Here's how you can tackle acidity problem effectively!

Most of us often complain about acidity problem, not knowing how to deal with it. Nature presents its own way of controlling stomach acidity by producing effective digestive secretions as part of the digestion process.

The stomach secretes acid that helps in breaking down the food during digestion. But certain reasons like extreme stress, irregular eating habits, poor dietary habits can lead to excessive production of the acid by the gastric glands and cause Acid Reflux, Dyspepsia, (indigestion) Heart burn etc.

Acid reflux is also caused when the valve at the entrance to your stomach called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly after you eat. Normally, the LES closes as soon as food passes through it. If the LES does not close completely or if it opens too often, acid produced by your stomach can move up into your esophagus.

This can cause symptoms such as a burning chest pain called heartburn. If acid reflux symptoms happen more than twice a week, you have acid reflux disease, also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Symptoms

Acid Reflux is associated with symptoms like:

• Heartburn: a burning pain or discomfort that may move from your stomach to your abdomen or chest, or even up into your throat.
• Regurgitation: a sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into your throat or mouth.
• Burping
• Hiccups
• Nausea
• Weight loss without reason
• Wheezing, dry cough, hoarseness, or chronic sore throat.

Common Risk Factors for Acid Reflux are:

• Eating large meals or lying down right after a meal
• Being overweight or obese
• Snacking close to bedtime
• Eating certain foods like spicy, citrusy or fatty foods (tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions etc.)
• Drinking certain beverages such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee or tea.
• Smoking
• Pregnancy
• Extreme stress
• Frequent medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxants, or medicines for blood pressure.

Prevention

Healthy foods and good eating habits help prevent acidity. The following are some preventive measures:

• Cold milk – Drinking cold milk if you are not lactose intolerant helps neutralize stomach acids and provide relief from acidity.
• Butter Milk – Drinking it 3-4 times a day can help normalize the acidity in the stomach with the lactic acid contained in it.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Drinking a glass of water with a spoonful of apple cider vinegar mixed in it before meals, can help alkalize the acids in your stomach.
• Almonds – Eating a few almonds everyday help neutralize the acids after meals.
• Water – Increasing water and fluid intake helps.
• Daily exercises – help in improving your overall digestive system.
• Sleep – Get 7-8 hours a night
• Fruits – Eat fruits like apples and bananas with natural antacids and fiber before bedtime.
• Alcohol and Smoking – Avoid them, as they provoke acidity.
• Spicy and oily food – Avoid them if you are suffering from frequent acidity problems.

If acidity is severe, seek your doctor’s advice and take necessary medication as prescribed. You can avoid a lot of health problems by following certain good practices and listening to your body. You are the best person to safeguard your health!