24 January 2024 
Acid Reflux, or Acidity, happens when stomach acids go back into our food pipe and cause irritation.
Here are signs of Acidity:
- Pain and burning feeling in the chest, stomach, or throat
- Gas
- Indigestion
- Bad Breath
- Constipation
- Nausea or feeling like vomiting
- Heaviness in the stomach after eating
- Frequent burps
- Undigested food coming back into the mouth
Common causes of Acidity:
- Eating too much
- Eating at weird times or skipping meals
- Unhealthy eating habits like having too much tea, coffee, cold drinks, junk, spicy, oily food, etc.
- Stomach issues like Ulcers, Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), etc.
- A bad lifestyle like too much stress, lack of sleep, smoking, drinking alcohol, etc.
Home Remedies for Acidity
Fennel (Saunf):
Home remedies for acidity often include the use of fennel, commonly known as saunf.
You can experience relief by mixing approximately 1 teaspoon of fennel powder with a glass of warm water.
This concoction is known to alleviate symptoms like heartburn and bloating, promoting better digestion.
Black Cumin Seeds:
Another effective home remedy involves the use of black cumin seeds. You can either chew these seeds directly or boil 1 teaspoon of them in a glass of water and drink the resulting infusion.
Black cumin seeds are recognized for their gastro-protective properties, effectively reducing and preventing acidity.
They also address associated symptoms such as heartburn, pain, nausea, bloating, and constipation.
Cloves:
For a natural remedy against acidity, try sucking on a piece of clove. This can be effective in alleviating symptoms like flatulence, indigestion, nausea, and gastric irritability.
Lukewarm Water:
Simple yet effective, drinking a glass of lukewarm water on an empty stomach and before bedtime can provide relief from acidity. This uncomplicated remedy is known to be beneficial.
Watermelon Juice:
Watermelon juice is not only refreshing but also effective in relieving acidity. A glass of this juice is not only good for quenching thirst but also aids in digestion.
Cardamom:
Chewing on a cardamom pod daily can be a preventive measure against acidity. This simple habit not only helps in preventing acidity but also addresses issues like flatulence while promoting improved digestion.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple Cider Vinegar is packed with proteins, enzymes, and pectin, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.
Some suggest that acid reflux might be linked to reduced stomach acid, and introducing apple cider vinegar could potentially balance the acid levels.
However, more research is needed to confirm these claims.
Almonds:
Almonds, rich in nutrients and fiber, are believed to lower the risk of heartburn and absorb excess acid.
While there’s limited clinical evidence, the nutritional value of almonds suggests potential benefits.
Additionally, almonds may contribute to regulating factors related to acidity, appetite, and diet.
Jaggery:
Jaggery, containing potassium and magnesium, can be soothing for an upset stomach.
Potassium helps maintain pH balance and stimulates mucus production in the stomach lining, preventing acid overload.
Magnesium supports a healthy digestive system, reducing the risk of acidity and other digestive issues.
Mint Leaves:
Mint leaves not only aid digestion but also provide a cooling effect to the entire system.
Whether for immediate relief or long-term support against acid reflux, mint leaves offer a simple and elegant solution.
Buttermilk:
Buttermilk’s lactic acid helps normalize stomach acidity, providing a soothing effect.
A glass of buttermilk with black pepper and coriander can quickly ease acidity symptoms.
Ginger:
Chewing raw ginger or drinking ginger tea is known to prevent acidity and its symptoms while aiding digestion. Ginger’s natural properties make it a popular remedy for digestive discomfort.
Banana:
Bananas act as a natural neutralizer for acidity, providing relief from heartburn. Additionally, a combination of milk and banana can help suppress excess acid secretion, offering a soothing remedy.
Papaya:
Papaya is known to reduce gastric acid secretion, providing relief from acidity. The enzyme papain, found in papaya, contributes to this effect, making it a natural solution for digestive discomfort.
Ajwain:
Consuming ajwain not only relieves acidity and flatulence but also promotes good digestion. Recognized as an effective anti-acidic agent, ajwain serves as a beneficial addition to manage digestive issues.
Cold Milk:
A classic remedy, drinking a glass of cold milk provides instant relief from acidity. The cooling properties of milk make it a quick and easy solution for soothing acidity symptoms.
Elevate your head while sleeping
An effective home remedy for reducing acid reflux symptoms is to change your sleeping position by elevating the head of your bed.
Studies indicate that individuals who used a wedge to support and elevate their upper body experienced less acid reflux compared to those who slept in a flat position.
