There was a recent medical survey conducted that showed around 20% or more adults deal with acidity and digestion issues on a day to day basis. Acid reflux and heartburn are the most common problems associated with acidity. If you eat beyond your normal capacity, it leads to heartburn. You get a burning sensation in the center of your chest. When we swallow the morsels of food that we chew, it travels down a pipe called the esophagus or gullet to our stomach. Esophagus has a base where it joins the stomach. It has a muscle called sphincter which is a ring-shaped muscle. This muscle controls the opening and closing of a body passage.
The sphincter lets food enter the stomach. If it is weakened when it’s not meant to, it leads to a rise in the gastric acid. Apparently, the gastric acid is responsible for heartburn or ‘Acidity’.
Is it true that certain foods cause acidity?
We all are no strangers to the fact that certain foods and drinks (i.e. aerated) drinks are responsible for causing acidity. In spite of knowing the consequences, we still end up eating the food we eat. These foods cause acid reflux symptoms. Following are the type of drinks and foods which can cause acidity-
· Fried foods.
Fried foods are high in fat. This results in a slag in digestion. These foods can also relax the sphincter that can lead to acid reflux and heartburn. Fatty foods such as pizza, fast food and processed food are responsible for disruption the smooth flow of digestion.
· Aerated drinks.
Soda is responsible for increasing the acidity in the stomach. Aerated drinks have a high carbon content. Moreover, the bubbles in soda can cause the acid in the stomach to rise leading to uneasiness.
· Spicy foods.
We all love to trickle our taste buds by eating spicy good. Spicy foods trigger acid reflux.
· Chocolate.
Dark chocolate is rich in caffeine and cocoa. These two ingredients relax the lower esophageal sphincter. When LES is relaxed, the acid present in the stomach simmers up from the bottom and reached the upper part of the esophagus. This leads to acidity.
Ayurvedic medicine or allopathic medicine?
Modern medicine treatment and ayurvedic treatment both work in different ways for curing acidity. Ayurveda focuses on root-cause eradication of any ailment as opposed to allopathic medicines that might give one quick results but might cause some side effects. It depends on the individual and the severity of his symptoms and whether he is looking for quick relief or a long-term solution.
Ayurveda for acidity
Acidity caused by an imbalance in Pitta dosha is caused due to poor digestion, oily and spicy food and irregular eating habits. There are several types of ayurvedic medicines for acidity that work at the forefront to neutralize excess acid in the stomach. Following are some of the most renowned medicines for acidity-
1. Kamdudha Ras
Having a unique blend of ingredients that focus on eradicating the root cause of acidity, Kamdudha ras offers an array of benefits. The ingredients in this herbal medicine are Praval Pishti, Mukta Pishti, Shukti Pishti, Shankh Pishti, Giloy Satva, purified Hematite and Kapardak Bhasma. Apart from these main ingredients, Kamdudha Ras also consists of compounds such as-
· Starch
· Conchiolin
· Calcium carbonate
· Iron oxide
· Titanium in small amounts
2. Sutshekhar Ras for acidity
Sutshekhar ras is a tablet that is formulated to deal with ailments as severe as acidity, hyperacidity, indigestion and acid reflux. It helps bind stool for lowering the stress on abdominal muscles. This tablet alleviates the conditions associated with gastritis. This medicine reduces the sourness and sharpness which leads to an increase in acid production. The increased sensitivity leads to an inflammation of the lining of stomach which ultimately causes gastritis. Doctors recommend patients to take one to two tablets before or after having food. Over-dosage of this medicine may cause harmful effects. With consistent use in right amount of dosage, it helps pacify the disruption of pitta and vata dosha. It provides a long-term relief from gastric symptoms. It has been cited as one of the best Ayurvedic medicines for acidity.
3. Amla
Indian gooseberry also known as Amla is known for its ability to regulate stomach acid and improve digestion. It can be consumed in a raw form, juiced form or in a powdered form. People who are grappling with hyperacidity sometimes experience the most severe and uncalled for symptoms. Therefore, it is best to consult an ayurvedic doctor before consuming amla regularly.
An alkaline food, amla has alkaline effect on the body after it has been completely metabolized. After the metabolizing takes place, it helps neutralize acid in the stomach.
It promotes the secretion of digestive enzymes and it also enhances digestive function. This helps alleviate acidity.
4. Licorice extracts
Also known as Yashtimadhu, licorice turns out to be a helpful Ayurvedic remedy for acidity owing to its soothing properties. The anti-inflammatory properties of licorice help to heal and prevent stomach ulcers.
It can also be combined with other herbs like ginger to alleviate the effect of acidity. Its dosage may depend on the severity of acidity in the body.
5. Giloy
Giloy is considered one of the best ayurvedic medicines for acidity. This plant is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions in and out of India. Giloy clears toxins from the digestive tract and also strengthens digestive fire without increasing acidity.
How to use giloy?
There are three ways one can take giloy-
1. Giloy juice
The standard dosage of Giloy juice is 15-20 ml diluted with water. Ayurvedic doctors usually recommend to take it on an empty stomach in the morning.
2. Giloy Satva
This is a powdered form of this medicine. One should take 1-2 grams of giloy powder with honey.
3. Giloy Tablets
Giloy tablets are available in all ayurvedic stores. One should take 1-2 tablets daily after meals.
These are the Ayurvedic medicines used for acidity. However, instead of relying merely on medicines, it is recommended to make changes in lifestyle and eating habits.