Best Home Remedies for Acidity and Heartburn

Acidity is a very common condition among us Indians. It can strike anyone at any time, and along with it comes a series of irritating and problematic symptoms. Though acidity is not an indicator of any underlying chronic disease or a medical condition, ignorance can lead to chronic acidity which can further lead to serious diseases like Barret’s Oesophagus, Oesophagitis and even Cancer. But you don’t need to worry about these if you are able to keep your acidity symptoms under control. 

Acidity and Heartburn

Our stomach releases gastric acids to help in the process of digestion of food. Sometimes this acid is released in more than the required amount and the excess acid starts burning our stomach lining. This condition is known as acidity. Many times, these gastric acids back up into the food pipe or oesophagus, causing a feeling of discomfort and burning sensation in the food pipe. This condition is known as acid reflux. The burning sensation caused due to acid reflux in our oesophagus is known as heartburn. Since the oesophagus goes through behind our lungs and heart, the burning sensation is often felt near the heart, and thus the name, heartburn.

Causes of Acidity

Acidity can be caused for a lot of reasons. These are some of the common reasons of acidity and heartburn in Indians – 
•    Consumption of large meals
•    Laying down right after a meal
•    Exercise right after a meal
•    Eating just before bedtime
•    Consumption of fatty and spicy meals
•    Smoking
•    Citrus foods
•    Consuming muscle relaxants or blood pressure medicines
•    Alcohol, aerated beverages and tea/coffee

Other than these reasons, a bad lifestyle can also lead to chronic acidity. Lifestyle changes like waking up abnormally late, eating breakfast after a big gap from waking up, small gaps between large meals, etc. can also cause acidity and heartburn.

Home Remedies for Acidity and Heartburn

Although it is possible to take medications and antacids to fix acidity, it is always better to opt for natural home remedies instead of medications which may show side effects. Here are some of the best home remedies for acidity and heartburn-

1.    Cold Milk and Ice Creams

Milk, served cold, has the ability to nullify the effect of the acidic presence in our stomach. Although it should be kept in mind that the milk should be served cold only, as hot milk can have repercussions on your stomach. Have a glass of cold milk when you feel symptoms of acidity. A serving of ice cream will also help you to fight acidity if you are in the mood for something comforting and sweet.

2.    Apple Cider Vinegar

It is one of the oldest methods by which acidity can be treated. Apple cider vinegar is rich in alkaline content, which neutralizes the effects of excess acid in the stomach. Apple cider vinegar can be consumed by mixing it with a glass of water. The best time to take it is before meals, so as to prevent excess acid creation in the stomach.

3.    Almonds

Almonds have juices in it which fight the gastric acids. Almonds can be used both for fighting and preventing acidity. Almonds are also a good way to prevent acidity caused by the gap in meals, as almonds can be carried around anywhere and you can have it quickly without making the effort of having a full-fledged meal.

4.    Bananas

Bananas are rich in antacid content which have the ability to fight acids. Natural antacids are always better than chemical or synthetic antacids, as these do not have side effects on your body. Bananas can be consumed with or after meals. They can also be consumed before bedtime to prevent acidity in the morning.

5.    Pineapple Juice

Pineapple is also one of the traditional methods to deal with acidity and heartburn. Pineapple contains an enzyme known as Bromelain, which helps in the digestive process of the stomach. Pineapples are also high in fibre content, which prevents constipation. Pineapple can be consumed raw whereas pineapple juice is also equally effective.

6.    Ginger

Ginger is one of the quickest and most effective home remedies for acidity and heartburn. Ginger has qualities, which can calm the stomach and provides a soothing sensation. Ginger is also known to boost up the digestion process. You can consume ginger raw, or mix it with tea or warm water.

It is always a good choice to fight the symptoms of acidity with natural home remedies than with medicines. Now that you know the best ingredients to fight acidity with, you don’t need to be worried about eating out once in a while.

Try Gas-O-Fast for instant relief from acidity. Gas-O-Fast comes in natural flavours like ajwain, jeera and more to help fight the effects of heartburn and does not have any side effects. Try Gas-O-Fast today for an acidity free life!