Start eating these foods for relief from heartburn and acidity

Yogsanskar 26-Mar-2022

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All of you must have experienced that painful burning sensation in your stomach or windpipe, some may experience such symptoms more than others, have you ever thought, why do we get such symptoms? Let's get a brief idea about the causes and remedies of acidity.

What are the causes of acidity

Acidity is also called acid reflux, it is a condition that is characterized by heartburn around the lower chest area.

Our stomach normally secretes acid that is essential for digestion, this acid helps in breaking down the food during the digestive process, but sometimes there is excess production of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach, which results in the condition called acidity.

Factors that may cause acidity are:

Excessive stress, worry, fear or depression
Frequent smoking
High intake of table salt
Eating just before sleeping
Consumption of spicy food
Drinks such as tea, coffee, carbonated drinks, soft drinks
Overeating
Medications like painkillers, antibiotics, chemotherapy medications, antidepressants etc.
Diet low in dietary fibre
Skipping meals or eating at irregular times
Excessive intake of alcohol, soda or carbonated drinks
Lack of sleep
Lack of physical activity
Stomach diseases like peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach cancer etc.

Whereas some symptoms of acidity are:

Bloating
Burping
Hiccups that don't stop
Wheezing, dry cough
Nausea
Formation of ulcers
Sour taste in the mouth
Regurgitation
Heartburn

Home remedies to get rid of acidity or acid reflux

Papaya

Papayas are rich in an enzyme called papain that helps improve digestion and reduce heartburn. This popular fruit is high in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A and amino acids. Due to its high fibre and water content, it helps in digestion and keeping the body hydrated. It neutralises the acid in the stomach, reducing the reflux.

Basil leaves

Basil leaves have anti-ulcer properties which help in reducing the acidic level of the stomach, they also stimulate the stomach to produce more mucus which further neutralises the excess gastric acid in the stomach. The best way to consume basil for acidity is by making a decoction, In a pan, add a cup of water and 3-4 basil leaves. Let this water come to a boil and then let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Strain the water. Drink this water throughout the day.

Banana

Bananas can help neutralize the stomach acid by coating an irritated oesophagal lining, they are also known for their alkaline properties and are also rich in pectin, a soluble fibre that helps keep food flowing nicely through the digestive tract.

Fennel seeds

Fennel seeds are rich in fibre content which may help relieve constipation, other digestive problems that can cause gas, and generally help keep things moving properly in the digestive tract. They also have anti-microbial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. You can consume fennel seeds as it is or make tea by crushing a spoonful of fennel seeds and pouring hot water over them.

Raw almonds

Raw almonds have been used as a natural remedy for ulcers and acidity for ages now.

Today, medical and natural therapy practitioners also second the benefits of the nut in curing acidity, they are rich in natural oils which soothe and neutralize the acid in the stomach. The high fibre content of the nut also helps in digestion, you can have them raw or you can also have almond milk to keep your stomach in good health. Almonds and bananas, when taken together, can be a perfect antidote to acidity.

Buttermilk

The lactic acid in buttermilk is responsible for improving digestion and thus, helps you to fight acid reflux and gas trouble at home. Drinking a glass of buttermilk every day after meals decreases the frequency of acid attacks. Drinking hour buttermilk without adding any salt or sugar is the best way to drink it, but you can add mint leaves to it for quick relief from acidity.

Asafoetida

Asafoetida can aid digestion and because of its alkaline nature, it can help you avoid acid reflux. You can consume it by adding warm water to Asafoetida and mixing well until it dissolves in water. The water should not be too hot to drink.

Jaggery

Jaggery is rich in potassium, which helps manage the level of acidity by reducing the accumulation of acids in the stomach. You can eat jaggery in the morning with warm water to improve digestion.