Foods That May Trigger Acidity: Drop The Culprits
By Priya Mewada +2 more
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By Priya Mewada +2 more
We all have experienced that feeling too well – right after eating a heavy meal; a fiery sensation in the lower chest often followed by a sour taste of acid reflux that causes discomfort. Well, that’s what heartburn does to you after eating specific food items.
Acidity is a common condition caused due to the reflux of food and acid from the stomach into the food pipe called the oesophagus. If you have been experiencing more frequent heartburn, it is time you throw the culprits away and instead choose alkalising food items to balance out the acid in your stomach.
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In an average person, the oesophagal sphincter (a muscular band that lets food pass into the stomach and then contracts to prevent backflow into the oesophagus) protects the oesophagus from stomach acid. However, if the sphincter relaxes or weakens, the stomach contents may push upward and cause acid reflux.
Acidity and heartburn are most frequently reported after having a meal. Food is one of the major factors aggravating acidity as it stimulates the production of stomach acid.
A survey conducted by the National Heartburn Alliance (NHBA) revealed that 92% of frequent
heartburn sufferers report food as the primary cause of their digestive discomfort.
Certain food items can exacerbate acidity and heartburn. Such food items relax the oesophagal sphincter and delay the overall digestion process. This allows the food to remain in the stomach for a longer duration and increase the risk of reflux and heartburn.
The quantity and the timing of the meal are also important as a heavy meal eaten within 2-3 hours before bedtime or having a meal with alcohol increases the risk of acid reflux at night.
Did you know eating watery fruits can help dilute the acid in your stomach? This can be a game-changer for those struggling to manage acidity symptoms. Examples of watery fruits include celery, cucumber, lettuce and watermelon.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
High-fibre food items:
Alkaline food items:
Watery food items:
Also Read: Acidity Problems? 14 Home Remedies That Can Help
Certain home remedies may also help ease heartburn symptoms:
Basil leaves have soothing and carminative properties that can provide instant relief from acidity.
Ginger is a great digestive aid. It reduces irritation in the stomach due to its alkaline nature and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lactic acid present in buttermilk neutralises the stomach acid and alleviates acid reflux and heartburn.
Coconut water stimulates the production of mucus in the stomach, thereby protecting the stomach lining from the harmful effects of excessive acid production. Being rich in fibre, it aids digestion and prevents the re-occurrence of acidity.
Although certain home remedies can reduce heartburn and acid reflux, they cannot help in case of frequent and severe acidity. Certain over the counter and prescribed medicines can come to the rescue in such cases please consult a doctor for right diagnosis and treatment.
Contrary to popular belief, milk may not help you with heartburn or acid reflux. The fat present in whole milk or full-fat milk can worsen acid reflux. However, non-fat milk may help you neutralise the acid and give relief to heartburn symptoms.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Also Read: Omee Capsule
One of the best remedies for treating food-induced acidity is to avoid food items that trigger acid reflux and heartburn. Eating a healthy and holistic diet has helped many to overcome the problem of acidity and heartburn. In case acidity strikes frequently, you should visit a doctor for better supervision.
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