Home Remedies for Acidity and Heartburn

Contributed by: Tahereh Pourakbar, Pharm.D. Candidate

UMKC School of Pharmacy

Text Box: Acidity and heartburn are two common conditions seen in people of the present era. Excessive acid in the stomach causes irritation of the gastrointestinal covering and this manifests epigastric burning pain. When excess acid leaks back up into the gullet (the passage between the pharynx and the stomach) this inflames and irritates the lining of the esophagus and the feeling of heartburn is produced. Eating rich, spicy foods or having eaten too quickly when feeling stressed or rushed usually causes heartburn and acidity. It is always advisable to chew the food properly and drink plenty of water for proper digestion and absorption. Pregnant women often suffer from heartburn because the uterus presses on the digestive tract as the baby grows. Obese people are also susceptible because of pressure on their digestive tract. Lack of sleep and smoking also aggravate these conditions. The abdominal pain due to duodenal ulcer is aggravated on an empty stomach and may be referred to as hunger pain. In cases of severe gastric ulcer, pain may get aggravated on intake of food and relieved after vomiting. Foods that relive pain Consumption of milk and milk products are good to relieve these symptoms. Likewise eating wheat cereals or its products also give symptomatic relief. Bananas have protective action against these conditions and are highly recommended in the diet. The alkaline ash present in bananas correct the acidosis caused by acid

Text Box: forming diets. Maintaining an upright posture for some time after eating will help in preventing reflex in to the esophagus. Likewise sleeping with the head elevated of the bed will also reduce symptoms due to regurgitation of acidic content into the esophagus. Foods to avoid Some foods are not easily digested and can prompt bouts of indigestion among susceptible people and this results in acidity and heartburn. Avoid pickles, vinegar, fried foods, hot spicy foods, chocolate, pastries, and raw salad vegetables like onion, radish, cabbage, and peppers. Cut down on alcohol since it increases stomach acidity. Strong coffee and tea can cause irritation and fizzy drinks can produce gass. Unripe fruits are high in pectin, which is hard to digest so it should be avoided. Precautions · Do not eat just before going to bed. · Avoid irregular and hurried meals. · Stop smoking and cut down on alcohol. · Follow yoga or some exercise to reduce stress. · Drink plenty of water. · Fresh mint juice taken every day or fresh chopped mint leaves boiled in a cup of water and sip slowly after meals. · A glass of plain milk gives good relief during the pain. · Drink tender coconut water 3- 4 times a day. · Eating watermelon, banana and cucumber reduces the acidity. · Take a tiny piece of jaggery

Text Box: (Jaggery or “Gur” or whole sugar is a pure, wholesome, traditional, unrefined, whole sugar. It contains the natural goodness of minerals and vitamins inherently present in sugarcane juice) every hour. Just keep it in the mouth and slowly suck it till acidity subsides. · Cumin seeds boiled in a glass of water can be taken. · 2 teaspoons of juice of chebulic myroblan (used in India to treat many diseases such as digestive diseases) taken daily can be highly beneficial in the treatment of acidity and heartburn. For better results the juice can be mixed with equal amount of amla (Indian gooseberry) juice. With all these precautions if you still suffer from indigestion, acidity and heartburn you should consult your physician. For additional information visit www.fatfreekitchen.com/home-