaller meals throughout the day instead of two to three large meals.

Home remedies

Skip the aerated drinks as well as the caffeine. Opt for herbal tea instead.

  • – Have a glass of lukewarm water everyday.
  • – Include banana, watermelon and cucumber in your daily diet. Watermelon juice is great for curing acidity.
  • – Nariyal paani is known to soothe the system if you suffer from acidity
  • – Drink a glass of milk – everyday.
  • – Have your last meal at least two to three hours before you hit the sack.
  • – Try to avoid pickles, spicy chutneys, vinegar, etc.
  • – Sucking on a piece of clove is another effective remedy.
  • – Jaggery, lemon, banana, almonds and yogurt are all known to give you instant relief from acidity.
  • – Ginger aids in digestion. Either buy powdered ginger in capsule forms or add the herb to your recipes.
  • – Have vegetables like drumsticks, beans, pumpkin, cabbage, carrot and spring onions.

Why you need to consult to a doctor?
Accordion Content