Acidity is a very common problem and can happen at any time of the day (or night). You might have eaten something loaded with spices or oil and the next thing you know, you have a burning sensation in your stomach.
If you eat foods rich in fat like pizza, pasta, chips or fries, chances are, you might suffer from the problem of acidity more often. Your daily habits like excessive caffeine intake, sugar consumption and drinking less water might also be making you a victim of acidity. All these have the tendency to disturb the body’s natural pH levels and make the stomach acids overflow.
If you encounter this problem more than twice a week, chances are that you might have a serious acidity problem – acid reflux, which is known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, commonly known as GERD. The pain can be so bad for some people that it feels like a cardiac problem. Hence, acidity is also recognized as heartburn.
Why depend on home remedies?
Since a person can suffer from acidity anytime or anywhere, he cannot have the option of checking in with a doctor. Hence, you need to find help at home which can provide quick relief. Here are two easy and effective home remedies which will relieve you from digestive issues.
1. Aloe Vera juice
Aloe Vera, known for its medicinal properties, is usually used to get relief from skin infections and burns. The pulp from the plant can also help keep your gut clean and free from toxins. Aloe Vera contains strong anti-inflammatory properties and is loaded with powerful vitamins and amino acids, which cut back on the acidity levels and cools down the body. Hence, it is used as one of the options to provide quick relief.
How to have:
-Extract the pulp from the aloe vera leaves and mix it with water. Have it 2-3 times a day for relief.
2. Powerful spice remedy
While spices may trigger your heartburn, however, certain kitchen spices may help you get relief from acidity. Traditionally too, essential flavouring agents like cumin seeds (jeera), cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger powder have been relied upon for their strong anti-inflammatory properties. Cumin seeds, in particular, have powerful properties which can help you get rid of bloating issues.
How to have:
In a saucepan, boil some water (1 glass). Add spices like cumin seeds, cardamom, ginger powder, and clove to it. Let the concoction simmer down and once done, cool it.
Your drink is ready. You can also add jaggery to enhance the flavour.
You can also consume juice extracted from a fresh pineapple in times of need. Pineapple contains vitamins and minerals and bromelain, which is an enzyme that helps control the levels of hydrochloric acid in your stomach, preventing acid reflux.
Cautions to take:
-Post your meals, avoid laying down right away. Doing this can trigger acidity. Instead, sit up for at least 30-40 minutes after every meal or take a 10-15 minute brisk walk.
-Avoid drinking carbonated and fizzy drinks as they disturb the pH levels of your stomach.
-Citrus juices (like lemon, orange, and grapefruit) should also be avoided especially when you are suffering from acidity. Since they are highly acidic, they can aggravate the reflux in your stomach.
TNN/timesofindia.indiatimes.com