Acidity The Slow and Silent killer

Have you experienced something sour or a burning sensation in the throat, chest or stomach? It's acidity. Here are some easy remedies

There are many names for acidity like hyperacidity or acid dyspepsia or acid reflux or gastroesopohageal reflux disease, or more commonly known as urdhva gata amalpitta in Ayurveda. Acidity refers to a set of symptoms caused by an inequity. Excess secretion of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach gives rise to a condition known as acidity. Remember, ignoring acidity can actually lead you to more serious and complicated problems like peptic ulcers. It is quite a simple problem when it begins, but it can get out of hand easily if not taken seriously.
Causes of acidity:
Stress is one of the main causes of acidity. Smoking and excess alcohol tends to weaken the nervous system. As a result, the stomach lining stops functioning properly. High intake of fatty foods, refined and fibreless foods, overeating and eating hurriedly are few causes that aggravate acidity. Excessive intake of nicotine also leads to acidity. Skipping meals or fasting are also triggers. Other causes of acidity or heartburn are pregnancy, aging, anxiety and insomnia, obesity, bad posture, erratic meal timing and bad eating habit.
    Acidity is a problem that occurs very commonly, so going in for medications every time is not a very good thought. There are some very simple and natural home remedies that can be used to treat and prevent acidity.
Some easy remedies:
Chew a few holy basil (tulsi) leaves to get relief from burning, nausea and gas. You can also have one teaspoon of tulsi juice every morning and before bed.
    Keep a small piece of jaggery (gur) in your mouth and slowly suck it. Repeat it every hour till the acidity subsides.
    Drink coconut water three times a day. It is a common natural remedy for acidity.
    Have plenty of milk and milk products like curd and buttermilk at regular intervals. This will help subside the acidity. One can also drink a glass of cold milk or a cup of vanilla ice cream for relief from heartburn.
    Water is a good neutraliser for acid. Start your day with a glass of lukewarm water with one teaspoon of honey early in the morning.
    Kokum Sherbet with cumin seeds (jeera) is also a great remedy for acidity.
Lifestyle changes to prevent acidity
    Eat your meal atleast three hours before you go to bed. Importantly, do not lie down immediately after your meals. Your stomach digests the food with the help of acid.
    Proper posture is another factor which should be taken care. After the meal, keep your back straight and upright. At night sleep in right posture and right elevation as it will help in acidity control, like keeping head on a high pillow up to five inches. Avoid sleeping on/over your stomach.
    Pregnant women should have small mid meals at regular intervals. To minimise heartburn, women should have solid carbohydrate foods like biscuits, rusks, khakras or a fruit. At the same time avoid rich, fried, strongly flavoured and spiced foods. Eat liquid and solid foods a half hour apart.
    Eat small meals at regular intervals, consume at least five to six meals per day.
    Be fit. Try and maintain your ideal body weight. Overweight people are more prone to heartburn attacks. Avoid very spicy, high sodium containing and deep fried foods like papad, pickles, chilli sauces etc. Do not drink more than two cups of tea or coffee per day. Finally, eat vegetables and fruits rich in fibre.
    Exercise helps in controlling acidity. Morning and evening walk at least for 30 minutes are good for health and keeps acidity under control. Yogic exercises keeps you're overall internal system— digestive and nervous — and external system in good condition.
    A simple and easy lifestyle can keep you healthy and happy. Every disease has its cure, so live a balance and stress-free life. Author Deepshikha Agarwal is a dietician and sports nutritionist

EAT THIS: Fibrous fruits and vegetables and items like holy basil (left) and cold milk (right) are natural remedies to cure acidity and heartburn