Medically termed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acidity, it is a condition when the acid in your stomach flows back into the esophagus. This causes a burning sensation in the chest, also known as heartburn. It is a common occurrence that could be triggered due to obesity, smoking, alcohol, and poor dietary habits, among others.
Certain medications such as antibiotics, stress, or pregnancy can elevate the risk of acidity as well. The condition causes discomfort in the body and can lead to flatulence, bad breath, frequent burps, indigestion, constipation, and heaviness in the stomach, among others. There are both conventional and home remedies for acidity. Let’s run through a list of home remedies for acidity that you can use to alleviate discomfort due to hyperactive acidity.
Also Read: Effective Natural Home Remedies For Stomach Pain
Common Causes of Acidity
Truth be told, several reasons or causes could contribute to acidity. For instance, overeating or eating large meals adds pressure on the stomach which could trigger stomach acid backflow. Carbonated drinks, caffeine, citrus fruits, spearmints, alcohol, smoking, obesity, pregnancy, and certain medications among others could trigger acidity as well.
Home Remedies for Acidity Relief
Certain home remedies for acidity and heartburn can prove instrumental in reducing the discomfort associated with it. Let’s check out the list.
Water
The best home remedy for acidity relief is to drink lots of cold water. Although we don’t recommend gulping a bottle full of water all at once, we do recommend drinking cold water as it helps neutralize acidity in the stomach as well as keeps you hydrated.
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Watermelon Juice
Watermelon is cold and thanks to its high water content, you feel hydrated whenever you eat ‘em. It is also good for your stomach as it relieves acidity. It also helps feel your stomach lowering your appetite which discourages the need to overeat.
Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties which is a key ingredient in reducing acidity. Take a small piece of fresh ginger and chew it. Alternatively, you can drink ginger tea as one of the major home remedies for acidity.
Chamomile Tea
You must have noticed we recommend a lot of different types of tea as remedies for acidity. Unlike regular tea or coffee which could infuriate your digestive system, chamomile tea has a soothing effect on the stomach. Its anti-inflammatory properties are what you need to reduce acidity. Similarly, mint tea and ginger tea can help your digestive system as well.
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Banana
Bananas are by far one of the well-known natural antacids that can help neutralize stomach acid. It can also reduce instances of acid reflux. Overall, bananas are rich in potassium, a mineral required to iron out digestion-related conditions such as constipation.
Cold Milk
If you ever feel like acidity, try a glass of cold milk as it will satiate that burning sensation and relieve you from acidity. Although we recommend sipping in cold milk sometime after having a meal and not immediately after.
Yogurt
A dairy product, yogurt contains probiotics that can help you attain healthy levels of good bacteria keeping your digestive system in check. It can also help reduce instances of acidity.
Mint Leaves
Mint or pudeena is good for your digestive health. You can chew fresh mint leaves or make yourself peppermint tea to get relief from bloating and acidity.
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Baking Soda
A home remedy, you can take half a teaspoon of baking soda, mix it with a glass of water and drink it. This acts as a natural antacid providing instant relief to acidity.
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that should offer a soothing experience to the digestive system. A small amount of aloe vera juice can do wonders.
Fennel Powder
Take 1 teaspoon of fennel powder or saunf, and pour it into a glass of warm water. Alternatively, you can chew on a teaspoon of fennel seeds right after meals which can help neutralise acidity in the stomach. You will find fennel seeds at every restaurant offered as refreshments right after having your meal.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is alkaline in nature which helps neutralise excessive acidity in the stomach. It is also good for hydration and keeps your digestive health in check.
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Papaya
Papaya is another fruit that has benefits over gastric acid and acid reflux thanks to an enzyme called papain found in this fruit.
Foods To Avoid during Acidity
If your body is more prone to acidity, it is time to look at your eating habits and avoid food that sparks such discomfort. For instance, fatty and spicy foods flare the magnitude of acidity in your stomach. Similarly, carbonated beverages, tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine can induce the feeling of activity as well.
On the other hand, alkaline foods such as spinach, cucumbers, bananas, melons, etc, mellow the acidity in your stomach. Similarly, lean protein found in fish, turkey, and chicken can lower the instances of acidity in your body as well.
Lifestyle Changes Help Prevent Acidity
Let’s check out certain lifestyles that can help prevent acidity.
- The best thing you can do for your body is to replace bigger meals with smaller and more frequent ones. This should help you back on excessive eating and the acidity that it could cause
- You need to avoid lying down immediately after eating. Experts recommend 2-3 hours of difference between your dinner and sleeping which is adequate time for your body to digest the food
- Limiting alcohol and quitting smoking is a way to go
- Your body needs regular exercise to maintain equilibrium between what you eat and how the body digests
- You need to raise your head above the body when lying down
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Wrapping Up
These were some of the home remedies for acidity ideal for those who suffer from this condition. However, in case the occurrence is repetitive, we would advise you to report it to your doctor to find out if there’s something else causing the issue to begin with. Of course, these home remedies are effective but subjective so you’ll have to try them one-by-one to find which ones work for you the best.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. BeatoApp does not claim responsibility for this information.
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