The collection of hydrochloric acid accumulates and the volume increases without it being utilized for digestive purposes, then one experiences hyperacidity. The stomach secretes hydrochloric acid to help digestion. If you have a severe heartburn then it is wise to consult your doctor and for minor cases you could always go for the remedies mentioned below.
There is a lot of discomfort in the abdomen, for about 1 to 3 hours after one has one’s meals. This is also known as dyspepsia. One experiences less appetite, vomiting, nausea, flatulence and malaise. One experiences burning sensation above the chest. Heart burn is at times taken to be cardiac illness.
Whenever the alkalinity of the blood is reduced, its ability to transport carbon dioxide also gets reduced. This results in the accumulation of acids in the tissues. This condition is termed as acidosis or hyper alkalinity of the blood. The major cause of acidosis is faulty diet. Thease diets contain too much acid forming foods. In the normal process of metabolism or in simple terms the process of converting food into energy by the body, various acids are produced in the system with the addition of other acids in the foods. Thease acids when not properly eliminated through lungs, kidney and bowels, leads to acidity.
Acidosis/Acidity refers to the excessive acid secretion by the gastric gland located in the stomach. The hydrochloric acid secreted by the stomach helps the digestion. This acid also secretes different types of digestive enzymes such as pepsin that breaks up the food particles for comfortable digestion. Normal amounts of acid are required to digest complex foods. Less secretion of the acid means the food is not digested; excessive secretion means acidity.
Home remedies for hyperacidity and heartburn
Some of the top and primary home remedies for hyperacidity and heartburn are as following:
- Almonds are very good. Chew few of them when you experience heartburn.
- For hyperacidity, it is better to chew basil leaves.
- One glass of milk that is chilled is good for hyperacidity.
- One can suck a piece of jaggery for hyperacidity.
- Ginger root taken with honey is good for heartburn.
- Fruits such as apples, water melon and bananas are very good.
- Drink lots of water.
- Avoid garlic, pepper, onion, cabbage and radish.
- Do not take unripe fruits.
- Have lots of green leafy vegetables.
- Maintain a proper posture after one has one’s meals.
- Do not lie down or go to bed immediately after having meals.
- Dilute buttermilk or make it thin and mix it with a pinch of powdered pepper and have it regularly.
- One must have fresh pineapple juice.
- Have tea with some jaggery.
- Having juice of sweet lemon before meals is very good.
- Cumin drink also helps protect you from hyper acidity or heartburn.
- Children can be given apple cider vinegar by adding little of baking soda. One must burp the infants after the meals.
- One can have vanilla ice cream for both hyperacidity as well as heartburn.
- Ginger juice mixed with some honey is very good.
Natural Remedies for Heartburn
Apple cider vinegar – Mix one tsp of apple cider vinegar with a tsp of honey. Add this mixture in a cup of warm water. Taking this mixture may help you to get rid of the problem.
Why it works?
Apple cider vinegar is a base and it neutralizes the stomach acids which causes the condition.
Ginger root – Add a tsp of ginger root in a cup of water and simmer for around 10 minutes. Take this drink to get relief.
Why it works?
Ginger root is known to absorb the stomach acids and prevents the problem.
Aloe vera juice – The juice of aloe vera helps in healing heartburn tract and gives relief.
Why aloe vera is good for heartburn?
Aloe vera contains small molecules called mucopolysaccharides which are anti-inflammatory and prevent inflammation inside the stomach.
Yellow mustard – Taking a tsp of yellow mustard with half a glass of water can stop the problem instantly.
Why it works?
Yellow mustard also neutralizes the harmful stomach acids.
Papaya – Eat fresh papaya before the meals or when you feel the symptoms.
Why papaya works?
Papaya contains an enzyme papain which helps in digestion and prevents the condition.
Garlic – Chew a clove of raw garlic when the problem occurs.
Why garlic works?
Garlic is an antibiotic and it kills the microbes which are found to cause gastritis and other digestive disorders.
Hyperacidity and heart burn can cause much discomfort. One can make use of Home remedies for Hyperacidity and Heartburn to get relief from them.
Causes of Acidity
- Excess fat, fried foods and spicy foods.
- Consumption of fermented, adulterated or fat rich foods.
- Excess consumption of coffee, tea, onion, garlic and strong chocolate.
- It is also caused due to worrying, fear, anger and other stress related conditions.
- Excessive exposure to heat and sun
- Anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin.
- Excessive alcohol and smoking tends to make the nervous system weak. This in turn causes the mucous membrane as well as the stomach lining to stop functioning well.
- Overeating.
- Eating food too fast.
Symptoms of acidity
- Burning sensation in chest and throat
- Sour oral belching and secretion
- Heat in the body
- Lack of appetite
- Headache and vomiting
Foods to avoid for acidity
- Barley
- Banana (unripe)
- Beans
- Bread
- Cereals
- Cake
- Chicken
- Confection
- Corn
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Egg
- Grain food
- Lentils
- Meats
- Nuts Except almonds
- Oatmeal
- Peas
- Rice
- Sea food
- Tea
Food that helps in bringing down acidity
- Almonds
- Apple
- Banana(ripe)
- Beet
- Cabbage
- Carrot
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Coconut
- Cottage Cheese
- Cucumber
- Figs
- Grapes
- Lettuce
- Melon
- Milk
- Orange
- Parsley
- Peaches
- Pear
- Potato
- Pumpkin
- Raisins
- Tomato