Web Stories
Step Into the Story: Explore Now
Acidity or hyperacidity presents as a burning sensation starting in the stomach, and gradually moving up into the esophagus, causing varying levels of discomfort marked by belching and acid reflux. Sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating patterns contribute to this condition. Specific foods can disrupt the digestive process, prompting excessive stomach acid secretion. Ayurveda bloating remedy can be beneficial in managing these symptoms by addressing the root causes of digestive imbalance.
Persistent acidity may result in heartburn, characterized by a lingering sensation in the chest akin to the feeling of multiple needle pricks. The discomfort and pain intensify when lying down, making it challenging to find relief or sleep.
Acidity and Ayurveda
Acidity, a prevalent condition, begins as heartburn felt typically in the lower chest region. In Ayurveda, it’s termed as Amla Pitta, denoting an imbalance in the Pitta Dosha, responsible for digestion. The primary cause is the upward movement of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing discomfort and a burning sensation.
Ayurveda remedies for acidity concentrate on rebalancing the aggravated Pitta Dosha. This approach involves adjustments in diet and lifestyle, alongside natural remedies to ease symptoms and tackle the underlying issue. Ayurveda highlights the consumption of cooling and calming foods like fresh produce, vegetables, and herbal infusions to alleviate acidity.
Causes of Acidity
Acidity may occur because of several factors. These can be divided into three major categories:
- Food – Your body’s digestion and overall well-being are directly impacted by the food you consume. Acidity often arises from consuming incompatible food combinations or indulging in spicy, fried meals followed immediately by soda or milkshakes. Here are a few instances of careless eating habits that could trigger acidity.
- Eating spicy, fried foods.
- Using too many spices, garlic, clove, and chili in your cooking.
- Consuming baked items and fermented foods.
- Consuming tea/coffee in excess quantities, usually over 2 cups a day.
- Inadequate water intake.
2. Lifestyle – Lifestyle choices play an integral role in maintaining your gut health. It is important to engage in physical activities and take enough rest in a day. Some of the lifestyle habits that can lead to acidity are:
- Working long hours without rest.
- Lying down in bed or sitting down immediately after meals.
- Inadequate sleep
- Skipping meals
- Eating before the previous meal is fully digested.
3. Mental/emotional State- According to Ayurveda digestion is the process of absorbing and taking in everything around us through our five senses. What we feel and think reflects on how our body performs. Some of the common emotional/mental triggers of acidity are:
- Work stress
- Anxiety, fear, and anger issues
- Stressing too much over unfulfilled desires and aspirations can also give you trouble in the gut
Symptoms of Acidity
- Heartburn, a fiery sensation experienced in the chest area that often ascends toward the throat, stands as a common indicator of acidity.
- Reflux, characterized by the stomach acid backflowing into the throat or mouth, can elicit a sour or bitter taste.
- Indigestion, known as dyspepsia, manifests as discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, usually accompanied by a sensation of fullness or bloating.
- Nausea, occasionally present in individuals with acidity, may provoke feelings of queasiness or an inclination to vomit.
- Swallowing difficulties arise from acidity, causing a sense of constriction or a lump in the throat, impeding the act of swallowing.
- Persistent coughing or a hoarse voice results from stomach acid irritation in the throat due to acidity.
- Occasionally, acidity induces chest pain resembling cardiac conditions, necessitating the exclusion of any heart-related issues when experiencing such discomfort.
- Recognizing these signs of acidity is pivotal for timely intervention and seeking appropriate treatments, including Ayurveda remedies, to alleviate discomfort and foster digestive well-being.
Do's and Don'ts
If you are prone to acidity, it is important to make some lifestyle adjustments or give up certain eating habits to keep your digestive system in order. Here are a few do’s and don’ts that one must consider to avoid acidity.
Do’s
- It’s suggested to sleep on your left side, benefiting from gravity and the stomach’s shape, along with the angle where it connects to the esophagus.
- To lower the chances of acid reflux, elevate your head and chest slightly while sleeping.
- Opt for six smaller meals throughout the day instead of three large ones.
- Incorporate moderate exercises into your routine.
- Ensure there’s a minimum of 2 hours between your supper and bedtime.
- Chew each morsel of food thoroughly, around 32 times, before swallowing.
- Excess weight often contributes to acidity issues; shedding a few healthy kilograms might gradually alleviate these concerns.
Don’ts
- Avoid lying down immediately after meals.
- Avoid fermented foods and alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid overeating, especially junk food.
Ayurveda Treatment for Acidity
Ayurveda treatment for acidity aims to restore dosha balance and improve digestive fire, providing long-lasting relief and promoting optimal health. It involves modifying diets, adjusting lifestyle habits, and using herbal medicines. Panchakarma therapies, such as Virechana and Vamana, are recommended to cleanse and rebalance the digestive system under the doctor’s advice. Yoga and Pranayama, which involve specific poses and breathing exercises, can also help alleviate acidity by enhancing digestion, reducing stress, and nurturing overall health. These approaches aim to promote optimal digestive health and alleviate acidity.
