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Best Way to Manage Your Acidity

Best Way to Manage Your Acidity

June 20, 2019

Indian households are popular for an abundance of rich, spicy, and oily food. We may enjoy eating to our heart’s content, but this may sometimes result in frequent bouts of acidity and heartburn. How does this happen?

Our body secretes hydrochloric acid in the stomach for proper digestion of food. However, under certain circumstances, the amount of acid secreted is more than usual. This causes the stomach’s contents to travel backward into the oesophagus (food pipe), causing acidity and heartburn.

When the lower esophageal sphincter or the muscle band between the esophagus and the stomach stops functioning properly, acid reflux can take place more than twice a week. This causes diseases like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (or GERD) among many others.  Persistent acidity can lead to chronic health problems like the narrowing of the oesophagus, bleeding ulcers and even chances of cancer. Before your acidity troubles worsen, take the following steps to manage them.


Food habits

Certain eating habits must be followed to manage acid reflux:

•    Avoid going to sleep on a full stomach as it can increase the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. Try having dinner at least two-three hours prior to sleep.
•    Avoid an excess of oily and spicy food. Such unhealthy intake can hamper proper digestion and further increase acid secretion.
•    Have a healthy breakfast consisting of non-citrus foods like bananas, cucumber, watermelon and apples with a glass of milk every day. Herbal tea can also act as an effective supplement at work breaks.
•    If you're are a regular consumer of caffeinated beverages, chocolates, carbonated drinks or acidic juices, its high time you check your habits depending on the severity of your condition.


Lifestyle changes

Acidity, at its nascent stages, doesn’t need you to make radical changes to your lifestyle. However, to prevent the furtherance of this irritation into chronic acid reflux, you must incorporate the following habits into your lifestyle:

•    Water is simply the purest neutralizing agent. From waking up in bed to exertions outdoors, you must drink plentiful water. The cooling effect of water can soothe your stomach and food pipe lining in addition to neutralizing the acidic effect.
•    Quit smoking. A common misconception is that smoking triggers acid production – it does not. However, smoking increases enzymes like pepsin (for protein digestion), which harm the inner lining of the stomach. Cigarette smoking can also decrease blood flow, mucus and the sodium bicarbonate salt, all three of which help in neutralizing the acid in the stomach.
•    A healthy body posture significantly contributes to proper digestion and lessens the pressures on your digestive tract. Sit upright and avoid lying on the sofa continuously for long hours. While sleeping, keep your head elevated by using extra pillows.
•    Free-hand body exercises such as light jogging or yoga, early in the morning, can definitely help in reducing body fat and indigestion. However, you must note that excessive exhaustion like running or weightlifting can, in turn, put pressure on the stomach, and worsen your acid reflux.
•    Do not wear tight-fitting belts or clothing around the waist. Loose-fitting clothes can ease pressure on the stomach and abdominal area.


The importance of Ayurveda

The quickest of remedies to the problem of acidity does not need any complicated remedies or over-the-counter medication. In fact, certain specific drugs like anti-depressants, anti-biotic, iron and potassium supplements, theophylline and many others can aggravate the existing symptoms of acid reflux. In such confusing moments, you must be in a fix, thinking ‘What can be the easiest and safest way out?’ The answer is – Ayurveda.

This age-old medical tradition claims that the imbalance of Pitta or heat energy in human cells is what causes the burning pain and irritation of acidity. According to continued medical research over the years, the following are the best ayurvedic ways of dealing with acidity problems.

Mint leaves or Pudina

This brilliant yet easily available ayurvedic herb has the following benefits:
•    Reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
•    Relaxes the intestinal muscles
•    Reduces hypertension and stress

Just one cup of mint tea at breakfast can give a healthy and refreshing start to your day.

Jeera or Cumin plant seeds

Jeera has the following benefits:


•    Reduces nausea and vomiting associated with acidity
•    Cures indigestion
•    Modulates acid production

All you need to get its benefits is a cup Jeera water – made by mixing cumin powder in lukewarm water.

There are several other ayurvedic herbs that can solve your acidity troubles. However, if you need an all-in-one revival, there can be nothing better than a sachet of Gas-O-Fast. Packed with the wellness of Ayurveda and the freshness of fruity flavors, Gas-O-Fast can give you instant relief from acidity and heartburn. So when you’re looking to manage your acidity issues, turn to Gas-O-Fast without a second thought!

 


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Disclaimer This blog solely intended for the educational/informational/awareness purposes and is not a substitute for any professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your doctor/healthcare professional before acting on the information provided on the blog. Reliance on any or all information provided in the blog, is solely at your own risk and responsibility. Mankind Pharma Limited shall not be held liable, in any circumstance whatsoever.

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