Acidity is probably as old as our love for spices. It is a term used for a set of symptoms caused by excess production of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach. The stomach normally secretes hydrochloric acid which is required for the breakdown and digestion of food we eat.
Acidity can be caused due to several factors like erratic eating habits, undisciplined timings of the meal, fad diets, stress, smoking and alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity. It can also be triggered due to eating stale foods, also oily and spicy foods.
For most of us, acidity is quite infrequent. However, if you feel the burn more than a couple of times during a week, you’re suffering from Hyper-acidity. This happens when the acid in your stomach, that is supposed to digest food, finds its way into the food pipe.
7 natural home remedies for Acidity/ Gas Problems and Heartburn:
1. Coconut Water- Tender coconut water is nature’s ENO – an Ayurvedic medicine that brings instant relief from acidity. It has a natural alkalizing effect, which cools the acidic stomach juices. It even adds a protective layer over the stomach to prevent irritation from excess acid.
How to use: Rich in fiber, a glass of coconut water everyday helps in easy digestion.
How to use: You can either boil and sun-dry the amla or purchase a pack of dried amla to chew on.
How to use: Ginger goes well with all kinds of beverages. You can enjoy it in a glass of smoothie, carrot juice or a cup of tea.
How to use: Make a habit to chew on a couple of leaves during the day. Or if you like it better, boil a few leaves in water and bid goodbye to acidity with a Holy Basil Tea.
How to use: You can add cinnamon to your daily cup of tea. Otherwise, you can drink a hot cup of water with honey and cinnamon powder.
How to use: Add ripe papaya to your breakfast, or as a post-dinner savoury in your meal.
How to use: Peel a small part and leave it in the open to reduce the natural heat in garlic. You can chew on it after 10 minutes.
Apart from the above list of foods that help combat acidity, it is important for one to know that an active lifestyle with daily exercise and minimum stress, drinking loads of water through the day and taking proper rest is essential for keeping acidity and gas problems at bay.