Acidity, sometimes referred to as hyperacidity, refers to excessive acid production in the stomach. This causes discomfort to a person and may affect his activities of daily living. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for acidity.
Causes
Acidity has many causes. According to The Health Site, one cause is reduced bicarbonate and prostaglanding synthesis or production; as per the publication, both help neutralize the corrosive effects of the gastric acids. This results to further damage of the stomach lining, which increases acid levels in the stomach. Other causes of acidity include stress, eating spicy and non-vegetarian foods, smoking, drinking alcohol, stomach problems like stomach tumors and peptic ulcer, and medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs.
Signs and Symptoms
Acidity presents various symptoms. According to Web MD, common symptoms include heartburn, which is characterized as a burning pain or discomfort that may move from the stomach to the abdomen, chest, or throat. A bitter or sour tasting acid backing up into the mouth is also a clinical manifestation. As per the publication, other symptoms of the condition include bloating, bloody stools, bloody vomitus, burping, dysphagia or difficulty swallowing related to esophageal narrowing, hiccups that do not subside, nausea, sudden weight loss, wheezing, dry cough, hoarseness of voice, and chronic sore throat.
Home Remedies
Although antacids or medications that neutralize acids may be prescribed for acidity, some remedies can also be done at home to manage and relieve the condition.
Fennel
One remedy for acidity is fennel. According to nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat, as cited by Food NDTV, one could also chew sauf after meals to prevent acidity. It is added that fennel tea can be consumed to promote digestive health. According to renowned Health Practitioner, Nutritionist and certified Macrobiotic Health Coach Shilpa Arora, the tea contains oils from the seeds, which are very helpful when it comes to management of indigestion and bloating.
Cinnamon and Buttermilk
Two other remedies for acidity include cinnamon and buttermilk. According to Top 10 Home Remedies, it acts as a natural antacid and it helps promote the release of stomach gas. The person just has to add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of water and bring it to a boil and let it steep for a few minutes. Then, the cinnamon tea is consumed two to three times a day. As an option, cinnamon powder can also be added to soup or salad. Meanwhile, lactic acid helps neutralize the acids in the stomach. To prepare, half to a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds are ground with little water to form a paste. Then, it is mixed in a glass of plain buttermilk and consumed to relieve stomach pains associated with acids. As an alternative, the person can drink plain buttermilk multiple times a day until the pain subsides. The person can add some black pepper or a teaspoon of coriander leaves to optimize relief.
Cold Milk
Cold milk stands as another remedy for acidity. According to The Health Site, milk is rich in calcium, which prevents acid accumulation through absorbing excess acid. To add, cold milk reduces the burning sensation the person feels during acid reflux episodes. A good thing in cold milk is that it is available in groceries or supermarkets.
Acidity refers to an overproduction of acid in the stomach, which produces uncomfortable signs and symptoms like pain, which may also affect a person’s performance of daily activities. Thus, it is best to seek medical consult from a physician for proper assessment, diagnosis, planning intervention, and health education.
