VOH

shefali aneja(daaitishion)gudgaon

ACIDITY

    If we ask from people around us that have they ever experienced gas formation? I think their reply will be yes. Everyone in their life may experience this kind of feeling sometime or another. Some experience it more frequently and other experiences it once in a year. This gas formation is known as acidity.         

      There should be proper balance of acids in the stomach for proper digestion. If it is less then it effects the digestion or if it is in excess then it lead to acidity.

      It may be due to many reasons like long gap between meals, skip breakfast, eating excess of fried, spicy, non veg, and refined foods, lack of physical activity, stress, excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking, obesity, pregnancy and aging or excessive intake of steroids may cause acidity. People generally feel restlessness, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, stomachache and sour belches etc.

By changing unhealthy food stuff to healthy food items in regular routine, lifestyle modifications and inclusion of some herbal remedies may prevent people from acidity.

Diet:

·        Have smaller and frequent meals this will be helpful not only in case of acidity but also will help in maintaining ideal body weight.

·        Avoid excess fried and spicy foods & Have your dinner at least 2-3 hours before go to sleep.

·        Eat at least 5-6 servings of fruits and vegetables in a day. Watermelon, papaya and cucumber are very effective in case of acidity.

·        Consume good amount of water (at least 8-12 glasses/day) for proper digestion & drink at least 2 glasses of water on an empty stomach to prevent acidity.

·        Intake of cold milk and coconut water will give relief in acidity. Curd and yoghurt are also a good option to prevent acidity but avoid it at night.

·        Because of high content of caffeine and nicotine in tea and coffee its better to avoid them esp. on an empty stomach and go for herbal tea. Have at least 1-2 biscuits with tea. Never go for only tea otherwise it will create acid in you body

·        Have jaggery (gud) after every meal and suck it for sometime.

·        Eat chewing gum after meal as it will be helpful in producing more saliva and prevent from acidity.

Herbal/ Home Remedies

·        ½ glass butter milk with 1 tbsp. of coriander juice will give you relief from acidity.

·        Boil some mint leaves in water and drink this after meals or consume 4-5 tulsi leaves anytime in a day.

·        Soak ½ tsp Zeera in water and take it in the morning empty stomach or you can supplement it with meals.

·        Consumption of cardamom, ginger, cloves and Amla are also good options for acidity.

·        For instant relief from acidity have 1 glass of water with a tsp (5ml) of soda in it.

Lifestyle modification:

·        Include exercise or some kind of physical activities like walking, swimming, jogging etc. in your regular routine for proper digestion. At least 30-45 min one should spent on physical activity. It may be in continuation or may be 15-20 min. in the morning or 15-20 min. in the evening.

·        When go to sleep raise your upper half by using extra pillows. This sleeping position will also aid in digestion.

·        Don’t bend or sit just after having meals. Engage yourself in activity which makes you stand.

·        Try to avoid excessive consumption of drugs esp. without doctor’s prescription.