Hyperacidity (Amlapitta) is one of the most common diseases seen in all age groups in the society.
Hyperacidity refers to a set of symptoms caused by an imbalance between the acid-secreting mechanism of the stomach and proximal intestine and the protective mechanisms that ensure their safety. The stomach normally secretes acids that are essential in the digestive process. When there is excess production of acid in the stomach, it results in a condition known as acidity.
Causes of Acidity
One of the common causes of gas and acidity is eating too much too quickly. Eating a heavy meal and lying down or eating it too close to bedtime can also result in acidity. Drinking fizzy alcoholic drinks, such as beer, can also cause both conditions to co-occur.
Signs and Symptoms of Acidity
Heartburn and pain in the chest
Nausea
Throat burn
Regurgitation (the action of bringing swallowed food up again to the mouth) of food or sour substance
Vomiting
Gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Indigestion, stomach feeling bloated or heavy
Diet (Ahara) Do’s and Don’ts for Acidity
Eat freshly-cooked meals on time
Stay hydrated and drink lots of water throughout the day
Avoid skipping meals or eating too late at night
Avoid salty, spicy, oily, and junk foods like samosa, burger, pizza, chips,
Avoid excessive use of chilly, cinnamon, clove, mustard, garam masala powder (spice mixture), garlic, etc. in your daily diet
Include barley, wheat, rice, and green gram in your diet.
Do not eat fermented foods like dosa, uttapam, idli, etc., or fermented foods like bakery items
Avoid eating soups and broths when the weather is hot or humid
Cut down on your intake of tea/coffee
Take an adequate amount of fluids like pomegranate juice, lemon juice, amla juice, sweet lime juice, medicated water with coriander seeds
Regimens (Vihara) to Reduce or Treat Acidity
Follow an active, stress-free lifestyle
Have a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep every day
Exercise regularly, stay active, and get enough sunlight on a regular basis. Practice yoga, meditation, and pranayama (breathing exercises) to feel fresh and stay happy.
Avoid excessive physical, mental, and emotional stress
Ayurvedic Treatment of Acidity and Gas
According to Ayurveda, our body has three different energies or doshas, known as the vata, pitta, and kapha. Acidity is a disease is of pitta origin and all measures undertaken have to pacify pitta.
If symptoms cannot be managed with oral medications, treatments like Panchakarma can be resorted to. In chronic cases of Amlapitta, the Basti Karma treatment might be suggested. In Basti Karma, the medicated oil or herbal decoction is administered through the anal route.