Explore natural home remedies to get quicker relief from acidity and soothe your digestive discomfort effectively. Acidic taste is one of the most common complaints and, its discomfort is such that it doesn’t sound pleasing to any common man. The sense of burning in the chest, in the throat, or in the stomach is often discomforting, to say the least. But the good news is, no one has to put up with it for long. Within minutes, and with some very easily available kitchen remedies, one can feel alleviated and relieve oneself of nausea. Furthermore, in case the acidic content appears more regularly, it would be better if the diet is modified such as cutting down on the intake of spices and adjusting to smaller meals.
Acidity usually occurs sometime after a having a large meal comprising mainly of spicy or fried items. And there’s the familiar burning sensation, somewhere between the chest area and the throat, which signals that there is an attack of acidity. Most people have had this and it can be frustrating but fear not, relief is usually just a few paces away. This article shall discuss the general causes of acidity and the simple home remedies that are helpful in the speedy and easy relief from the condition.
What Causes Acidity?
Normally, there is an increase in acidity levels in the stomach due to the overproduction of gastric acid and this can be due to the interrelation of different factors such as stress, diet, hunger patterns, and other external factors. Some of the things that cause acidity are:
- Spicy & Oily Foods: These delicious foods are the cause of spoilage in that they cause irritation in the stomach and thus leading to the production of excess acid.
- Overeating: It can be fairly easy to overeat at times, and this will lead to the expansion of the stomach which eventually leads to more acid production.
- Eating Right Before Sleeping: Foods sometimes have a hard time getting to the bottom of our stomachs, so eating while lying vertically can sometimes cause stomach injury.
- Stress: Stress has a psychological aspect, and intake of food in this condition may cause overproduction of the acid.
Now that we are aware of the reasons for acidity, let’s discuss some safe and nondrug approaches that can soothe your stomach and take away the burning feeling.
Home Remedies to Cure Acidity
Fennel Seeds (Saunf)
Fennel seeds, commonly known as saunf, can be called as one of the perfect natural cures for acidity. With their wonderful medicinal properties, these seeds are beneficial for calming the tummy and moderating the production of acid. Simply swallowing a teaspoon of fennel seeds may help regulate stomach acid content, revealing distinct health benefits such as reduced feelings of fullness. For those who in fact indulge in food too much and can’t taste the seeds, fennel seeds can be boiled to prepare fennel tea. This simple drink soothing helps a lot in curing acidity and digestion problems.
Banana
You could call bananas as antacid from the nature. It is rich in Potassium and other nutrients which helps in neutralizing the acid secretion in the stomach. Their soft and creamy consistency helps to coat the inner lining of the stomach and protects it against less acid. In case you wonder how to use bananas to combat acidity, just consume a ripe banana and instantly relieve the burning feeling resulting from high acid levels in the stomach. This helps in alleviating discomfort and averting progression of further adverse impacts on the stomach.
Ginger
Ginger is regarded as an ancient natural remedy for helping with digestive problems and excessive acid production. Ginger has anti-inflammatory elements which assist in eliminating inflammation of the stomach lining and easing the gastrointestinal passage. Ginger tea and chewing fresh ginger may help relieve acid reflux and aid in the digestion process. Because of ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties, it is great for acidity as well.
Ajwain (Carom Seeds)
Ajwain or carom seeds have been a common feature in the Indian traditional medicine system in the management of several ailments including acidity and digestive disorders. These seeds consist of some compounds which enhance the digestive processes, curtail swelling and collect gas. To relieve acidity quickly, administer a pinch of ajwain combined with a little salt. Another option would be to boil ajwain in water. This not only calms down the stomach but also helps in lowering the burning sensation caused due to acidity.
Cold Milk
Some folks do not see milk as infant’s formula being effective against acidity. But it contributes marvelously in neutralizing the acid present in the stomach. The cold temperature of milk provides instant relief from the burning sensation in chest due to acid reflux. Cooling effect of the milk also works towards lowering the acidity in the stomach and alleviating its irritation. A quick solution for acidity concerns can be a glass of cold milk without sugar, which aids in relieving the digestive system.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Although Apple vinegar is an acid in nature, those who suffer from acidity may be glad to hear that it is helpful for them. In fact, if pure apple cider vinegar is mixed with water, it helps to neutralize the acid content in the stomach. Contrary to common sense, this syrup can lower the pain caused by the stomach acid and prevent it from rising towards the gullet. You can also take raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a glass of water before meals to assist digestion and help do away with acidity.
Aloe Vera Juice
The goodness that people find in the Aloe Vera plant is unrivaled, it is a very beneficial plant. It can ease the stomach lining and lessen acid secretion. If a person takes a small amount of Aloe Vera juice before meals, it can also help in reducing acidity and lowers the chances of acid reflux. Further, it helps in reducing excess stomach acids which cause irritation due to Aloe Vera juice’s anti-inflammatory qualities.
Cumin Seeds
Due to the digestive features of cumin, it works wonders and is a perfect solution for dealing with acidity problems. It promotes bile production, which enhances digestion and lowers acidity levels. After meals, a teaspoon of roasted cumin seeds can be taken, or a few seeds can be put in boiling water to make tea. This is a very powerful remedy that helps calm the stomach and provide relief from acidity.
Alternative Approaches to Reduce Acidity
Besides these remedies, there are some lifestyle changes that can help to avoid making acidity a recurring problem. For instance, instead of having three meals per day, one can have six small meals in a day. This will help to keep the digestive system less active, hence, the amount of acid to be produced, will decrease. Limiting the consumption of spicy food, fatty meals, and fried dishes can also help in preventing acidity. Furthermore, it is advisable to drink plenty of water and to limit the intake of caffeinated beverages or alcohol, since these irritate stomach lining and can initiate acidity.
To complete
Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for controlling acidity, but home remedies help a lot in providing the needed relief. While fennel seeds and bananas provide quick relief from acid stomach problems, ginger and apple cider vinegar help control acid secretion to restore balance in the stomach. However, it is also important to change the lifestyle to prevent the situation from repeating. Modifying basic eating behaviors, alongside managing stress, can convert regular acidity into past tense as well as enhance the health status of the entire digestive system.
If acidity continues or increases in severity, it is best to seek the advice of a physician to eliminate any possible underlying problems. However, for basic relief, these home alternate treatments can be a good first step for effective relief.