Acidity is the condition in which there is an excess secretion of acid within the stomach. Other names for acidity are hyperacidity or acid dyspepsia. In Ayurveda, this condition is recognized as Amalapitta.
Acids present in the stomach in order to help in digestion. When foods enter the stomach, the acids come into play and digest them. But some foods are difficult to digest, and so more acids are released. This is when the stomach acidity increases. Other factors that can produce and increase in the stomach acids are gastric ulcers and cancers.
When there is acid in the stomach, a sour taste is occasionally felt in the mouth due to the acids entering into the food pipe.
Depending on the different doshas, there can be different symptoms felt in acidity.
1. Vata type of Acidity – This is characterized by a faulty digestion of food, accompanied by colic pains in the stomach.
2. Pitta type of Acidity – This is characterized by typically slow digestion with a feeling of nausea. There is heaviness felt in the stomach.
3. Kapha type of Acidity – This is characterized by a burning sensation in the stomach. It is often accompanied by vomiting and the discharge of a yellowish liquid.
(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Acidity
1. Cardamom (Elattaria cardamomum)
Cardamom not only adds flavor to the food, but it also helps in its proper digestion. It is used as a cure for heartburns.
2. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger has been used since several centuries in the Indian tradition for the treatment of hyperacidity. In fact, most dishes of the Indian cuisine contain ginger in order to help digestion. Ginger has great effects in reducing the acidity caused due to a non-vegetarian diet.
3 Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis)
Indian gooseberry is known as amalaki.
4 Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Sandalwood is a cooling agent. It reduces the hyperacidity in the stomach.
(2) Dietary Treatments for Acidity
1. A proper dietary pattern is the best thing in order to avoid acidity. The following tips must be followed:-
2. Avoid foods that are rich in oils and fats. These foods are difficult to digest, so they may make the stomach release more acids.
3. The diet should contain a proper blend of all the tastes. Spicy foods must be just one dish rather than the whole meal.
4. Fibers are necessary in the diet as they help in the digestion.
5. Red meats must be eaten only occasionally, if at all.
6. After a meal, the body must be given some sort of exercise. This could be as simple as going for a stroll.
7. Too much addiction to strong foods such as tea and coffee may cause acidity. This is also true for other addictions such as smoking and alcohol.
8. Do not consume sour foods as they already have acidic contents. Acidic foods to avoid are pickles, curds, tamarinds, vinegar, etc.
(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Acidity
1. Treatment of Vata Type of Acidity
Initially carminatives like asafetida and cloves are given. Then preparations such as Pachakshara choorna or Narayana choorna are prescribed.
2. Treatment of Pitta Type of Acidity
Amalaki is initially prescribed in order to reduce the hyperacidity of the stomach. Then Shatavari tablet is prescribed. The medication is to be continued for two weeks.
3. Treatment of Kapha Type of Acidity
The treatment begins with fasting to correct the digestive fire. Herbs are given in order to correct the digestive problems. Treatment with Shankha vati and Jeerakadyarishta is prescribed for three weeks.
(4) Home Medications
Eat two plantains early in the morning and down them with a glass of milk.
1. Taking two tablespoonfuls of Isphagula (psyllium seed husks) in milk after every meal is beneficial for elimination of acidity.
2. Squeeze the juice of a whole orange and mix it with roasted cumin seeds. Add some rock salt to flavor it. This solution gives immediate relief from acidity.
3. Eat equal portions of ginger and coriander. This pacifies the digestive fire.
4. Mix equal amounts of ginger extract and mint extract. Having this two to four times a day provides relief.
5. Alternatively, the extract of a ginger can be mixed with equal amount of honey. This is to be put on the tongue every dawn and dusk.
6. Two teaspoonfuls of powder of amla (Indian gooseberry) taken twice a day is also helpful.
7. If the acidity continues for a long time, then try adhering to a milk diet. Milk may initially be troublesome to the digestive system, but the indigestible curds it would form in the body would generally be vomited out.
8. Mixing two teaspoonfuls of ghee in a glassful of milk and taking this once a day acts as a laxative, which would flush out the excess toxins from the body.
9. Coconut water is good for reducing acidity in the stomach.
10. If using rice, make sure it is at least two years old. Wheat flour can also be beneficially used to reduce acidity.
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