Acid reflux is a chronic digestive disease when stomach acid or bile flows upwards into the food pipe. This occurs when the upper part of the stomach and lower oesophagus move above the muscle, above diaphragm that separates the stomach from chest. While acidity is when the stomach produces the stomach acid in excess, which causes acidity and heart burn. The acid is triggered by consumption of acidic foods, alcohol, dehydration and stress. When acidity occurs, the excess acid may move up from your stomach to your oesophagus causing acid reflux.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux:
• Asthma
• Bitter taste
• Bloating
• Burping
• Diarrhoea and Dental decay
• Difficulty while lying
• Dizziness
• Dry coughing
• Extra saliva
• Gas
• Hiccups frequently
• Horrible heartburn
• Nausea
• Soar mouth&throat
• Wheezing
Most of us reach antacids when we experience these symptoms- they work wonders- but have we ever thought of the humble, old, dadi-ma ke nuskhe when we have acidity? No? Well, these are effective and cause no side effects and yeah- they are just as effective as the antacids are. And, moreover, you might not have antacids with you everywhere- or at home; but you are bound to have at least one of these with you in your kitchen always.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has an acidic nature which break down fats and balancespH. It also helps with better digestion.
Apple:
Eat apples after your meals, to prevent acid reflux. As they create an alkaline state in stomach, neutralizing excess acids and ease the digestion process.
Baking Soda
Sodium bicarbonate acts as a base and neutralizes the acids in the stomach. Mix a tbsp. of baking in a glass of water and drink.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera acts as a natural healing agent. It reduces the inflammation in oesophagus and stomach.
Cardamom
Cardamom contains chemicals that treat stomach and intestinal spasms and gas, it also increases the movement of food through the intestine.
Basil Leaves/ Indian Tulsi
Basil leaves can soothe the effects of acid reflux, it also helps to heal the irritation and soreness as well as ease the digestion process.
• Steep 3 basil leaves in 300ml boiling water for 15 minutes.
• Remove the leaves and drink the tea.
• You could also just chew a few basil leaves before a meal.
Clove
Cloves has anti-inflammatory properties, eugenol and includes other compounds like capsaicin, pinene etc., which helps with better digestion.
• Mix a pinch of clove powder in a tsp. of honey and add it to small amount of hot water.
• Drink this to get relief from acid reflux.
• Alternatively chew a few ground cloves after eating.
Carom Seeds
Carom seeds or ajwain is full of anti-acidic properties. Consuming carom seeds with black salt and water, or even chewing the carom seeds helps against acidity and acid reflux.
Milk
Milk is high in alkaline as well as contains a high acidic substance. It cures acid reflux and sometimes it can be a cause. Therefore, drink only a glass full of chilled milk with chilled water in 1:1 ratio to get rid of the problem.
Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds contain a constituent called Anethole which has the ability to suppress stomach spasms and prevents the acid reflux. Therefore, chew half a tsp. of fennel seeds after eating.
Banana
Banana works as a great remedy for acid reflux, as it acts as a natural antacid. It also contains potassium which helps to reduce the acid levels in your stomach and helps in better digestion. Eat a banana regularly for results. You can add little sugar and a pinch of cinnamon powder.
Yogurt
Yogurt contains probiotics which help to keep the digestive system healthy. It also helps to absorb the proteins and nutrients to the body. Be sure to eat lots of yoghurt.
Honey
Organic honey acts as a soothing agent and helps to adjust the body’s pH, and neutralizes the stomach acids. So, take a spoon full of honey before bed.
Indian Gooseberry
Gooseberries can heal the digestive tract and protects against stomach acids. You can have them raw, in tea or in cooked form.
Ginger
Ginger acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps for better digestion. Crush a piece of ginger to extract the juice. Mix few drops of lemon juice and ginger juice and drink. It will help to cure the acid reflux.
Fenugreek seeds:
It is a natural herb that has the ability to absorb excess stomach acid and rich in fibre which helps for better digestion. Consume in either cooked or liquid form.
• Soak few fenugreek seeds in a glass of water for about 2-3 hours or overnight.
• Drink that water by straining out the seeds.
Almonds
Almonds neutralize the juices in your stomach, relieving and preventing acid reflux. Take a few almonds and chew either in the morning or before meal or as a snack.
Coconut:
Drinking raw coconut water or milk directly, or using in cooking, helps to get relief from the problem.
Lemon
Lemons help to create calcium carbonate which neutralizes digestive acids. Either drink a lemonade with salt and sugar in it, or squeeze out some lemon juice, add black salt and sugar, and consume the paste for quicker relief.
Chewing Gum
Chewing gum prevents the heartburn and acid reflux. Chew a piece of sugar free gum for at least 30 minutes after eating.
Foods that prevent Acidity and Acid Reflux:
• Red apples
• Basil leaves
• Herbal teas
• Grape fruit
• Vegetable juices
• Oatmeal
• Melon
• Fennel
• All roots and green vegetables
• Celery
• Parsley
• Brown rice
Commonly suffering from Acid Reflux? Try these tips and stay observant and avoid the triggers that cause your acid to reflux.
• Avoid bending or lifting heavy objects within an hour of eating meals.
• Avoid eating quickly.
• Avoid lying down after meals, wait at least 2-3 hours.
• Avoid oily, spicy and acidic food on an empty stomach.
• Avoid stress and anxiety.
• Do regular exercise.
• Don’t smoke or drink.
• Drink plenty of water and fluids.
• Eat smaller meals more frequently.
• Elevate your head up to 6 inches while sleeping to prevent heartburn and GERD.
• Include organic, fresh, raw fruits and vegetables.
• Notice what is particularly causing the problem, and try to avoid that.
• Poultry, fish and sea foods should be cooked either by boiling, baking, grilling or saturating.
• Take food that contains minerals, vitamins, vitamin B-Complex, folate etc.
By: Archa Dave
