As per Ayurveda imbalances in doshas/humor lead to different diseases, due to an increase or decrease in any one humor namely Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha, the imbalances increase which leads to diseases. Hyperacidity or acidity is the result of an increase in Pitta Dosha, how can we control it, what are the signs and symptoms, and remedies, lets us find out from Dr. P.V. Ranganayakulu.
Hyperacidity or Acid Reflux
Dr. Ranganayakulu opines that the main reason for acidity is improper diet, today acidity is one of the most common problems faced by young and old alike, even some kids are suffering from acid refluxes nowadays. As per health experts, almost 70% of the population is affected by acidity.
During the digestion process, food breaks down into small pieces, these pieces of food, pass through the acid layer of ‘hydrochloride acid’ in the esophagus, due to which burning sensation in the stomach and chest starts. The mucus present in the stomach dilutes the acid, which helps in protecting the stomach from inflammation. When there is more hydrochloride acid in the stomach or when the mucus-secreting cell lining gets damaged, a person experiences a burning sensation in the stomach. Acute acidity is also known as GERD- Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
GERD is caused by low stomach acid, magnesium deficiency, certain foods, habits, hernia, and eating food too quickly. Relief is found by avoiding foods such as citrus foods, alcohol, spicy foods, peppermint. Practice mindful eating, chew every mouthful 20-30 times
Reasons For Hyperacidity
There are many reasons for hyperacidity, some of the prominent ones are:
- Oily and Spicy Food
- Eating Food before the previous meal is digested.
- Eating acidity causing foods in abundance
- Improper or insufficient sleep
- Staying hungry for long hours
- Eating Pain killers for a longer duration
- In pregnancy also, women experience the problem of acidity
- Intake of salt in excess
- Excess consumption of alcohol and caffeine can also lead to acidity
- Overeating and sleeping immediately after eating food
- Excessive Smoking or tobacco consumption
- Extreme stress or mental tension can lead to indigestion problems which can in turn trigger acidity
- Consumption of fruits and vegetables which are products of excess fertilizers i.e. in organic fruits and vegetables
Signs and symptoms of Acidity
Gas and stomach burning are the common symptoms of acidity, but apart from these two some of the other symptoms are:
- Experiencing heartburn long after consumption of food.
- Sour belching and the sensation of food being stuck in the throat long after consumption of food
- Excessive burping and bitter feeling in the mouth
- Bloating
- Bad smell from mouth
- Pain in stomach and head.
Dr. Ranganayakulu says acidity could be a problem that can continue for months and years. There are certain Ayurvedic Home Remedies that give relief from acidity.
- Prepare the licorice or Yashtimadhu decoction by boiling licorice/yashtimadhu powder in water. Drink 10-15ml before lunch and dinner.
- Take an equal quantity of Cumin and Coriander seeds and boil in the 4 times water for 15 minutes. Filter the decoction and drink 30 ml twice a day by adding little ghee.
- Slightly fry dry ginger powder. Take half a spoon and add 1 spoon of sugar and eat in the morning before breakfast.
Hyperacidity could also be caused by bacterial infection therefore one should get examined for accuracy in the treatment.
Also Read: Yoga Asanas To Help Get Rid Of Acidity And Bloating