Sometimes, you go through a lot of health related issues, but you just don’t understand about a few of them. At times, you are unable to explain them or even talk about them to the doctor, but in the end, you go through it; you suffer from it!
I am here to tell you about one of the most common health related issue, which a lot of people go through, but are unable to understand till the severity of the problem reaches its maximum height. I am talking about heartburns or acid reflux. Read below to know about this issue in detail:
What is heartburn or acid reflux?
Acidity or heartburn is known to not spare anybody from its claws. Most of the adults suffer from it during some point in their lives. Acidity is caused when there is an over-production of acid in the stomach. It is the main cause of stomach ulcers, bad breath, stomach ache, nausea etc.
There is no specific time when you go through this issue; it can happen almost any time, even when you are at work or sitting idle. It happens when the stomach acid crawls back into the food pipe. It leaves an after taste in the mouth and leaves a sharp sensation between your ribs that radiates to your heart; that’s why, it is also known as heartburn.
What are the causes of acid reflux?
There are a lot of causes that lead to this problem; some of the most common ones are:
What are the symptoms of acid reflux?
Read below to know about some of the common symptoms of acid reflux:
How does acid reflux affect your daily life?
If you go through severe acid reflux, you are bound to face a lot of challenges in your daily life activities. You may have terrible heartburns at work, due to which you are unable to concentrate on all those things that you wish to do to progress.
Heartburning sensations can be bad enough to spoil your mood. Unless you get used to the feeling, you are just not able to ignore or avoid them. A lot of people with acid reflux issues are often noticed going through the problem of mood swings. You may have terrible fights with your partner, because you are unable to do things that you are expected to.
Sometimes, you can’t eat the things that you like, despite your cravings for the same. For an instance, even if you like spicy food, the acid reflux problem won’t let you enjoy the same.
How to cure Heartburn?
You can either depend upon medicines, which are easily available in the market or depend upon some of the home remedies, which are natural and keep you away from chemicals. Some of the home remedies are:
- Water: Due to its neutral pH Balance, water is the ambrosia that helps you neutralize the pH balance in your stomach. It reduces the acid level in the stomach and guards the stomach lining from getting damaged; thus, leading to ulcers and acidity. It is advisable to drink a glass of lukewarm water before you sleep and after waking up in the morning. Do not drink water during meals.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: although, it is acidic in nature, Apple Cider Vinegar has an alkalizing effect on the stomach lining. Having two teaspoons of this with a cup of water two times a day.
- Buttermilk: Also known as ‘Chaach’; a glass buttermilk with a teaspoon of roasted cumin powder mixed with roasted fenugreek seeds powder and coriander paste will give you relief as well as having it regularly will eradicate the acidity problem from your life.
- Aloe Vera Juice: The Aloe Vera juice is excellent for soothing upset stomach, drinking it can help in getting rid of unwanted stomach acids. It also reduces inflammation in the esophagus. Drinking half a cup of Aloe Vera juice before meals is recommended.
- Carrot Juice: Drinking a cup of carrot juice also offers quick relief. You can also drink cabbage juice as an alternate.
- Ginger: The mixture of lemon juice and ginger juice is excellent to control acids in the stomach. To get ginger juice, you can crush the ginger and squeeze it. You can also add a small piece of jaggery with the crushed ginger. You will need to suck the mixture until you get the juice into your throat. It will instantly get rid of acidity.
- Holy Basil leaves: Wash few leaves of the Holy Basil as soon as you feel a sharp sensation below your sternum or experience a sour/bitter after taste in your mouth. This is a way of body reacting to bouts of acidity. Holy Basil or ‘Tulsi’ has many medicinal qualities and fighting acidity is one of them.
- Cinnamon: Take cinnamon powder and boil it in some water. Simmer for a minute and strain it. It will start looking like tea liquor. Have that without adding anything and you will notice a change. It works as a natural antacid and helps in treating flatulence too.
- Baking Soda: Adding half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drinking it offers instant relief. This must not be done regularly, as baking soda is high on salt.
- Banana: Eating bananas to soothe down the sensations.
- Chewing Gum: Chewing gums accelerate the flow of saliva, which in turn washes out all the extra acid that accumulates in the stomach and offers great relief.
- Keeping an eye on what you eat (avoid unhealthy and deep fried items) and the quantity of food
- Keeping away from alcohol and cigarettes.
- Keeping your chin high and avoiding lying down in the bed.
- Avoiding overly tight clothes, which don’t allow you to breathe properly.
Acidity is a serious lifestyle problem amongst most of us. It is very crucial to be meticulous in its management. It is important to make the aforementioned tips a part of your life and you will be liberated from the chains of acidity for good.
Antacids are the most preferred treatment for getting fast relief from acidity. This allows you to relax and focus on your work. Antacids are easily available in sachets that can be carried anywhere you go.
If these remedies do not work, then it is best to see a doctor.
