Acidity is a very common issue and may occur at any time of the day (or night). You may have eaten something loaded with spices or oily which leads to a burning sensation in your stomach.
If you eat fat-rich foods such as pizza, pasta, chips or
fries, chances are, you may be more likely to suffer from acidity. Also, your
daily habits such as excessive intake of caffeine, consumption of sugar, and
drinking less water might make you a victim of acidity. Both of these tend to
disrupt the normal pH levels of the body and overflow the stomach acids.
If you encounter this problem more than twice a week, you
may have a serious acidity/acid reflux problem, commonly known as GERD,
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. For some people, the pain can be so intense it
feels like a heart attack. Hence, acidity is known as heartburn.
Since a person can suffer from acidity at any time or anywhere, he cannot have the option of getting a check-up with a doctor. Therefore, at home, you need to find the support that will provide immediate relief.
Here are 14 simple ingredients that can be used to get rid of stomach acidity in your kitchen or fridge.
1. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera, known for its medicinal properties, is usually used to relieve burns and skin infections. The plant pulp will also help keep your gut clean and toxin-free. Aloe Vera has good anti-inflammatory properties and is filled with powerful vitamins and amino acids that reduce the levels of acidity and cool the body down. It is therefore utilized as one of the options. Take out the aloe vera leaves, extract the pulp and mix it with water. For best results consume it on an empty stomach.
2. Banana
Banana is the perfect acid reflux treatment, which is convenient for snacking purposes. Potassium in bananas produces mucous in the stomach lining, thus raising the pH levels in the body. Bananas are also high in fiber, and a perfect roughage source. The best way to keep acidity at bay is to eat over-ripe bananas during the summertime. Best time to eat – empty stomach in the morning.
3. Cold Milk
It is a known fact that milk contains high calcium content which makes it a bone health superfood. But did you know that calcium is one of the key ingredients in your antacids too? Calcium assists in maintaining the pH balance and helps in proper digestion. Therefore, cold milk will give you immediate relief from the burning sensation you experience during acidity and acid reflux. The calcium in milk also curbs and prevents the build-up of acids and also absorbs the excess acid generated. However, remember that cold milk is more effective than hot milk and no additives like sugar or chocolate powder are added to the milk.
4. Buttermilk
Did you know Buttermilk is considered as a Sattvik food in Ayurveda? It contains lactic acid that neutralizes the acidity
in the stomach. In addition, buttermilk is a probiotic which occurs naturally.
Probiotics are extremely important for a good digestion process, which is why
many doctors recommend daily probiotic supplements. The good bacteria in
probiotics prevent the gas from building up and bloating which often causes
acid reflux.
If you get acidity the next time after eating a heavy or spicy meal, instead of popping in the antacids, drink a glass of chaas or buttermilk. For the best results, sprinkle a pinch of black pepper and some coriander leaves.
5. Coconut Water
Coconut water has natural cleansing properties that help to flush out toxins from your body. The rich fiber content helps to regulate bowel movements. If you drink coconut water, pH level of your body turns alkaline. This also helps to produce mucous in your stomach, which protects the stomach from the adverse effects of excessive acid production.
6. Fennel Seeds
Chewing sauf or fennel seeds after meals is a tradition practiced in India to prevent the stomach from acidity. Fennel tea helps digestive tract be healthy and happy because of its multitude of gastrointestinal benefits. The tea is considered very useful for aiding indigestion and bloating because of the oils found in these seeds.
7. Pineapple Juice
It provides relief from acidity and heartburn. After a spicy meal if you suffer from any acidity symptoms, drink a glass of pineapple juice. Pineapple juice is a tried and tested remedy to prevent hyperacidity and heartburn, as well as to reduce them. Pineapples also contain bromelain, an enzyme that helps regulate hydrochloric acid levels in your stomach and works to avoid extreme acid reflux.
8. Jaggery
Have you ever wondered why our elders finish a meal with gur or jaggery? Jaggery helps boost the intestinal strength because of its high magnesium content. It helps in digestion and makes your digestive system more alkaline in nature, thereby reducing acidity in the stomach. Suck on a small piece after your meal for good results.
9. Cloves
Clove has a prominent place in Ayurvedic medicine to treat digestive disorders. Clove has been a part of Indian kitchens since ancient times and this cooking staple, which has alkaline and carminative properties, also helps to avoid the effects of excess acid generated in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract which implies that gas formation is not permitted. In your curries and desserts, sprinkle the crushed cloves and cardamom to treat acidity, prevent flatulence, and even get rid of bad breath.
10. Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds work as a great acid
neutralizer, helping digestion and relieving pain in the stomach. Crush some
roasted cumin seeds slightly, stir them into a glass of water, or steep one
teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of boiling water and drink after each meal.
11. Ginger
Gingerols are the main ingredient present in
ginger that offers it’s healing properties for a normal cough as well as cold
or various digestive and intestinal disorders. It is an important ingredient in
Ayurvedic medicine for treating indigestion. It can be consumed raw, in tea or
in cooking. When experiencing extreme indigestion and acidity, mix 1 tbsp of
ginger with 2 tbsp of lemon juice. In warm broth, with honey. This will help to
reduce the acidity symptoms, keep your metabolism strong, and relieve
acidity-related weakness and pain.
12. Garlic
Yes, you read it right! Most people feel shocked to learn that garlic is a perfect natural remedy for treating indigestion. It is an antioxidant powerhouse that naturally makes it a heart health champion, but it is equally effective as an antidote to acidity as well. Raw garlic destroys the pathogenic microorganism that causes gastroenteritis which is a major culprit.
13. Gooseberries
Amla in Ayurveda is considered a Sattvik food that means it is a food that has an overall calming effect on our body, making it a natural acidity deterrent. Amla also contains high amount of vitamin C which helps to heal the lining and esophagus of the injured stomach. Have one teaspoon of amla powder per day to avoid those annoying acidity bouts.
14. Mint Leaves
If you are suffering from indigestion or
acidity, mint leaves or pudina can also help. It is one of the best coolants
available in nature, thus reducing burning and pain due to indigestion and
acidity. Mint helps lower stomach acid content and enhances digestion. Chop
some mint leaves to reduce and soothe acidity or boil a few leaves and drink
water once it cools to improve the wellbeing of the stomach and lungs.
It is also important to know how to avoid acidity from happening - Acidity: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and Home Remedies.
Now that you know some super accessible kitchen ingredients to beat the acidity blues, try to choose these home remedies over the bottle of antacid or some aerated drink.
Very valuable information, Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the positive feedback :)
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