Heartburn of any nature at your workplace or in your domestic circle can be really frustrating. But there is another kind of heartburn that will make your day or even night miserable that is acidity in your stomach. Heartburn or acidity is a symptom of acid reflux disease. It is triggered when the digestive juices or acids are secreted in excess or are not utilized properly.
An imbalance of digestive acids produced by the stomach can cause a stomach ache, nausea, gas, bad breath. It is a common problem that affects people of all age groups. Those who suffer frequently from acidity may call as having an acid stomach. Eating spicy foods, irregular eating habits, lack of exercise, stress, or drinking alcohol or carbonated drinks frequently can lead to acidity. There are other factors leading to the same, such as obesity, pregnancy, excessive smoking.
Some simple natural diet tips can be used to treat acidity. Simply drinking a little water will help flush out excess acid from your stomach and will neutralize your stomach.
If you frequently suffer from acidity, drink a glass of lukewarm water every day on a regular interval and also before going to sleep and immediately after waking up in the morning. Do not drink water during or immediately after a meal though, as it can lead to improper digestion that can contribute to acidity.
There are some diet tips or home remedies that can come in handy in order to provide instance relief to your stomach.
1) Basil leaves
Simply eat some basil leaves at the first sign of acidity. Be sure to chew them thoroughly before swallowing. Another option is to boil some basil leaves in a cup of water and then let it simmer for a few minutes. You can add some sweetener to basil tea with honey. Sip it frequently.
2) Cinnamon
Cinnamon is good for your digestive health. It works as a natural antacid.
1. Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of water.
2. Bring it to a boil and then allow it too steep for a while.
3. Drink this cinnamon tea morning and evening.
You can also add cinnamon powder to your soup also.
3) Buttermilk
Another simple home remedy for acidity is buttermilk. Easily accessible at home this remedy helps you with instant relief. It contains lactic acid that normalizes the acidity in the stomach. Grind some fenugreek seeds with a little water to make a paste. Mix it in a glass of plain buttermilk and consume it to relieve stomach ache caused by acidity. Drinking plain buttermilk several times a day until you get relief. Mix it in a little black pepper or some ground coriander leaves for best results.
4) Cloves
Cloves can help alleviate acidity due to their carminative effect that increases hydrochloric acid in the digestive process. Contrary to the popular belief, acidity can be caused due to low stomach acid too that happens when one takes less food intake. Chew some cloves thoroughly so that the juices are released into your stomach and enhance your digestive system. Eating crushed cardamom and cloves mixed in equal amounts can help minimize acid trouble and freshen bad breath.
5) Apple cider vinegar
Though acidic in nature, apple cider vinegar has an alkalizing effect when used in an accurate amount. Thus, it helps treat stomach acidity. Simply mix raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. Drink it before meals for best results.
6) Cumin seeds
Cumin seeds can also be used to treat acidity as it works as one of the best acid neutralizers. Also, it aids in digestion and relieves stomach pain. Slightly crush some roasted cumin seeds and stir it into a glass of water. Drinking after your meal will bring the best results. You can also boil some cumin seeds in a cup of water, strain it and then drink the water after your meal.
7) Ginger
During acidity just chew a slice of fresh ginger, though you might not be able to develop the taste. You can also put some ginger slices in a cup of boiling water, let it steep for a few minutes and then drink it. Even a spoonful of ginger juice taken not more than three to four times a day can provide relief from acidity.
8) Jaggery
Jaggery aids digestion and becomes alkaline in the digestive system, thus reducing stomach acidity. After each meal, chew or suck on a small piece of jaggery until acidity subsides. This remedy is not suitable for people who have diabetes as it contains a high level of sugar.
9) Cold milk
Milk can help stabilize gastric acids and give you relief from acidity. Milk has calcium, which prevents a build-up of stomach acid. Simply drink a glass of cold milk to prevent acidity problems.
10) Aloe vera
Aloe vera is famous as a natural healing agent and also treats acid reflux. It is available as a living plant, but the leaves or liquid are sometimes sold separately in health-food stores.
Next time you suffer from acidity, try these remedies. If you do not get relief within a day or two, consult a doctor.