The stomach normally secretes acid that is essential in the digestive process. This acid helps in breaking down the food during digestion. When there is excess production of acid in the stomach, it results in the condition known as acidity. Most acidity problems occur after meals, when doing some heavy exercise and applying pressure in the intra-abdominal region or at night when lying down. 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. There are certain types of ulcers where acid secretion is either normal or even low. Acidity is responsible for symptoms like dyspepsia, heartburn and the formation of ulcers. It is also more common in the developed and industrialised nations, though a recent increase in incidence has also occurred in the developing countries. A peptic ulcer is a raw area in the lining of the upper part of the small intestine or the stomach, whose protective mucosal lining has been eroded away by the gastric juices. Duodenal ulcers are three times more common than gastric ulcers.
Acidity is more common in highly emotional and nervous individuals. In case of severe gastric ulcer, pain may get aggravated on intake of food and relieved after vomiting. Dyspepsia and heartburn are often the main symptoms of acidity. Heartburn is characterised by a deeply placed, burning pain in the chest behind the sternum. Peptic ulcer disease can sometimes occur without symptoms. Acid production in patients with duodenal ulcers tends to be higher than normal, while in those with stomach or gastric ulcers, it is usually normal or lower. Pepsin is an enzyme that breaks down proteins. Pepsin and hydrochloric acid cause damage to the stomach or duodenum if the stomach's protective system is altered or damaged. Lack of adequate blood flow to the stomach contributes to ulcers. Symptoms may also arise when there is no ulcer present, which is known as non-ulcer dyspepsia. A suitable diet must be strictly followed avoiding spicy, salty and acidic foods.
Causes of Acidity
Common Causes of Acidity:
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.
• Excessive exposure to sun and heat.
• Non-vegetarian diets.
• Stress-related conditions like anger, fear, worrying.
Precautions of Acidity
• Stop smoking
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid irregular and hurried meals.
• Do not eat just before going to bed.
Home Remedies for Acidity
Home Remedies for Acidity:
• Intake of raw garlic is very beneficial.
• Drink fresh mint juice slowly after meals.
• Chew a few holy basil leaves to get relief from burning, nausea and gas.
• Eat watermelon, banana or cucumber every hour.
• Drink coconut water 4-5 times a day.
• Boil cumin seeds in a glass of water and drink it with meals.
• Herbal tea containing mint and is also beneficial instead of normal tea, coffee and other aerated drinks.
HYPERACIDITY AND HEARTBURN.
When the stomach contains more hydrochloric acid than normal the condition is called hyperacidity. This excessive secretion may lead to ulcer in the stomach. Heartburn is caused when the gastric acid refluxes back to the oesaphagus.hyperacicdity promotes heartburn, ulcers and reflux.
REMEDIES FOR HEARTBURN AND HYPERACIDITY.
Heartburn is generally caused by the weakening of the stomach lining. When this happens, the oesophagus is subject to torture by the spices in your diet! This can be a temporary problem, or even a long term one. Following treatment from an ulcer, remember never to eat spicy food until the time recommended by the physician, or else you are sitting duck for heartburn!
• If you feel you have an acid problem in your stomach then slowly suck a small piece of jaggery\ghor.
• A glass of milk is a quick remedy for heartburn and hyperacidity.
• Almonds are quite effective in treating heartburn; chew a few almonds when you experience heartburn.
• Ginger taken with honey after a meal is effective for treating heartburn.
• Fruits like apple, watermelon and banana are recommended for people with a hyperacidity problem. Avoid fried food, pickles, hot and spicy food. Take your meals regularly on time, don’t skip them. Drink plenty of water. Avoid garlic, onion, pepper, radish and cabbage. Do not haste while eating, always chew your food properly. Include plenty of green and leafy vegetables in your diet.
HEARTBURN.
Eat only food that requires thorough chewing before swallowing. Eating cakes, pastries and soft food never allows thorough chewing, thus creating problems. Some people complain of heartburn if they eat rice because unlike rotis, rice is not chewed thoroughly.
• Till the symptoms vanish, take a bland diet consisting of salads and lots of vegetables.
• Avoid spicy, pungent and fatty foods.
• Take the juice of 1 lemon squeezed in a glass of tomato juice mixed with I tsp of honey twice a day.
• Take juicy fruits and fruit juices for breakfast.
ULCERS.
Include milk, butter, fruits, like bananas and sweet mangoes, boiled vegetables, dates and milk extracted from almonds. Avoid all citrus fruits and raw vegetables.
• Take milk without cream, in moderate quantities 3 x a day.
• Instead of 3 big meals, take four or five small meals.
• Avoid overeating and drinking water in between meals.
• A tablespoon of olive oil every morning works wonders for ulcers.
• Chew the food thoroughly. Avoid too hot or cold foods.
• Do not eat when upset or tense or when nagged by worry.
• Have a calm and peaceful attitude towards everything.
HYPERACIDITY.
• Add the juice of a lemon in a glass of warm water. Divide into 3 proportions. Take every 1 hour in the till the evening for a few days.
• Mash bananas, add milk and take during breakfast regularly for a few days.
• Take baked potatoes regularly for a few days.
• Mix tsp of butter to a glass of papaya juice and consume twice a day for 2 weeks.
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