There is a certain level of acid that is needed in the stomach to digest the food that we consume. This acid, which is hydrochloric acid, is secreted by the gastric glands of our stomach and ensures that the digestive system functions well. It is the digestive enzymes like pepsin, released by the hydrochloric acid, that break the food particles down to make digestion easy. When there is an excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid, it results in a condition called acidity. Acidity leads to very uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn, and a burning in the throat as well. If not treated in time, it can form ulcers too. The only way to keep acidity in check is avoiding the consumption of very spicy food, junk food, alcohol, and cigarettes. Other than these, acidity is also caused by overeating, eating too fast, eating at irregular hours, staying hungry for too long, and irregular sleeping hours.
Consuming refined food, especially if it lacks fiber, also adds to the problem of acidity. If you avoid all these troublemakers, your chances of getting acidity will be significantly lowered.
Water is one of the most effective neutralizers of acids. Drink one glass of water as soon you wake up, and consume at least two liters of water through the day. Other than that, fruits with cold propensity like watermelon, cucumber, and banana also bring relief from acidity. Whenever you suffer from heartburn, drink one glass of chilled milk or have a bowl of fresh and cold yogurt. You can also mix one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and consume it. All of these measures will bring your relief almost immediately.
Here some home remedies for acidity. You must also avoid consuming tea, especially on an empty stomach. If you really must drink tea, have herbal teas like licorice or mint tea. Carbonated drinks and coffee should also be avoided along with the consumption of pungent vegetables like radish and onion in their raw form. Also, do not go to bed for at least two hours after eating. Having coconut water about thrice a day is also very beneficial for the sufferers of acidity. If you take two teaspoons of white vinegar with your meals, or suck on 10 grams of jaggery after meals, it will prevent the acids from forming. Another way to prevent the formation of acids is mixing two teaspoons each of apple cider vinegar and honey to a glass of water and drinking it before meals. Consuming buttermilk during or after meals is also an effective remedy to stimulate digestion.