subject: Acidity Causes and Symptoms and Tips for avoiding Excess Stomach Acidity [print this page] Acidity Causes and Symptoms and Tips for avoiding Excess Stomach Acidity
Acidity refers to a set of symptoms caused by an imbalance between the acid secreting mechanism of the stomach and proximal intestine and the protective mechanisms that ensure their safety.
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Lack of adequate blood flow to the stomach contributes to ulcers. Prostaglandins are also believed to stimulate bicarbonate and mucous production, which help protect the stomach. If any of these defence mechanisms are deficient, acid and pepsin can attack the stomach lining causing an ulcer.
Prevention of Heartburn/ Acidity
Heartburn can often be prevented or minimized by following measures.
1. Quit smoking Meanwhile don't smoke before or while eating. Smoking often causes one to swallow small amounts of air, that creates air pockets in the digestive tract with the added pressure of food. It also slows down the body's ability to digest food. chewing gums before meals can also cause one to swallow air.
2. Avoid gas forming foods like beans, cauliflower etc. Avoid raw vegetables like cabbage, cucumbers, onion, radish, and peppers.
3. Improve sitting posture while eating. Sit at the dining table in an upright position.
4. Walk a little after eating. It helps stimulate the digestive system but avoid brisk walking just after meals. Never exercise after a large meal.
5. Avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing.
6. Chew food thoroughly and slowly.
7. Avoid alcohol intake while having meals.
Tips for avoiding Excess Stomach Acidity
1. Try to identify foods that contribute to excess stomach acid. Foods that are spicy, salty and acidic should be avoided.
2. Smoking and alcohol consumption should be stopped to keep stomach acid levels in the stomach and esophagus in harmony.
3. Avoiding stress and moderating your lifestyle to include relaxing techniques can go a long way to prevent excess stomach acid and ulcers, particularly if you are a nervous and emotional person or involved in a high-stress job.
4. Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs may predispose a person to excess stomach acid.
5. Try to eat regular meals and follow a healthy diet.
6. Take extra care when lifting weights, as this puts the abdominal area under added strain and may result in digestion problems.
7. If you have a bout of excess stomach acid, try having an organic glass of fat-free or low-fat milk to help normalize the pH in your stomach.
Home Remedies for Acidity
1. Take a mixture of 2 tsp of natural apple cider vinegar and 2 tsp raw honey in a glass of water before meals.
2. Try one or two tablespoons of white vinegar. It really works to cure acidity.
3. Chew a few holy basil (tulsi ) leaves to get relief from burning, nausea and gas.
4. Boil one cup of water. To this add 1 tsp of Aniseed (Saunf). Cover and leave overnight. Strain the water in the morning, add 1 tsp of honey. When this is taken 3 times a day it prevents acidity.
5. Sleep with your head and shoulder on a high pillow for elevation.
6. Drink daily a 1 tsp juice of chebulic myroblan mixed with 1 tsp of amla (Indian gooseberry) juice.
7. For relief of acid or acid reflux eat some yogurt, relief in about 5 min.
8. Take one piece of clove and suck on it slowly.
9. Drink tender coconut water 3- 4 times a day.
10. Eat a cup of vanilla ice cream or drink a glass of cold milk to get heartburn and acidity relief within minutes.
