Acidity, also known as heartburn can be a common issue experienced by many people. It can cause feelings of gas and bloating and if left untreated, it can lead to more serious conditions like stomach ulcers. Having a highly acidic body can be detrimental to both your health and weight loss goals.While there may be pills available to relieve acidity but relying on them in the long run can have negative side effects. A lifestyle change is the natural and sustainable solution. By paying attention to your eating habits and making conscious choices, you can effectively manage acidity and improve your overall health.One important aspect is to avoid overeating and spacing out your meals every three hours.This allows your stomach to digest food properly without producing excessive acid. Additionally, be mindful of the foods you consume, as spicy and junk foods can trigger acidity and discomfort. Choose your meals wisely and moderate meals that react negatively with your body. Emotions factors can also play a role in acidity. Eating when stressed or angry can increase acidity and indigestion due to the impact to cortisol on digestion. It’s best to eat when you’re calm and happy and avoiding distractions like eating meals in front of the T.V. It’s essential to avoid guilt as it raises cortisol levels, negatively impacting digestion and triggering stress mode. This stress response is not conducive to maintaining a healthy weight.
Acidity And Antacids
When your body becomes acidic, the cells may switch to an anaerobic mode means they don’t receive enough oxygen. This oxygen deprivation can lead to various health problems. Antacids, which are often taken to treat acidity, are not a long term solution and can have their own side effects. Regular use of antacids may require higher dosages as your body can develop a tolerance to them. The magnesium in antacids can cause diarrhea, while the aluminum can cause constipation. If you have high blood pressure or kidney disease and take certain medications, antacids can interfere with them and cause complications. It’s important to find underlying cause of acidity rather than relying solely on antacids.
How To Relieve Acidity Without Medication
Maintaining a balanced lifestyle and mindful of your dietary habits can help prevent issues like acidity. By following simple guidelines such as regular meal intervals, mindful eating, and choosing wholesome foods can support a healthy digestive system and reduce the risk of related complications.
- Choose wholesome food over junk and processed food:Natural foods like fruits, vegetables, and lentils require an appropriate amount of acid for digestion. Junk food, processed food aerated drinks, excess sugar, and salt cause your body to produce excess acid.
- Avoid keeping long gaps between meals: When there’s no food in your stomach for extended periods then the acid present can cause issues like ulcers and acid reflux. Plan your meals in advance to maintain a regular eating schedule.
- Eat slowly and chew your food: Chewing food properly helps your stomach break it down more easily. When you swallow large chunks without chewing then your stomach produces more acids, leading to increase acidity and potential nutrient loss.
- Monitor water consumption:Drinking sufficient water is important as even a small decrease in hydration can result in fatigue, acidity, and various other problems.Ensure you have an adequate amount of water daily.
- Be mindful of medication: Some medicines can cause acidity as they require more acid for breakdown. When taking antibiotics consider having probiotics and B-complex supplements to maintain a balance of good and bad bacteria in your intestines.
- Practice yoga , pranayama, and breathing exercises:Engaging in these activities can help naturally balance the acid-alkaline levels in your body. Breathing exercises during mealtimes can be beneficial and specific recommendations can be provided based on your needs.
Foods That Soothe And Relieve Acidity Without Medication:
- Grapefruit has an alkaline reaction in the body after digestion. The citric acid present in grapefruit oxidized in the body. As a result, the overall effect is to increase the alkalinity of the body. Grapefruit juice can be beneficial in preventing, controlling, and treating issues caused by excess acid in the system. By promoting alkalinity, it helps balance the body’s pH level, which is important for maintaining overall health.
- Lime is known for its highly beneficial properties in treating acidity. Mixing a teaspoonful of fresh lime juice with an equal quantity of honey and licking it. This remedy can help alleviate symptoms such as bilious vomiting and heartburn caused by acidity. When consumed the combination of lime juice and honey can have soothing effects on the digestive system. Lime juice contains citric acid, which helps in digestion and regulate the production of gastric juices. It also possesses alkaline properties that can help balance acidity levels in the stomach. Honey, on the other hand is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe the digestive tract and reduce irritation caused by acidity.
- Raisins play a helpful role in maintaining acid balance when acidity levels are high. The alkalinity of raisins helps counteract the acidic conditions in the body and restoring a more balanced pH level. This can have positive effects on overall health, particularly in acid imbalance. Regular use of raisins into your diet can be valuable for promoting acid balance and combating chronic acidity.
- Drumstick is a plant that has been traditionally used in treating digestive disorders. To treat acidity take a teaspoonful of fresh drumstick leaf juice mixed with honey and a glass of tender coconut water. This mixture is then consumed two or three times a day. The combination of drumstick leaf juice and tender coconut water is believed to have beneficial effects on the digestive system. Drumstick leaves are known to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and honey is known for its heeling properties and coconut is hydrating and can provide essential nutrients.
- Mature dried coconut has been found to be useful in treating acidity. The oil derived from coconut has properties that help reduce the secretion of acid in the stomach and providing relief to individuals suffering from acid related issues.By reducing the acid secretion in the stomach, coconut oil can help relieve discomfort and symptoms associated with acidity such as heartburn and indigestion.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does drinking hot water help acidity?
Drinking hot water can alleviate symptoms of acidity. Drinking hot water helps facilitate the movement of food and acids from the stomach to the intestines, reducing the symptoms of acidity.
Why does acidity happen?
Acidity is a common medical condition occur when there is an excessive production of acid by the stomach. This excess acid flows back into the food pipe and leading a burning sensation in the lower chest. The main cause of acidity is poor food habits and unhealthy lifestyle. Consuming spicy and fatty foods, citrus fruits, processed foods, carbonated drinks can trigger acid production and worsen acidity symptoms.
How do you know if your acid is high?
Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea, Heartburn, Decreased appetite, Unexplained weight loss
Is acidity a serious problem?
If you experience persistent or chronic symptoms including heartburn. It’s advisable to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.
Managing and overcoming acidity without medication is possible with a few lifestyle changes and natural remedies.By implementing these strategies, individuals can find relief from acidity and improve overall health.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.