Symptoms and Treatment of Acidity

11 May, 2009 No Comment

Excessive secretion of acid irritates the lining of the stomach, resulting in heartburn and “acidic stomach.” Acidity can, over a period of time, lead to chronic indigestion, ulcers, gout, and arthritis.

Acidity generally results from the wrong diet but other circumstances also cause the stomach to become acidic. Some of the contributing factors are listed below.

Causes of Acidity

Spicy, rich, or fried foods, eating too fast, Overeating, Inappropriate diet, Alcohol consumption, Stress and anxiety, Lack of sleep, Insomnia, Lack of exercise, Medical conditions (especially reflux and ulcers), Certain medications, Excessive consumption of tea and coffee, Artificial stimulants (non-prescription and prescription), Smoking or using tobacco products

Symptoms of Acidity

• Heartburn

• Burning sensation in stomach

• Poor appetite

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Flatulence

Commonly prescribed medical treatments

Drugs that suppress acid and Over-the-counter or prescription antacids

Preventive measures
of Acidity

Several preventive measures exist that can be followed to prevent stomach acidity from forming.

Drink plenty of water, Eat meals several hours before going to bed, Eat slowly, Reduce intake of fried and spicy foods, Reduce alcohol intake, Stop smoking, Elevate head and shoulders during sleep, Get plenty of sleep each night, Make exercise a part of your regular routine and Reduce intake of coffee, tea, or any artificial stimulant

Many natural remedies have been reported to help fight heartburn and indigestion once they occur. Some are well known food products and others are herbs.

Basil leaves help with nausea and gas (herbal product), Jaggery helps with indigestion and is a popular herbal remedy, Clove (herbal product), Indian gooseberry juice has become very popular in recent years (herbal product), Bananas, Cucumbers, Coconut water, Yogurt, Pineapple juice helps ward off indigestion and heartburn.

Carrots, Watermelon, White vinegar (1 or 2 tablespoons will help with indigestion), Apple cider with honey in water has been reported to be very effective in stopping heartburn and Cold milk brings fast relief of acidic stomach.