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Acidity
Our stomach
produces acid to digest the food that we eat. This is a
regular and natural process. Whenever we eat, cells within
the lining of the stomach pump acid to liquefy your
sumptuous dinner, from mash potatoes to a slab of steak.
Problem
occurs when these cells produce large amount of acid, more
than your stomach needs. When this happens, you will suffer
from stomach acidity. You would know if you were suffering
from stomach acidity if you feel a burning sensation just
above the stomach, or right below (the hollow part) your
breastbone. This is the most classic sign of acidity.
Symptoms :
Root
Causes :
A weakness of the valve
between the stomach and oesophagus (food pipe) can cause a
reflux of the acid from the stomach to the lower part of the
oesophagus. This gastro-oesophageal reflux can cause
heart-burn.
Sometimes, a heavy meal or increase in intra-abdominal
pressure such as while straining or lifting weights, can
bring about this reflux.
Excess acid secretion can also cause acidity and ulcers,
when the normal protective lining of the stomach and
duodenum (the part of the intestine that joins the stomach),
is damaged. The resulting ulcer is called gastric ulcer if
it is in the stomach and duodenal ulcer if it is in the
duodenum.
In a condition known as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, a large
amount of acid is secreted because of stimulation by tumours
located in the pancreas or duodenum.
Any kind of break down in the defense mechanisms that
protect the stomach and intestine from damage by acid can
cause acidity.
The body secretes bicarbonate into the mucous layer, which
neutralises the acid. Hormone-like substances known as
prostaglandins, help to keep the blood vessels in the
stomach dilated, ensuring adequate blood flow.
Lack of adequate blood flow to the stomach may contribute to
ulcers.
Prostaglandins are also believed to stimulate bicarbonate
and mucous production, which help protect the stomach.
Consumption of alcohol, highly spicy foodstuffs, irregular
food habits, and Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
also predispose to gastric acidity.
There is a higher incidence of acidity in highly emotional
and nervous individuals. It is also more common in the
developed and industrialized nations, though a recent
increase in incidence has also occurred in the developing
countries.
Diseases the May Cause Hyperacidity:
Heartburn is
characterized by a deeply placed, burning pain in the chest
behind the sternum (breast-bone). It occurs after meals and
is precipitated by increase in intra-abdominal pressure like
straining or lifting weights. It is more common at night
when a person is lying down. Heartburn is usually relieved
when the person sits up. Regurgitation of the gastric
contents may also occur. The symptoms of ulcers are mainly
pain that can be either localized or diffuse. Sometimes it
radiates to the back or to the chest.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a chronic
disease that inflicts people with stomach acidity. It is
called a ‘reflux’ because gastric acid goes from the stomach
up to the esophagus whenever a person with stomach acidity
lies down to bed. At times, even mere change in position
causes the gastric acid to reflux. This disease is more
known to many as heartburn. A person with GERD feels a
stabbing like pain near his heart area.
Dyspepsia is a burning or an aching pain in the upper
abdomen, sometimes described as a stabbing sensation
penetrating through the gut. In rare cases there may be no
pain, but only a feeling of indigestion, fullness, bloating,
flatulence or nausea. When the cause is a duodenal ulcer,
having a meal usually relieves the pain. But in the case of
a gastric ulcer there may be no change, or the pain may
become worse after eating. Peptic ulcer disease can
sometimes occur without symptoms. Symptoms may also arise
when there is no ulcer present, which is known as non-ulcer
dyspepsia.
Gallstones are pebble-like deposits in the
gallbladder. Gallbladder contains bile which is responsible
for stabilizing gastric acid in the body. However, with
gallstones, the gallbladder cannot function well. Bile
cannot flow to some important organs in the body, including
the duodenum. With this, excess gastric acid stay in the
stomach.
Herbs which are useful :
Hyperacidity is a pittaja,
i.e. it is caused by vitiation in the
pitta dosha. Hence,
Ayurveda tries to control the
disorder by using herbs that are known to be
pitta-pacifying.
Yastimadhu (Glycyzrrhiza
glabra):
Most effective
anti-ulcer herb, gives miraculous results in acid peptic
disorders. It is very effective in treating pain due to
stomach ulcers, as it soothes the irritation caused by acids.
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size)
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Amla (Phyllanthus
emblica):
Amla is a natural and effective herb that helps
in curing many diseases like indigestion, heartburn.
It promotes ojas and the reproductive fluids, and is useful
in the treatment of ulcers and hyperacidity
 Adrak
(Zingiber
officinale)
:
The juice of ginger mixed with lime and honey is
a traditionally used cure for treating dyspepsia. It is
exceptional for treating the hyperacidity caused by
consuming more of flesh foods.
Lavanga
(Syzygium
aromaticum - Clove):
A few pieces of
cloves taken directly are excellent in treating acidity and
irritability in the stomach.
Saunf
(Fenneliculum
vulgare - Fennel ):
Fennel seeds have been
found to be effective in the treatment of atonic dyspepsia.
It is a mild purgative; hence it is also used to treat
digestive and acidity complaints in infants and young
children.
Black pepper (Piper
nigrum) :
Pepper has a stimulating effect on acidity, digestive
organs and produces an increase flow of saliva and gastric
juices. It is an appetizer and a home remedy for
any digestive disorder or heartburn or acidity. Powdered
black pepper, thoroughly mixed with malted jaggery, may be
taken in the treatment of such conditions. Alternatively, a
quarter teaspoon of pepper powder mixed in thin buttermilk
can be taken during indigestion, acidity or heaviness in the
stomach. For better results, an equal part of cumin powder
may also be added to the buttermilk.
Diet & Life sytle:
-
Avoid
foods that are rich in oils and fats. These foods are
difficult to digest, so they may make the stomach
release more acids.
-
The
diet should contain a proper blend of all the tastes.
Spicy food must be just one dish rather than the
whole meal.
-
Fibers are necessary in the diet as they help in the
digestion.
-
Red
meats must be eaten only occasionally, if at all.
-
After
a meal, the body must be given some sort of exercise.
This could be as simple as going for a stroll.
-
Too
much addiction to strong foods such as tea and coffee
may cause hyperacidity. This is also true for other
addictions such as smoking and alcohol.
-
Do
not consume sour foods as they already have acidic
contents. Acidic foods to avoid are pickles, curds,
tamarinds, vinegar, etc.
-
Avoid
or limit alcohol.
-
Maintain upright position during and at least 45 mins
after eating.
-
Try
elevating the head of bed 6 - 8 inches when lying down.
Ayurvedic Supplements :
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