Acidity (Acid Reflux): Symptoms, Causes & Natural Treatment
If you often feel a "fire" in your chest or stomach, you are likely dealing with hyperacidity. The good news is that by understanding your acidity symptoms and changing a few daily habits, you can find lasting relief without relying on medicine.
What is Acid Reflux?
In a healthy body, a small valve at the entrance of your stomach closes as soon as food passes through. If this valve doesn't close all the way, or if it opens too often, acid produced by your stomach can move up into your esophagus. This is what causes the sensation of heartburn.
Common Acidity Symptoms You Should Know
Acidity doesn't just feel like a stomach ache. It can affect your chest, throat, and even your bathroom habits.
1. Stomach Discomfort
The most common sign is a stomach burning sensation. You might feel a heavy weight in your belly after eating or experience painful bloating. This often happens because the excess acid is irritating the sensitive lining of your stomach.
2. Heartburn and Chest Pain
Many people mistake acidity for a heart problem. Because the esophagus is located near the heart, acid reflux can cause a sharp or burning pain in the center of your chest. If the pain gets worse when you lie down or bend over, it is likely acidity rather than a heart issue.
3. Intestinal and Other Signs
Acidity can also slow down your digestion, leading to:
Gas problems and constant burping.
A bitter or sour taste in the back of your throat.
Constipation or hard stools.
A mild "heat" or feverish feeling in the body.
The Main Causes of Acidity
Why does the body produce too much acid? It usually boils down to three main triggers: stress, diet, and your daily routine.
Mental Stress: The Hidden Trigger
Your brain and stomach are closely connected. When you are stressed or anxious, your nervous system tells your stomach to pump out more acid. This is why people with high-pressure jobs often suffer from gas problems and ulcers.
Dietary Choices
Certain foods act like fuel for the "fire" in your stomach. To reduce stomach burning, you should limit:
Spicy and Sour Foods: Large amounts of chilies or vinegar.
Fried Items: Oily snacks slow down digestion.
Certain Vegetables: For some, tomatoes, potatoes, or cabbage can trigger reflux.
Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can relax the stomach valve, letting acid escape.
Lifestyle Habits
When you eat is just as important as what you eat. Skipping breakfast, eating very late at night, or lying down immediately after dinner are major acidity causes. Ideally, you should leave a three-hour gap between your last meal and your bedtime.
Natural Treatment for Acidity
You don’t always need a pharmacy to fix a sour stomach. Here is how to treat the problem at home:
1. Cooling Drinks
Buttermilk: This is one of the best natural treatments for acidity. It contains lactic acid that neutralizes stomach acid.
Coconut Water: It helps cool the body and balances your pH levels.
Barley Water: A great drink to flush out toxins and reduce internal heat.
2. Breathing and Relaxation
Since stress causes acid, relaxation stops it. Practicing 10 minutes of deep breathing (Pranayama) every morning calms the stomach.
3. The Power of Green Vegetables
Traditional vegetables like bottle gourd (lauki) or ridge gourd are naturally alkaline. Including these in your lunch helps soothe the stomach lining and prevents heartburn.
Can You Take Acidity Tablets Every Day?
Many people take "antacids" like candy, but this can be risky. Your body needs some acid to kill bacteria and digest protein. If you suppress all your stomach acid every day for months, you might develop nutrient deficiencies or infections.
Note: Use tablets for quick relief, but focus on natural acidity treatment for long-term health. If you have severe pain, black stools, or trouble swallowing, see a doctor immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does acidity cause a bitter taste?
This happens when the acid travels all the way up to the back of your mouth. It is a clear sign of reflux.
Is milk good for acidity?
Cold milk can provide temporary relief for some, but for others, the fat in milk can actually trigger more acid. Diluted buttermilk is usually a safer choice.
Can stress really cause stomach gas?
Yes. Stress affects how fast food moves through your system. When food sits too long, it ferments and creates gas.
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