Millions of people experience Acidity Problems.
Acidity is excess secretion of acids in the gastric glands of the stomach, producing gas, severe pain in the stomach, burning, bloating, hiccupping, flatulence and acid reflux as common symptoms. The stomach that holds this acid to breakdown the food, at times, fails to stop its backflow into the food pipe leading to heartburn and causing acidity.
To overcome the problem of acidity most people practice naturopathy therapy or use treatment that involves the exercise of commercial medications, such as omeprazole. Unknown to the fact, lifestyle modifications, change in dietary plan and improving sleeping postures can reduce the symptoms of acidity and can be very effective as well.
Burning sensation in the stomach, throat, and heart, difficulty in swallowing, bad breath, indigestion, constipation are some of the common signs and symptoms of acidity.
What Causes Acidity?
Acidity can occur:
- due to lack of sleep
- due to empty stomach
- due to a long gap between meals
- due to excessive intake of tea or coffee
- due to smoking
- due to alcohol intake
- due to heavy meals or spicy food consumption
So here are natural ways and home remedies to reduce your acidity, all backed by scientific research.
Alternative Treatments & Home Remedies for Acidity
Opt for these at-home remedy treasures to cure and control acidity. Boost your overall stomach health with these 19 natural treatments for acidity.
1. Bananas
Bananas are well known for health benefiting properties. Due to the high fiber content present in Bananas, these are remarkably helpful for the gut and stomach as they enhance digestion. They are also a rich source of potassium. Bananas are highly beneficial for people dealing with acidity as it increases the production of mucus in the stomach preventing excess acid formation. Their natural antacids can act as a barrier against acid reflux. Furthermore, this simplest home remedy is a perfect antidote to severe bouts of acidity. Eating a banana daily prevents discomfort.
2. Buttermilk
Cold buttermilk is another valuable antidote to acidity. A glass of buttermilk relieves from heartburn. The lactic acid in buttermilk neutralizes the acidity in the stomach. Furthermore, it coats the stomach lining thus reducing the irritation and acid reflux symptoms. A natural probiotic, it is extremely vital for a healthy digestion process. It prevents gas build-up and bloating that often causes acid reflux & allows proper digestion & absorption of nutrients/foods ultimately reducing the feasibility of acidity and keeping gastrointestinal health in excellent condition. Buttermilk sprinkled with a dash of black pepper powder or coriander leaves makes it even more advantageous.
3. Basil leaves (Tulsi)
It stimulates our stomach to produce more mucus. Its soothing and carminative properties provide instant relief from acidity as well as relieves heartburn and nausea that often occurs with acidity. Chewing 2-3 basil leaves/boiling them in a cup of water & sipping it frequently minimizes the stomach acid. Furthermore, they soothe the inflamed esophagus and stomach lining affected by unnecessary stomach acid produced. Its antiulcer properties reduce the impact of gastric acids and control gas production.
4. Cinnamon
Cinnamon loaded with health profiting properties, is a powerhouse of nutrients. It works as a natural antacid for stomach acidity as well as improves digestion & absorption. Cinnamon tea helps heal infections in the gastrointestinal tract.
5. Fennel (Saunf)
It can be eaten as a mouth freshener or after meals to prevent acidity. Loaded with vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber it supports the process of healthy digestion. Its anti-ulcer properties cool the lining of the stomach & ease in relieving constipation as well. These humble seeds function as an efficient natural remedy to tackle indigestion, acidity and acid reflux especially for pregnant women who are prohibited from taking a lot of food items and medicines. Moreover, they are known to increase breast milk in nursing women.
6. Jaggery (Gur)
It is rich in Magnesium & helps boost intestinal strength. It helps in digestion making the digestive system more alkaline, thus reducing stomach acidity. Furthermore, it helps maintain normal body temperature, cooling the stomach. A small piece of gur after meals is highly beneficial.
7. Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds neutralize the stomach acid, aid digestion and relieve stomach ache. Crushed & roasted cumin seeds stirred into a glass of water works magic for heartburn & acidity.
Read More : What is Heartburn and its Home Remedies
8. Cloves
Cloves have alkaline and carminative properties that help to avoid the effects of excess acid produced in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. They soothe the inflamed and weakened stomach lining thus proving profitable for heartburns and stomach spasms. Cloves can be added while cooking foods like kidney beans & black grams (tend to cause flatulence) as they do not permit the formation of gas. Furthermore, crushed cloves and cardamoms (mixed in equal amounts) help treat acidity & get rid of bad breath.
Read More: Cloves Benefits
9. Ginger
Ginger is known for its myriad health benefits & has unique digestive and anti-inflammatory properties that destroy the acidity triggering pylori bacteria, reduces inflammation, lessens nausea and soothes the stomach muscles. It can be consumed raw, in tea or cooking to help neutralize stomach acids. Add a combination of ginger and lemon juice with honey in warm water to reduce the symptoms of acidity. This combination is very effective in severe indigestion and acidity conditions. Furthermore, it keeps the metabolism strong and relieves weakness and pain correlated with acidity.
10. Coconut water
It works magic by turning the body’s pH level from acidic to alkaline. Moreover, it helps produce mucus in the stomach, thus protecting it from the adverse effects of undue acid production. Being rich in fiber, it aids digestion and prevents the recurrence of acidity.
11. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar works when acid reflux is due to too little stomach acid. In such a case, Apple Cider Vinegar can be mixed with water & taken 1 or 2 times.
12. Cold Milk
Milk is rich in Calcium which prevents the buildup of acid in the stomach & helps maintain the Ph balance. It also aids in proper digestion providing instant relief from the burning sensation during acidity/acid reflux. Those who are Lactose intolerant, should not try this remedy. Cold milk/milk at room temperature will benefit but hot milk may worsen the condition.
13. Pineapple juice
Pineapple juice reduces hyperacidity and heartburn. The pain-causing proteins in the stomach and small intestine speedily breakdown due to the proteolytic enzymes(natural digestive aids) present in the pineapples. Besides, they also contain bromelain(an enzyme)that helps control the level of hydrochloric acid in the stomach to prevent severe acid reflux.
14. Raw Almonds
The high fiber content of the nut helps in the digestion process & its natural oils soothe and neutralize the stomach acid. Almond milk keeps the stomach in good health. Besides, almonds and bananas, taken together, are a perfect antidote to acidity.
15. Mint (Pudina)
These leaves are natural coolants & help reduce the burning and pain that often co-occur with acidity and indigestion. It improves digestion by lowering the acid content of the stomach. To control & soothe acidity/boost stomach & intestine health, mint leaves can be chewed or mint water(prepared by boiling mint leaves in water)can be taken.
16. Garlic (Lehsun)
Being a powerhouse of antioxidants garlic is boon for heart health & is equally effective as an antidote to acidity too. Raw garlic kills the pathogenic microorganism (majorly accused of causing gastroenteritis). Though including garlic in meals can activate stomach health and prevent indigestion/acidity in some cases it might lead to minor heartburn.
Read More: Benefits of Garlic
17. Gooseberry (Amla)
It contains a high amount of vitamin C & has an overall calming effect on the body, which makes it a natural deterrent for acidity. Furthermore, it helps in healing the injured stomach lining and esophagus & can be taken in any form such as murabba/chatni/candy/juice/powder. Daily intake of amla powder helps prevent the annoying bouts of acidity.
18. Aloe Vera juice
Edible Aloe vera juice is a safe and effective treatment for reducing acidity symptoms. It’s coolant feature work as a natural remedy to relieve heartburn.
Extra easy hacks to fight acidity
- Drink lots of water
- Eat smaller portions at regular intervals
- Chew your food properly
- Do regular exercise at least for half an hour in a day
- Spend some time in the sun
- Chew gum
- Avoid tight jeans
- Sleep on your left side
- Quit smoking
- Say ‘No’ to Alcohol