Often linked to digestive discomfort, acidity and gas can stem from various medical, dietary and lifestyle factors. Passing gas also called flatus is common and excessive flatus can cause swelling or pain of belly and can interfere with daily activities. Even though these symptoms do not point to a serious condition, it is mandatory to make certain lifestyle changes for avoiding them
Belching/Burping
Commonly known as burping, belching is your body’s way of pushing out excess air from the upper digestive tract. This is caused by swallowing excess air. This air does not reach the stomach and build up in the esophagus. Many individuals tend to swallow excess air while eating, drinking or talking. GERD also called as Gastroesophageal reflux disease can cause excessive belching by promoting increased swallowing.
What caused flatulence or gas?
Gas in the colon is caused by the fermentation of undigested food by bacteria found in the bowel. Less breaking down of certain components in foods can also cause gas. Most of these foods are grains, sugar and dairy products. Following are the measures you should carry out for preventing excess gas in the stomach-
· Eliminate certain foods.
One should be mindful of eating common gas causing foods such as peas, lentils, onions, broccoli, cabbage and other carbonated drinks.
· Avoid eating fatty foods.
One should abstain from eating fatty foods as fats slow down digestion giving food more time to ferment.
· Cut-down on high fiber foods.
If the issue still persists, it is advisable to cut down on high-fiber foods and after the situation is in control you can switch back to a high-fiber diet.
What causes acidity?
Unhealthy eating habits, certain kinds of medications and stress are likely to cause acidity. Acidity leads to bloating, heartburn and indigestion. Following are some of the causes of acidity-
1. Diet.
Consuming beverages such as tea, coffee and carbonated drinks can cause acidity.
2. Lifestyle.
Smoking, lack of exercise and irregular meal timings can cause acidity.
How can one pacify the effects of acidity?
For managing acid reflux/acidity at home one should-
· Eat smaller meals.
Larger meals expand your stomach. However, smaller meals results in a speedy digestion process and doesn’t push your stomach to produce acid.
· Reduce abdominal pressure.
It is recommended to wear loose-fitting clothes and consider losing weight of you are obese. This could be a contributing factor in reducing the symptoms of acidity.
· Quit drinking and smoking.
Tobacco and alcohol have compounds that weaken your lower esophageal Sphincter. They increase the acidic component in your stomach that ultimately hampers your digestion.
Ayurvedic medicines for gas and acidity.
Unlike quick fix antibiotics or antacids, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to digestive issues like acidity, gas and bloating. Moreover, it put an emphasis on correcting the root cause of the ailment. It also balances the body’s Pitta and Vata dosha. Instead of just neutralizing the stomach acid temporarily, it works on improving the digestion process. Following are some ayurvedic medicines for gas and acidity-
1. Amlant for acidity and heartburn.
Clinically proven and enriched with herbs such as Pippali, Sunthi, Mulethi and Nisoth, Amlant is the ayurvedic medicine for curing acidity and heartburn. These compounds work at a fundamental level by balancing the pitta doshas for regulating indigestion. The prevalence of potent herb in the medicine balance out the pH levels in the stomach. It not only assists in giving long-lasting relief from gas but also promote good gut bacteria. The most enticing part about this medication is that it does not contain artificial colours and preservatives.
2. Pancharishta.
This digestive tonic play a pivotal role in enhancing immunity, improve digestion, boosting appetite and offering natural relief from digestive problems. Some of the ingredients found in the tonic are Ajwain, Lavang, Triphala, Draksha etc. Lavang offers an array of benefits such as promoting the production of enzymes in the stomach, relieving bloating and gas by reducing inflammation and stimulating gastric acid secretion. The carminative properties in Ajwain help relieve digestion and provides relief from heartburn. It also enhances digestion and promotes healthy eating habits. Triphala is a natural ingredient that helps relieve constipation and acts as a gentle laxative. Moreover, it also promotes nutrient absorption and stabilizes the pH of the stomach.
3. Gasex tablets.
Gasex tablets play a key role in relieving digestive discomforts such as abdominal cramps, gas, bloating and indigestion. The blend of herbal ingredients that is has promotes healthy digestion. They also expel gases from the stomach and relieves bloating and abdominal pressure. They have antispasmodic properties that reduce painful spasms, relaxes intestinal muscles and cramps caused by trapped gas. It supports overall gut health and ensures better absorption of nutrients. This is the best ayurvedic medicine for gas and acidity. The common herbal ingredients in the medicine are Sunthi, Pudina, Jeera, Hing and Triphala. The medicine is free from any kinds of synthetic chemicals and is also considered as a natural remedy for managing digestive complaints.
4. Ayurvedic Dasamoolarishta.
Used traditionally as a dietary supplement, Ayurvedic Dasamoolarishta plays role as an effective carminative medicine. It also reduces any discomfort related to stomach and soothes the gut. The medicine works inside out and leaves no stone unturned in reducing bloating, flatulence and indigestion. Sometimes, the food is left indigested due to low digestive fire or Mand Agni, it results in the formulation of ama. The medicine not only leads to improved digestion but also enhances the Agni due to its digestive and appetizing properties. For consuming the medicine, one should take 20ml of Dasamoolarishta and mix it with lukewarm water which is of the same quantity and consume it after having food.
5. Pudina capsules for gas and acidity.
Also known as peppermint, pudina capsules help with gas and acidity by relieving bloating, aiding digestion and reducing stomach discomfort. Unlike other medicines that are bitter in taste, these capsules cause a cooling effect in the stomach. The main ingredient in the capsules is mint. Owing to its carminative properties, the medicine helps in expelling trapped gas from the stomach.
It is known as one of the best medicines for gases and acidity as its alkalizing effect reduces acidity and heartburn.