Acidity refers to an excessive production of Hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
Our stomach produces a lot of digestive enzymes in the body which include HCl or hydrochloric acid. The normal environment of the stomach is highly acidic with a pH of around 3. Stomach is the major seat of digestion of the proteins and some fats.
Acidity normally occurs when we overeat or our food has an excess of spicy food products to digest. As a result, the acid production in the stomach is enhanced and reflux of acid from the stomach into the esophagus may also occur.
Common symptoms of the disease include, acid eructation, burning sensation in the chest, loss of hunger and appetite, nausea, vomiting, pain in abdomen and bleeding may also occur in severe cases.
It is an easily treatable condition but it should not be taken lightly as it may become chronic and result in ulcerations.
Over the counter antacids only provide short term relief in this condition and also have many side effects.
In such cases, it is better to resort to natural and herbal ways of dealing with the condition. Interestingly, we have a lot of easily available food items at home in our kitchen with which we can easily manage the acid reflux and burning in the chest without aggravating the symptoms any further.
Acidity in Ayurveda – Amlapitta
According to Ayurveda, acidity is compared to Amlapitta a disease which has similar symptoms and has the following five types :-
- Amla pitta with vitiated vata or air humor.
- Amla pitta with vitiated kapha or phlegm body humor.
- Both vata and kapha are vitiated in this type.
- Urdhvaga Amlapitta – which is characterized by sour vomiting, heartburn, sour eructation etc.
- Adhoga Amlapitta – is characterized by the passage of greenish black stools due to an excessive acid and bilious element in the stools.
Home Remedies for Managing Acidity Naturally
Here is a list of some easy do it yourself (DIY) home remedies that are very beneficial for managing acidity or amlapitta of any type in general.
1. ALOE VERA JUICE
Take fresh Aloe Vera juice in an amount of 20 – 30 ml and dilute with equal parts of water. Now, consume this mixture twice daily once in the morning and then repeat it in the evening.
2. WHITE PUMPKIN AND COCONUT MILK
Take around 30 ml of white pumpkin and mix it with coconut milk and mishri. Take this mixture at least, two to three times per day.
3. AMLA
Amla is one of the best herbal remedies for acidity. It can be taken either as a juice or as a powder extract.
A. Amla juice
Amla juice for this take approximately 20 ml of Amla juice and mix it in a glass of water. Take this mixture on an empty stomach in the morning and make it a habit.
You will surely get relieved form your long standing acidity problem
B. Amla powder
Take 1 table spoon full of Amla powder and consume it two to three times per day. Take this combination on a daily basis for long term relief from hyperacidity.
4. GINGER, LEMON AND HONEY
Take a few drops of Ginger, Lemon and 1 tea spoon full of honey in a glass of warm water and drink this mixture two to three times per day, preferably on an empty stomach or half an hour before meals.
5. PSYLLIUM HUSK
Take 1 table spoon full of psyllium husk and mix it in a glass of warm milk and consume at bed time.
It will relieve the acidity as well as constipation which often becomes a cause for developing acidity in the patients.
6. COCONUT WATER
Coconut water is a very nourishing, cooling and soothing drink. Its alkaline nature helps to neutralize the hyperacidity of the stomach and reduces the symptoms of persistent acidity in chronic patients.
You can take coconut water two to three times daily especially during summers for best results.
7. LICORICE POWDER
Licorice is also known as Mulethi in Hindi. It is one of the best natural antacids. It can be taken in the form of dried powder extracts. Take 1 tablespoon full of the powder in the morning and repeat two to three times a day.
It not only cures acidity but also helps to enhance healing of peptic ulcers.
8. CORIANDER LEAVES/ SEEDS
Coriander is another natural herb that is a great alkalizer to balance the acidic environment in the stomach. Take a few fresh leaves of coriander and use it to garnish your food and drinks.
A. Seeds
You can also add the dried seed powder of Coriander while preparing food as a condiment. It enhances digestion and prevents formation of excessive amounts of acid in the stomach.
B. Leaves
Alternatively, coriander decoction can be prepared by adding 1 -2 tablespoon full of coriander seeds and soaking them in a glass of water. Keep this mixture overnight and consume it in the morning.
9. POMEGRANATE JUICE
Pomegranate is great for controlling acidity in the stomach and bleeding in case of gastric ulcerations.
You can enjoy a glass of pomegranate juice everyday if you suffer from acidity frequently.
Hyperacidity home remedies offer considerable relief from symptoms of Acid reflux, includes ingredients like Bananas, Coconut water, Ginger, Aloe vera, Turmeric powder and Apple cider vinegar. Follow these simple home remedies and control your acidity at home.
Herbal Remedies for Acidity
Planet Ayurveda offers best combination of effective herbal remedies (Acidity Care Pack) for ayurvedic treatment of Acidity.
Dosage
- Amalaki Rasayan– 1 capsule, twice daily with warm water after meal.
- Digestion Support – 1 capsule, twice daily with warm water after meal.
- Heartburn Capsules – 1 capsule, twice daily, with warm water after meal.
- Mahashankh Vati – 1 tablet twice a day 10 minutes before meals with warm water.
