Ayurvedic Treatment For Gas, Acidity (Acid Reflux/GERD)
Acidity, also known as hyperacidity, is a common condition that can cause a burning sensation in the stomach. This uncomfortable feeling can gradually rise up into the esophagus and lead to symptoms like belching and acid reflux. Acidity can be caused by a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits. Some foods can disrupt your digestion and lead to an overproduction of stomach acid.
Chronic acidity can also cause heartburn, which is a persistent discomfort in your chest that feels like being pricked by multiple needles simultaneously. The discomfort and pain intensify when you attempt to lie down and rest.
Common Ayurvedic Gastric Problem
In Ayurveda, most gastric troubles arise from excess pitta dosha, which governs digestion, metabolism, and fire element within the body. Here are some common stomach issues attributed to pitta imbalances:
- Heartburn – Heartburn involves a burning discomfort rising up from the stomach into the throat and chest. It is caused by acid refluxing from the stomach.
- Hyperacidity – An excess of stomach acid can lead to hyperacidity, causing pain, bloating, and acidity symptoms. Too much pitta dosha aggravates acid production.
- Ulcers – Ulcers are painful sores that develop on the protective lining of the stomach or small intestine, caused by too much acid exposure.
- Gastritis – Gastritis refers to inflammation of the stomach lining, which can be provoked by pitta-aggravating habits. It causes burning pain and discomfort.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – Frequent backflow of stomach acid up into the oesophagus causes the hallmark burning sensation of GERD. The acidic contents irritate the oesophageal lining.
Ayurveda attributes most gastric issues to excess pitta dosha overheating the digestive system. Lifestyle habits like spicy food, stress, and erratic eating routines disrupt the body’s innate balance and aggravate this dosha.
Causes of Acidity
Acidity can impact individuals of all age groups, occasionally without any apparent cause. There are various factors that can contribute to this issue, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, hiatal hernia, caffeine intake, and dietary choices. Let’s explore some common factors that can contribute to acidity:
- Eating late at night or consuming large meals.
- Consuming excessive amounts of certain foods, including citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, or spicy and fried foods, can have negative effects on your health.
- Excessive intake of drinks like alcohol, carbonated beverages, and coffee.
- After indulging in a hearty meal, it’s best to avoid lying on your back or bending at the waist.
- Excess weight or obesity can put added pressure on the stomach, leading to increased acidity.
- Taking medications for blood pressure or muscle relaxation.
By making adjustments to your diet and lifestyle, as well as exploring ayurvedic treatments for acidity, you can find effective ways to alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms of Acidity
Each person has their own unique constitution, so the symptoms of acidity can vary. However, there are some common symptoms that many people experience:
- After eating, you may experience a burning sensation in the chest area.
- Sometimes, after eating, a regurgitation of food or a sour liquid can make its way up to the throat.
- Acidic conditions can lead to discomfort in the chest or upper abdomen, which can sometimes be mistaken for heart-related issues.
- Experiencing acidity can lead to a feeling of constriction or discomfort in the throat.
- Hoarseness of voice can occur when stomach acid irritates the throat.
- Unpleasant breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
It is important to be aware of these symptoms of acidity in order to promptly seek treatment.
How to Treat Gas, Acidity With Ayurveda?
Ayurvedic Remedies & Treatment For Gas, Acidity
The Pitta dosha (imbalance of heat or fire element) is elevated in the modern lifestyle by unhealthy eating habits like skipping breakfast, fried food, hot and spicy food, heavy meals, and excessive consumption of tea, coffee, and alcohol. Fortunately, Ayurveda offers efficient treatments for this medical issue.
Fennel Seeds (Sauf) Water:
Fennel seeds have a refreshing flavour. These seeds can be boiled in water to extract their properties and relieve heartburn. You can also drink fennel tea or chew fennel seeds for improved digestion after meals.
Lime Juice with Baking Powder
Another successful at-home remedy is lime juice mixed with half a teaspoon of baking soda and water. This mixture will help with normal food digestion if you take it soon after eating. When baking soda and lemon juice are mixed, the lemon juice’s sodium bicarbonate and citric acid combine to form sodium citrate, a buffer. This mild acid or base balances the pH levels in the body.
Ghee, Salt, and Hot Water
Drink a concoction of hot water, salt, and ghee. Digestion will be aided by the butyrate acid, fatty acid, and anti-inflammatory qualities of ghee.
Cumin Seeds/Jeera Water
One of the best treatments for acidity and gas is jeera water. Boiling a spoonful of cumin seeds in two cups of water for nearly fifteen minutes can cure any digestive problem. Cumin aldehyde, a chemical present in cumin and jeera, is thought to activate the mouth’s salivary glands, which in turn starts the digestive process. Thymol is the next important component; it helps the glands in the stomach and intestines that secrete bile, acids, and enzymes that aid in food digestion.
Curd or Dahi
Dahi, curd, or yogurt are the best foods you can give your stomach regularly unless you have a lactose intolerance, in which case it might be dangerous for your health. But curd’s probiotics can reduce bloating, gas, and even acidity. One clever way to increase the amount of good bacteria in your food is to use curd in place of sour cream or mayo in all of your dishes. Eat dahi that has been made by hand whenever you can.
Ginger
Ginger, or Adrak, is a great Ayurvedic treatment for gas that has carminative properties. It is available in two different textures: powdered or grated. You can also have a teaspoon of grated ginger, a teaspoon of lime juice, and some warm water every morning. You can also prepare ginger tea, which is an effective natural remedy for flatulence and offers fast relief from acidity and bloating.
Precaution & Treatment For Gas, Acidity
Keep Yourself Hydrated
More than half of your health problems can be resolved with water. Drinking enough water will help your body eliminate all impurities and facilitate easy digestion.
Count on Soupy Dishes
Foods that are heavy and greasy may aggravate your acid reflux. Foods that help with various acid reflux symptoms, such as heartburn, nausea, indigestion, etc., are best consumed steamed or stirred. Soupy foods are also simple to swallow if you have a sore throat.
Less Spicy Foods
Naturally, since spicy food can aggravate acid reflux, it should be avoided. If you want to cure your acid reflux fast, it would be beneficial to eat less spicy or liquid food.