Acidity Problems? 21 Home Remedies That Can Help
By Dr Prachi Garg +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Prachi Garg
Last updated: Dec 17, 2024 Published on: Apr 28, 2022
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By Dr Prachi Garg +2 more
Acid Reflux, commonly known as Acidity is a condition in which bile or stomach acids flow back into our oesophagus or food pipe and cause irritation.
This results in a burning sensation in our chest which is the commonest symptom of acidity.
Friendly Reminder: The information shared here is for educational purposes only and the reader should consult a registered medical practitioner before implementing any changes to their health routine.
Table of Contents
Did You Know?
Acidity has been confused with other conditions, here is a quick guide to understanding these terms better:
Having around 1 teaspoon fennel powder with a glass of warm water relieves acidity and its symptoms like heartburn, bloating and improves digestion.
Chew cumin seeds directly or boil 1 teaspoon of them in a glass of water and drink it to relieve acidity.
Black cumin seeds are gastro-protective. They are effective in reducing and preventing acidity and its symptoms like heartburn, pain, nausea, bloating, constipation etc. [2]
Read More: 10 Health Benefits of Sabja Seeds
Suck a piece of clove to get rid of acidity and its symptoms like flatulence, indigestion, nausea, gastric irritability etc. [3]
Whenever there are symptoms of acidity especially in elderly and middle age population,one should always visit a physician,I have witnessed few cases where people have ignored the persistent acidity symptoms which eventually turned out to be a case of coronary heart disease. A timely diagnosis can prevent mortality and morbidity in such patients.
Dr. Nikhil Yadav, MBBS MD,CCEBDM
Drinking a glass of lukewarm water empty stomach and before going to sleep at night, provides relief from acidity.
A glass of watermelon juice is effective in relieving acidity and is good for digestion as well. [4]
Chewing 1 cardamom pod every day helps to prevent acidity, flatulence and improves digestion [5]
Apple Cider Vinegar contains proteins, enzymes and pectin making it a highly nutritious addition to your diet. Some people claim that acid reflux may be caused by reduced amounts of stomach acid and this vinegar can introduce more acid into the system. However, further research is required. [14]
Almonds are rich in nutrients and fibre, both of which may help to reduce the risk of heartburn and also absorb acid. Though there is no substantial clinical evidence for the same, the nutritional profile of almonds speaks for itself. In a broader sense, acidity issues are also linked with appetite and diet. Almonds can help regulate these factors due to their high nutritional value. [15]
Jaggery contains both potassium and magnesium, a lump of jaggery may just be what you need to calm your roiling tummy. Potassium is essential for maintaining pH balance and stimulating the production of mucus in the stomach lining. This prevents an acid overload and helps relieve your symptoms. Magnesium is required for keeping your digestive system strong and functioning normally, which reduces the risk of acidity and other digestive issues. [16]
Mint leaves not only aid in digestion but also bring a cooling effect to your entire system. For temporary relief as well as long term support against acid reflux, mint leaves are a simple yet elegant solution. [17]
The lactic acid in buttermilk normalizes the acidity in the stomach and gives a soothing effect. A glass of buttermilk topped with black pepper and coriander helps in instantly easing our symptoms of acidity. [6]
Read More: 11 Health Benefits of Buttermilk
Chewing raw ginger or drinking ginger tea can prevent acidity and aid digestion. Ginger stimulates digestive juices, helping break down food and preventing excess stomach acid. Its anti-inflammatory properties also soothe the digestive system, reducing discomfort from acidity. [7]
Also Read: 10 Health Benefits of Garlic
Bananas are effective in neutralizing acidity and alleviating heartburn. Combining banana with milk can further help suppress excessive acid production, offering relief from digestive issues. This natural remedy provides soothing effects and promotes digestive comfort. [8]
Papaya is beneficial for reducing gastric acid secretion and easing acidity due to its natural enzyme, papain. Papain assists in digestion by breaking down proteins and supporting a more balanced pH in the stomach. This enzyme’s properties contribute to relieving symptoms associated with acidity, making papaya a natural remedy for digestive discomfort.. [9]
Consuming ajwain provides relief from acidity and flatulence. It is renowned for its digestive benefits and serves as an effective anti-acidic agent. Ajwain helps soothe the stomach and alleviate discomfort associated with acidity, making it a valuable natural remedy for digestive issues.. [10]
Drinking a glass of cold milk is known to provide instant relief from acidity. The milk helps neutralize excess stomach acid, reducing the burning sensation and discomfort associated with acidity quickly and effectively. [11]
Consuming a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 cup of water provides rapid relief from acidity and heartburn. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, works by neutralizing stomach acid, easing the discomfort caused by acid reflux and heartburn effectively. [12]
Adding turmeric to our diet can help alleviate acidity and the associated heartburn. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the digestive system and reduce irritation caused by excess stomach acid. Integrating turmeric into meals or consuming it as a supplement may provide relief from acidity and related symptoms. [13]
Read More: 13 Health Benefits of Turmeric
If the aforementioned food-related suggestions don’t help you out, you can always try out some non-food related ways like sleeping on your left side! Anatomy has got to do a great deal with this method of dealing with acidity. Since the oesophagus enters from the right side of the stomach, laying on our left side means the lower oesophagal sphincter lies above the level of stomach acid.
If you lie on your right side, the stomach acid covers this sphincter which increases the risk of acid reflux.
Some studies show that chewing on some gum may help reduce the acidity as the bicarbonate in it can help neutralise the acid to prevent reflux. More substantial research is required to support this finding but chewing gum can also create more saliva which can help in clearing the oesophagus.
Changing the position in which your sleep by raising the bed’s head so that the symptoms of acid reflux can be reduced is another home remedy that may help. Studies show that people who used a wedge to support and elevate their upper body had lessened acid reflux than those who slept in a flat manner.
I recall a case of a gentleman who experienced symptoms resembling acidity. Unfortunately, instead of seeking medical advice, he relied on his regular acidity medication, which provided no substantial relief. Tragically, he suffered a fatal cardiac arrest merely two days later. In reality, he was suffering from angina, but continued to exert himself through lengthy walks in an attempt to alleviate his perceived acidity symptoms. The essential message I aim to convey is the importance of consulting a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis from the very beginning, as there are numerous instances where symptoms of heartburn and heart attacks are mistakenly interchanged.
Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD CCEBDM Diabetology
Boil some mint leaves in water and drink a glass of this after meals. This is an instant remedy. You may also try other things like sucking on a piece of clove to get relief from acidity.
A sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits can cause acidity frequently.
If you experience severe heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms or conditions often, you must contact the doctor. In case you are having difficulty swallowing or taking pills for acidity everyday and no home remedies are working for you, it’s time to seek medical help.
A gastroenterologist will be able to help you in relieving the symptoms and providing treatment for acidity.
You can eat vegetables such as spinach, cucumber, carrot, broccoli, cabbage, sweet potato, peas, pumpkin and fruits, especially bananas, apples, watermelon, you can also eat unsweetened yogurt, fenugreek, beans, nuts and seeds, such as almonds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, to avoid acid reflux.
Yes, acidity can cause chest pain when stomach acid irritates the lining of the esophagus, a condition known as acid reflux or heartburn. This discomfort is typically felt in the chest area, often behind the breastbone, due to the proximity of the esophagus to the heart.
Acidity typically does not cause neck pain directly. However, severe acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) may lead to discomfort that radiates upward, potentially causing a sensation of throat tightness or irritation, which can be mistaken for neck pain.
Lemon itself is acidic in nature, but it can have an alkalizing effect on the body once metabolized. However, consuming large amounts of lemon or highly concentrated lemon juice may exacerbate acidity in individuals prone to acid reflux or GERD due to its acidic pH, potentially triggering symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Acidity itself does not cause fever. Fever is typically a response to infections or inflammatory conditions caused by viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens. However, severe cases of acid reflux or GERD could potentially cause throat irritation or inflammation, which might lead to discomfort resembling a feverish sensation, but this is not a true fever caused by infection.
Acidity itself is not directly linked to causing headaches. However, severe acid reflux or GERD can lead to discomfort and disrupted sleep patterns, which may indirectly contribute to headaches in some individuals. Additionally, stress and anxiety often associated with acid reflux can also trigger tension headaches.
Acidity and pitta are related concepts in Ayurveda, where pitta is one of the three doshas (bioenergies) governing bodily functions. Pitta dosha, when aggravated, can lead to symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, and acidity. Thus, while they are not exactly the same, an imbalance in pitta dosha can contribute to acidity and related digestive issues.
Yes, curd (yogurt) is often considered beneficial for managing acidity. It contains probiotics that can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, aiding digestion and reducing symptoms of acid reflux. However, individual tolerance may vary, and some people with severe acid reflux or lactose intolerance may find curd exacerbates their symptoms.
Yes, coconut water is generally considered good for acidity. It is alkaline in nature and can help neutralize excess stomach acid, providing relief from symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux. Additionally, coconut water is hydrating and contains electrolytes, which can further support digestive health. However, as with any food or beverage, individual responses may vary, so it’s advisable to observe how your body reacts to coconut water.
Ice cream may worsen acidity for some individuals due to its high fat content, which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and allow acid to reflux into the esophagus. Therefore, moderation is advised for those prone to acidity.
Acidity itself is not typically dangerous, but chronic acidity or acid reflux can lead to more serious conditions if left untreated, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or esophagitis. It’s important to manage acidity symptoms to prevent potential complications.
In common usage, “acidity” and “acid reflux” are often used interchangeably to refer to the same condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing discomfort or pain. However, acidity can also refer more broadly to the level of acid in the stomach, while acid reflux specifically describes the movement of that acid upwards.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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Thanks for giving this information
Thank you, glad you liked it.
Very nice and simple information
excellent treatment i have tried these options and they really amazingly work
Thank you, glad you liked it.
Thanks
The content above was informative
For healthy life style one doubt is that oranges or navel oranges what’s the proper time to consume, bcos some suggest it’s good for those with cardiiac
Problems.
Informative. Lot of people suffer from acidity. These simple measures are helpful with very low cost. Tnx PharmEasy.
Thank you for this Valuable information.
thankyou
In my stomach thers is acidity. How I reduce it
these all items are good for acidity mostly Ajwain
nice article
nice