Acidity


                          The stomach normally secretes acid that is essential in the digestive process. This acid helps in breaking down the food during digestion. When there is excess production of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach, it results in the condition known as acidity.
                 

Cause

        The stomach, intestines, and digestive glands secrete hydrochloric acid and various enzymes, including pepsin that break down and digest food. The stomach must also be protected from the same acid and enzymes, or it too can be attacked by the gastric juices. The acid may enter the lower part of the oesophagus (Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux), due to some weakness in the normal sphincter mechanism that prevents such reflux. This causes heartburn. It commonly occurs after meals and is brought on by excess intra-abdominal pressure like lifting weights or straining.

Symptoms

          Heartburn is characterised by a deeply placed, burning pain in the chest behind the sternum (breast-bone). It occurs after meals and is brought on by excess intra-abdominal pressure like lifting weights or straining. Dyspepsia and heartburn are often the main symptoms of acidity. Regurgitation of the gastric contents may also occur. 

Natural Cure

Cumin Seeds:

Cumin seeds can also be used to treat acidity as cumin works as a great acid neutralizer. Also, it aids in digestion and relieves stomach pain.

•  Slightly crush some roasted cumin seeds and stir it into a glass of water. Drink it after every meal.
•   Another option is to mix one teaspoon each of coriander seed powder, cumin seed powder, fennel seed powder and some sugar in one-half cup of water. Drink it on an empty stomach . You can also boil one teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of water, strain it and then drink the water after your meal.

                                          

Basil Leaves

The soothing and carminative properties of basil leaves can give you instant relief from acidity, gas and nausea.

•  Simply eat some basil leaves at the first sign of acid upset. Be sure to chew them thoroughly.
• Another option is to boil three to five basil leaves in a cup of water and then let it simmer for a few minutes. You can sweeten this basil tea with honey. Do not add milk, though. Sip it frequently.

                                          

        Cloves                                                                                  Cloves can help alleviate acidity and dispel gas due to their carminative effect that increases hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Contrary to the popular belief, acidity can be caused due to low stomach acid too.

•  Chew two to three cloves thoroughly so that the juices are released into your system.
• Eating crushed cloves and cardamom mixed in equal amounts can help minimize acid trouble and freshen bad breath that often accompanies this problem.

                                            

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is good for your digestive health. It works as a natural antacid.

•    Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of water.
•  Boil it for few minutes.    Drink this cinnamon tea two to three times a day.
• You can also add cinnamon powder to your soup or salad.

                              

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera not only used to soothe burns but also used to prevent the acid reflux as a natural healing agent. It reduces the inflammation in esophagus & stomach. Take aloe vera juice & gel before you take your meals.
                                       

Potatoes

Potatoes are alkaline in nature & help to lessen the acid levels in the stomach. Eating potatoes either roasted or boiled along with meals will help to reduce the problem of acid reflux.

                                  

Cardamom

Cardamom contains chemical that appear to treat stomach & intestinal spasms and gas & increases the movement of food through the intestine. It is used as a digestive herb. Grind 2 cardamoms & add 250 ml of water. Boil the mixture for about 15 minutes & drink that water to get the relief from the acid reflux.
                                        

Yogurt

Yogurt contains probiotics which helps to keep the digestive system healthy. It also helps to absorb the proteins & nutrients to the body. Take a cup of yogurt for acid reflux.
                                 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Though acidic in nature, apple cider vinegar has an alkalizing effect. Thus, it helps treat stomach acidity.

•     Simply mix one or two teaspoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a cup of water.

Drink it once or twice a day. You can also drink it before meals.
                                   

Buttermilk

Another simple home remedy for acidity is buttermilk. It contains lactic acid that normalizes the acidity in the stomach. You can buy buttermilk or make it yourself.

•   Grind half to one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds with a little water to make a paste. Mix it in a glass of buttermilk and consume it to relieve stomach ache caused by acidity.
•  Or, you can simply drink buttermilk several times a day until you get relief. Mix in a little black pepper or one tablespoon of coriander leaf juice for best results.