Acidity is the burning sensation experienced in the stomach and chest due to the upward reflux of gastric acids. Individuals with acidity report repeated bouts of acidity post meals, during fasting, at night, and after eating certain types of foods. However, several attempts at combating acid can go in vain for most people. But you should understand that food may not be the only cause behind acidity. Learn about the cause of acidity and ayurvedic treatment for acidity for a healthy life.
Acidity from an Ayurvedic point of view
The concept of Agni, signifying the gastric fire that drives our digestion process, is recognised as the factor that gets disrupted in individuals with acidity, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, etc. The Pitta, the energy that controls the metabolic processes and all sensory and mental perceptions in your body, has also been known to contribute to acidity. Pitta dosha (problem) and disruption of Agni together cause hyperacidity, and hyperacidity treatment is necessary.
Therefore, Ayurveda believes that if you want to gain control over your acidity problem, you must go for a holistic approach involving metabolic, sensory, and mental processes. So, anyone suffering from hyperacidity problems must go for expert consultation and get the best Ayurvedic medicine for gas and acidity.
Five reasons for recurring acidity
Lying down immediately after a meal
Gravity plays a significant role in your digestive process. After a meal is consumed, you should avoid lying down for the next 2-3 hours. Gravity is downplayed if you lie down immediately, and the food starts moving upwards into your oesophagus along with the gastric acids.
Sedentary lifestyle
Lack of adequate body movement aids Pitta dosha and disrupts the body’s Agni. Exercise facilitates your metabolic and mental processes to work efficiently.
Being obese or overweight
The excess fat around the abdomen in obese individuals pushes onto the stomach, indirectly raising the gastric acids into your oesophagus, leading to symptoms of acidity.
Certain foods
Artificial sweeteners, carbonated drinks, caffeine, garlic, onions, tomato, spicy and fried foods, and high-calorie foods are potential contributors to acidity. Individuals with acidity should avoid these foods.
Medications
Common medications like Aspirin, blood pressure medicines, ibuprofen, muscle relaxants, etc., have been linked to increased acid production in the stomach.
Ayurvedic medicines for gastric acidity
Ayurveda recommends treating acidity from the inside out. A holistic approach comprising maintaining a healthy emotional and mental state, adequate exercise, and incorporating certain types of ingredients in your daily meals will help you overcome acidity in the long run. Some acidity remedies are as follows:
- Cumin seeds: One can consume roasted cumin seeds with lukewarm water to relieve heartburn due to acidity and bloating.
- Fennel seeds: Fennel seeds have proven to reduce the number of gastric acids and help digestion. You can either take it with some water or chew some seeds.
- Almonds: They are known for their high nutritional value. Almonds help regulate the gastric acid formation and provide a high satiety value. You can eat a handful or soak them in some water overnight to consume the soaked almonds in the morning.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk is essentially churned curd, containing some essential bacteria that aid digestion and prevent acid and gas formation, acting as an acidity cure.
It is advisable to consult an Ayurvedic medicine practitioner before deciding on any remedy for your acidity treatment.
FAQs
- Which Dosha leads to acidity according to Ayurveda?
A disrupted Pitta Dosha is responsible for forming excessive acid in your stomach. Regulation of acid production goes for a toss leading to heartburn, bloating, and indigestion. - Can Triphala cure acidity?
Triphala can be considered the best medicine for gastric problems as it has been found to reduce acidity and bloating and improve digestion in clinical trials. You are advised to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for further guidance.
References
- https://www.keralaayurveda.biz/blog/ayurveda-for-acidity
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/ayurvedic-tonics-stomach-disorder#The-foundation-of-good-eating-habits
