I bet you will not find a single house where everyone is free from acidity. In fact, we all must have experienced acidity at some point in our life. Antacid is the most common, over the counter selling drug. Unfortunately, it is observed that people take antacid in excess and in few cases, even without medical supervision.
To relieve from acidity, lifestyle changes are the best. Let me share what has helped my clients to recover from their acidity.
In my coaching I emphasis on understanding the mechanism of body and an effort to find out root cause behind any illness. This is mainly important in acidity as it helps you manage the disease in better manner.
If we talk about the role of stomach acid, it has a major contribution in digestion process and keeping body safe by killing harmful bacteria & pathogens entering in our body through the food we eat. However, being at the right place at the right time is essential. Similarly, stomach acid can hurt badly if produced in excess or if it overflows into the esophagus. This can lead to problems such as ulcer, acidity, GERD, heartburn, inflammation etc.
Let’s discuss what can be done to recover from acidity:
1. Discipline in meals: Sounds simple but super effective when we talk about recovering from acidity.
- Keep reasonable gap between two meals.
- Never stay too hungry and skipping meal is considered forbidden.
- Do not overeat as well. In fact, the people who suffer from high acidity should consider reducing their food intake slightly.
- Chew food well. It is important to consume meal in peaceful atmosphere. Only by chewing food well, one can get great relief from acidity.
- Avoid wearing tight fitting cloths especially the one which are tight around stomach while eating meal.
2. Food to avoid: Few foods can stimulate esophagus sphincter which can lead to backflowing acid into the esophagus. This can cause acidity and related issues. To avoid the same, do not start your meal by eating food items which contains the following.
- Spicy food
- Fried food
- Junk and processed food
- Onion & garlic
- Tomato
- Citrus fruits – lemon, orange etc.
- Fermented food
- Mint
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Smoking
However, it is best to reduce/stop their consumption for two weeks. Once you find yourself getting better in acidity, it can be added back in your diet gradually.
3.Helpful food: Try consuming following items in your diet regularly.
- Banana, papaya
- Almonds
- Cold milk
- Spices like turmeric, ginger, tulsi, aloe vera, cardamom, cloves, cumin, caraway seeds, fennel
- Basil seeds (sabja seeds)
4.Concoctions: Following concoctions if consumed daily, can provide a great relief in acidity.
- Fennel raisin: Soak a tsp of fennel seeds and 4-5 black raisin overnight in some water. Mash them a bit with fingers and consume all together (including water) preferably first thing in the morning. People having diabetes can avoid adding raisins.
- Basil seeds: Soak 1 tsp basil seeds in a glass of water. Consume after 15-20 mins.
- Ginger tea: Ginger is helpful in balancing stomach acid. Grate half inch of ginger in one cup of water. Boil it for 2 minutes. Strain and consume after adding a drop of lemon and honey. This can be consumed once a day, preferably 10 minutes before meal. Ginger is hot in nature so reduce quantity in hot weather and in case if it is triggering acidity more. Similarly, lemon should be used only if it suits.
5.Small steps help as well:
- Chew fennel seeds after meal.
- Do not lie down immediately after meal. Patients of GERD and acid reflux are encouraged to stay up for at least 3 hours after eating meal.
- Walk for 10-15 minutes after meal. This will help aiding digestion, relieve from acidity, reduce lethargy, reduce craving to eat sweet after meal, managing insulin level etc.
- Practice Suryabhedam pranayam after meals for faster digestion.
In case of acidity, removal of food which triggers acidity is must. Practice discipline in meals as mentioned in the first point, add suitable concoctions and you will start noticing positive changes in 2 weeks. Continue till the time you are fully recovered.
In case of unmanageable acidity, it’s wise to consult a professional instead of managing on your own.
Thank you