Acidity – Causes, Symptoms, Risk factors, and home remedies

Acid reflux or Acidity is a frequently occurring health condition that many Indians experience. Acidity is characterised by heartburn that is felt in the lower chest region due to the stomach acid flowing back up into the oesophagus.

What is Acidity?

Acidity is a medical condition brought on by the overproduction of stomach acid. A pain or burning sensation in the lower chest cavity results due to the stomach acid flowing back into the food pipe in this situation. 

In general, signs of Acidity in the stomach include nausea, stomach soreness, burning feeling, poor breath, etc. 

Doctors and nutritionists claim that unhealthy eating practices and poor diet may be the main causes of Acidity. The symptoms of Acidity might occur in those who lead unhealthy lifestyles and consume junk food.

How Acidity occurs?

Our stomach receives the food we eat after it travels down the oesophagus. The stomach’s gastric glands produce the acid needed to break down food and kill microorganisms. 

The condition known as Acidity occurs when the gastric glands produce more acid than is essential for digestion. 

A burning feeling just above the stomach or just below the breastbone is a defining feature of this illness. Due to Indian’s extensive consumption of oily and spicy meals, Acidity is particularly prevalent in India.

Risk factors of Acidity

The risk of Acidity increases in individuals who

• Frequently eat spicy food. 
• Drink excessive amounts of alcohol
• Are obese
• Frequently eat non-vegetarian meals.
• Use Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
• Are approaching menopause 
• Are expecting a child
• Have diseases like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, Diabetes, Asthma, Hiatal hernia, Peptic ulcers and connective tissue disorders.

Symptoms of Acidity

Heartburn

One of the symptoms of hyper-Acidity is heartburn, which results in a burning sensation in the chest in a person with high stomach acid. Heartburn frequently causes severe harm to health.

Nausea 

Most persons who have stomach Acidity experience nausea. Individuals who have nausea typically feel queasy and have a vomiting sensation.

Constipation 

A common Acidity symptom is constipation, which makes it tough for the acidic individual to eliminate waste.

Indigestion 

The most well-known sign of stomach Acidity is indigestion. It results when food particles are only partially or never digested.

Bad breath 

One of the most typical signs of Acidity is foul breath, which occurs in people with excessive levels of acid reflux in their bodies.

Restlessness 

Restlessness occurs in people with Acidity. A person with acid reflux may have unsettling feelings and trouble sleeping in this situation.

Burning sensation and pain in the stomach 

Hyper-Acidity can cause significant pain in the chest and stomach due to the high production of unnecessary hydrochloric acid. 

Burning sensation and pain in the throat 

Inflammation and discomfort can result from stomach acid moving back into the throat. The result is usually a burning sensation in the throat. Additionally, it could make swallowing difficult or painful.

Complications of Acidity

When left untreated, Acidity could become more severe and lead to complications. 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 

A person experiencing acid reflux or Acidity symptoms more than three times per week or for several weeks is likely to have GERD. GERD requires appropriate medical care, or it could worsen existing health issues.

Gastric ulcers 

Gastric ulcers develop when too much acid damages the lining of the stomach or duodenum. If the ulcers do not heal with treatment, surgery may be necessary.

Oesophageal strictures 

The lining of the oesophagus can become damaged over time by the stomach’s acid reflux, which can result in strictures. 

These are referred to as peptic strictures, and they may or may not be malignant. The block due to stricture makes the food not enter the stomach.

Oesophageal cancers 

Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma are the two cancers that can develop in the oesophagus as an Acidity complication. 

Duodenitis 

Inflammation of the first segment of the small intestine is known as duodenitis.

Diagnosis of Acidity

Upper GI endoscopy and biopsy 

Upper GI endoscopy helps examine the upper Gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This includes the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. 

The test is also referred to as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). It involves the use of an endoscope. There is a tiny camera at one end of this long, thin, flexible tube. The test aids in detecting tissues, including growths, infections or ulcers. 

It can check for esophagitis, gastritis and Acidity. Biopsy (tissue sample) from the test subject may be obtained and examined for health issues.

Radiological Imaging 

MRI helps detect acidic reflux, and x-rays are helpful in visualising problems in the Upper GI tract. 

Oesophageal manometry 

Oesophageal manometry is a technique used to assess the efficiency of the oesophageal muscles.

An individual may suffer from symptoms like heartburn, difficulty swallowing, pain during swallowing, chest pain and regurgitation when the muscles don’t function as they should. This results in the food coming back up after swallowing.

Oesophageal pH monitoring 

Oesophageal pH monitoring is a test that quantifies how frequently and for how long stomach acid enters the oesophagus.

Treatment for Acidity

Antacids 

Antacids are medications that neutralise stomach acid. They are widely used in situations when neutralising stomach acid is essential. Heartburn is an example of acid reflux. Antacids help reduce the symptoms of Acidity or acid reflux.

Antacid usage is not known to cause any side effects. Antacids include magnesium carbonate, magnesium trisilicate and aluminium hydroxide. These are available in the form of tablets and liquids under various brand names. 

Alginates are a class of medicines that are present in some forms of antacid medications. Alginates are added to help soothe the oesophageal lining from the effects of stomach acid. Alginates include things like alginate salts and alginic acid.

H2 blockers 

H2 receptor blockers work by lowering the amount of stomach acid secreted by glands in the stomach’s lining, which lessens heartburn sensations. 

The H2 blocker class of medications includes ranitidine, cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), and nizatidine (Axid) (Zantac). The drugs that have the least negative interactions are famotidine and nizatidine.

Proton pump inhibitors 

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) lessen the amount of acid the stomach produces. Acid reflux is frequently treated with these. The strongest type of medication now available for managing stomach acid is proton-pump inhibitors. 

The following PPIs are available even without prescription and help treat Acidity.

• Omeprazole (Prilosec) 
• Esomeprazole (Nexium) 
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid) 

Another over-the-counter medication is Zegerid (omeprazole with sodium bicarbonate. Rabeprazole and Pantoprazole are also proton pump inhibitors.

PPIs are ingested orally. They come in tablet or pill form. These medications are frequently given 30 minutes prior to the morning meal.

Maintain a healthy weight 

Excess weight is linked to Acid reflux. Therefore, losing or maintaining body weight helps treat Acidity.

Avoid tight-fitting clothing 

Tight-fitting clothes put pressure on the stomach, known as intragastric or intra-abdominal pressure. This, in turn, triggers Acidity or acid reflux, causing stomach acid to flow back into the lower oesophagus. Avoiding tight clothes and jeans will help treat and prevent Acidity.

Avoid lying down after a meal

Lying down immediately post-meal makes the stomach acid reflux into the oesophagus. Refraining from lying down after a meal, especially a heavy meal, will prevent Acidity.

Avoid late meals 

Late meals, particularly at night, can trigger Acidity. It is therefore advisable to avoid having late meals.

Elevate the head of your bed 

Since sleeping upright makes the oesophagus stay above the stomach and makes it more difficult for stomach acid to escape, elevating the head is necessary. This helps lessen acid reflux.

Avoid smoking and alcohol

Smoking increases stomach acid production, which raises the possibility of gastric juices getting refluxed into the oesophagus. 

Alcohol may increase stomach acid production. Additionally, it may increase the tissue’s sensitivity to acid, resulting in heartburn and Acidity.

Avoiding alcohol and refraining from smoking can help lessen the effects of Acidity.

Avoid large meals 

Overeating increases the acid production in the stomach to boost digestion. It may also cause acid to flow back into the oesophagus, resulting in Acidity. One of the simplest methods to reduce the risk of acid reflux is to avoid eating large meals.

Home remedies for Acidity

Cold milk 

High calcium content in milk prevents acid buildup by absorbing extra acid produced. Additionally, if the milk is cold, it certainly does offer immediate relief from the burning sensation experienced during reflux. Do not include sugar.

Coconut water 

Electrolytes found in coconut water help maintain pH equilibrium and reduce acid reflux. This is plant-based milk. 

Drink a glass of coconut water 30 minutes after the meal to reduce Acidity. Along with a wholesome diet, daily use of coconut water for two to three months can provide long-lasting relief from Acidity.

Black cumin seeds 

Cumin seeds are an excellent acid neutraliser, promote digestion and ease gastrointestinal discomfort. Sometimes, chewing on a handful of black cumin seeds can be really effective.

Fennel or saunf 

Fennel is the main component of many mouth-freshening products since it aids in cooling down the stomach. Fennel offers several gastrointestinal advantages. Consuming some fennel seeds after each meal is beneficial. 

One can also drink fennel tea once every few days because it helps with indigestion and bloating and maintains the health of the digestive system.

Lukewarm water 

The best way to remove toxins from the body is with a warm glass of water. Also, it stimulates digestion and aids in food breakdown, making the digestion process easier. 

Keep drinking warm water for considerable relief while experiencing stomach-related concerns, including Acidity.

Cardamom 

Cardamom is regarded in Ayurvedic traditions as one food that balances the three doshas—Kapha, pitta and Vata. 

It is well known for promoting digestion and calming stomach cramps. It calms the mucous membrane of the stomach, assisting it in protecting itself from the effects of too much stomach acid production. 

Crush two cardamom pods (with or without the peel), boil the powder in water and then sip the cooled juice to ease Acidity.

Watermelon juice 

Due to its high water content, watermelon juice aids digestion and keeps the body hydrated. Additionally, it aids in reducing Acidity by neutralising the stomach’s acid.

Buttermilk 

A glass of cold buttermilk is one of the nicest drinks to have in hot, humid weather. According to Ayurveda, buttermilk, or chaas, is a sattvic food valued for its nutrients and calming effects on the stomach. 

Lactic acid in buttermilk balances the stomach’s Acidity. One can also try adding some freshly chopped coriander leaves, a dash of black pepper, a pinch of salt and a pinch of asafoetida to buttermilk.

Ginger 

Add two tablespoons of honey, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and one tablespoon of ginger. In a glass of lukewarm water, mix them all together. This anti-inflammatory drink may help lessen Acidity’s symptoms and ease the pain caused.

Though ginger helps relieve Acidity symptoms, studies aren’t sufficient to prove that ginger is beneficial for Acidity. 

Cloves 

The carminative effects of clove enhance peristalsis. When a clove is bit, its strong flavour causes a lot of saliva to be secreted, which helps with digestion and combats Acidity.

Banana 

Bananas, which have high fibre content and are a good source of potassium, assist in regulating the stomach’s Acidity. A ripe banana is especially beneficial since it typically has higher potassium.

Papaya 

The papain enzyme found in papayas aids in better digestion and lessens heartburn. It aids digestion and maintains bodily hydration due to its high water content. It lessens reflux by neutralising the stomach’s acid.

Ajwain 

Thymol is an active component of ajwain that helps reduce Acidity and enhances digestion. This component encourages the stomach to secrete gastric juices and aids in keeping the stomach’s pH levels within the usual range.

Turmeric 

Using turmeric may help prevent the damage of oesophagal mucosal cells by stomach acid. Curcumin in turmeric also plays a significant role in alleviating Acidity symptoms.

Jaggery 

Jaggery’s high potassium content promotes the secretion of mucus in the stomach, reducing the formation of excess acid. One of the finest remedies for Acidity is jaggery since it contains a lot of magnesium, which strengthens the intestinal wall.

Conclusion

Acidity is a condition in which the gastric glands in the stomach secrete too much acid, which is usually triggered by eating spicy food.

While Acidity symptoms can happen anytime, 70% to 75% of persons with Acidity issues claim to experience nighttime heartburn.

Eating dinner 3 hours before going to bed, Elevating the head of the bed, choosing healthy snacks, refraining from smoking, quitting alcohol, smoking, and regular exercise can help treat Acidity. Over-the-counter medications are preferred for quick relief. 

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