Understanding Acidity

Most of the acidity problems can be solved by taking OTC (over the counter) antacids). Acidity normally occurs due to spicy food, consumption of foods, like fats, that are heavy to digest by GIT.

Lack of exercise and low water consumption are also common cause of acidity. Persistent acidity is more or less due to some medical condition.

Medical Conditions

Excess consumption of calcium, called as hypocalcaemia, may lead to frequent stomach acidity. If normal functioning of gall bladder is disturbed, the bile may or may not be secreted. Bile is important for regulation of gastric acids. This often occurs in cases of gallstones.

GERD or reflux is a condition which the gastric juice travel from the stomach to the esophagus when the person`s head comes at level with the stomach i.e. while lying on the bed. Patients of GERD complain about unbearable heart burn.

Prevention

One must not lie down immediately after a meal. One must walk for some time after meals, especially dinner.

Always take in small bites and chew them well so that juices (amylase, etc) present in mouth can start the digestion. Also, avoid eating fatty and spicy foods during evening. Drink enough water to help in digestion and stabilizing of the acids.

Drinking probiotic preparations early in the morning help in regulating stomach acids. Including more fiber in your diet will significantly decrease risk of acidity.

Home Remedies

It is a myth that cold milk helps in relieving acidity. It may give a temporary relief from the burning sensation in the chest but symptoms of acidity will re-appear more significantly in no time.

Milk needs to be avoided especially by those suffering from acidity due to hypocalcaemia.

Always eat small amount of jaggery after meals. One may even take it after every hour. This helps in digestion and keeps acidity at bay.

Taking isphagula with curd is beneficial only if person is not suffering from hypocalcaemia.  Freshly squeezed orange juice with rock salt and cumin seeds gives an instant relief from acidity symptoms.

Early morning, empty stomach, consume a clove of garlic with little water for one month. This will help in treating acidity permanently.