10 Best Foods That Can Help Deal with Acidity  

Introduction  

Acidity can occur at any time, resulting in heartburn. This causes an uncomfortable sensation. There may be various causes, but the most frequent ones are missing meals regularly, eating excessive spicy food, and drinking too much of tea or coffee. While improper foods can cause acidity, there are specific home remedies that can assist in rapidly reducing acidity.  

Acid reflux develops when the stomach acids flow back into the oesophagus. Even though it happens regularly, it can also lead to problems or unpleasant feelings like heartburn. The amount of stomach acid produced depends on the food. The right food choices are essential for controlling acid reflux.  

Acidity  

Acidity, or acid reflux, is a condition where heartburn is felt in the lower chest region. Acidity occurs when stomach acids flow back into the food pipe.

The oesophagus transports the food we eat to our stomach. The gastric glands secrete acids in the stomach, which is essential for food digestion. A burning feeling can be felt below the breastbone when the gastric glands produce more acid than is necessary for the digestive process. This results in acidity.

The most typical sign of acid reflux is a discomfort or burning sensation in the chest. While most people experience pain, they are unaware that poor lifestyle choices primarily cause acidity.

Natural foods to fix stomach acidity  

Lukewarm water  

Drink lukewarm water on an empty stomach early in the morning and before bed. This eases digestion and helps relieve acidity symptoms.

Buttermilk  

In Ayurveda, buttermilk is believed to have sattvic qualities. Lactic acid, a component of buttermilk, helps in regulating stomach acidity. Add black pepper or cumin seed powder to a glass of buttermilk after eating a filling or spicy meal to get the best benefits. Curry leaves are another flavouring option to add to the buttermilk.

Cold milk  

Cold milk is one of the simple natural cures for acidity relief. For individuals without lactose intolerance, the high calcium content in milk prevents the over secretion of hydrochloric acid, which allows the stomach to absorb the acids. Cold milk provides immediate relief from a burning sensation in the stomach, making it the ideal remedy for acidity. Go for a glass of cold milk while experiencing acidity.

Fennel seeds  

Fennel seeds for acidity help in reducing the symptoms of bloating and stomach pain by providing relief from acidity and heartburn.  

A mix of fennel seeds and mishri aids digestion. It is no wonder that Indians have the habit of chewing saunf after meals, as it is the most effective remedy for reducing acidity.

Drinking fennel tea is useful for maintaining a healthy digestive system and reducing bloating and discomfort.

Coconut water

Coconut water helps the body’s pH balance change from acidic to alkaline and protects the stomach from the negative effects of additional acid production.  

For those with acid reflux, unsweetened coconut water is another excellent alternative. On consuming coconut water, the acidic pH levels in our body change to the basic pH levels. That’s a result of its potassium-rich electrolytic characteristics, which are essential for reducing acid reflux.  

Ajwain  

Ajwain effectively treats any abdominal discomfort that usually develops due to indigestion. It is an organic cure for issues like acid reflux. Ajwain’s active enzymes and the biochemical thymol aid in the relief of any gastrointestinal issue.  

Chew ajwain with a pinch of salt. One could also leave one spoonful in water overnight and drink it the following day.

Basil leaves  

Basil leaves contain calming characteristics that can help us get relief from acidity immediately. Chew a few basil leaves. We can also boil a cup of water with 3–4 basil leaves, simmer for a few minutes, and consume it after straining. Drink it regularly until we feel better.

Tulsi (basil) is renowned for being the ideal herb for all situations, including acidity. Because of its calming qualities, it offers immediate relief from the burning feeling and acid production in the stomach.

Use it by chewing on a few leaves throughout the day or soak them in water and drink it frequently.

Melons  

Melons are also fantastic at reducing acidity. They are available whole or in fruit juice and have a pH of 6.1. These hydrating fruits are nutrient-rich, whether they are watermelons or honeydew.  

For example, watermelon has a high concentration of antioxidants, potassium, vitamins A, B6 and C, amino acids and lycopene.

Banana  

Banana is regarded as the finest natural antacid that protects against acidity. Consuming a banana daily is advisable as they are rich in potassium.

Bananas are a great choice for a snack if there are long gaps between meals. Therefore, consume this fruit while having discomfort or heartburn.

Cardamom  

Cardamom boosts digestion and provides stomach spasm relief. This works by calming the stomach’s inner lining.  

Elaichi or cardamom aids in preventing the adverse effects of too much stomach acid production. Take two cardamom pods, grind them coarsely, and boil them in water for acidity relief. Take cardamom water to get relief immediately.

Foods that make acid reflux worse  

Acid reflux symptoms can be brought on by or made worse by specific foods and beverages.

Avoid items that cause acid reflux,

• Caffeinated drinks – Coffee, tea, soft drinks and energy drinks are the most prevalent beverages that contain caffeine, a natural stimulant. It works by activating the central nervous system and brain, keeping us alert and delaying the start of fatigue.  

• Caffeinated drinks make acid reflux worse, but they can also have unfavourable side effects like anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia in certain people.

• Carbonated beverages – These are drinks with dissolved carbon dioxide. Acids, sweeteners, flavours, colours, and carbon dioxide are the primary components of carbonated beverages. Examples include soda, soft drinks and sparkling water.

• Citrus fruits – These fruits include lemons, oranges, grapefruit and tangerines. Citrus fruits are most likely to cause acid reflux symptoms. The acid content in them produces reflux symptoms since it relaxes the oesophagal sphincter and makes the condition worse. Citrus fruits have a higher acid content than other fruits, which will aggravate the symptoms for most people.

• Alcohol – Drinking alcohol can worsen acid reflux and harm the oesophagal mucosa. Many times, the symptoms can be managed by abstaining from alcohol entirely. As a result, it is generally advisable for patients with acid reflux to avoid alcohol or only drink in moderation.

• Chocolate – Consuming cocoa can increase serotonin levels and, as a result, relax the oesophagal sphincter, allowing stomach contents to rise. Caffeine and theobromine, which are found in chocolate, can exacerbate symptoms.

• Fried and fatty foods – These foods can aggravate heartburn and trigger acid reflux because they inhibit the lower oesophagal sphincter from closing completely, leaving a gap for stomach acids to pass through. The stomach contents are emptied more slowly after consuming fat-rich heavy foods as they become hard to digest, causing heartburn.

• Tomatoes – Tomatoes contain citric acid and malic acid, two acids that cause heartburn. Tomato-based foods or products cause the stomach to produce gastric acid, which helps break down food while it is present in the stomach.

• Peppermint – Peppermint relaxes the lower oesophagal sphincter, which connects the oesophagus and stomach. This can cause gastroesophageal reflux disease and heartburn. People with hiatal hernias and those who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may experience worsening of their reflux symptoms.

Additional precautions for acidity  

Simple lifestyle changes can usually prevent mild cases of acid reflux.  

• Refrain from lying down for about three hours after eating.
• Consume small and frequent meals.
• Wear a loose dress to prevent strain on the abdomen.
• Aim for weight loss.
• Avoid smoking.
• Raise the head of the bed by six to eight inches. Bed risers or wooden blocks can be used for this.

Conclusion  

Acidity is a condition that results from excessive stomach acid secretion. The two common symptoms of acidity are heartburn and dyspepsia.

Dietary and natural treatments can assist in overcoming this issue. Acid reflux is most frequently brought on by eating unhealthy foods, drinking alcohol, and smoking. If acidity symptoms continue even after taking medication, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

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