Home Remedies for Acidity

We all can recall having fallen a victim to heartburn after the festival season or after attending a wedding. Having gorged on our choicest delicacies, now we face the after effects. It is a common practice to eat light food for a day or two when we suffer from heaviness and acidity to get the system back to normal. But what about those who suffer from acidity day in and day out. Is there a ray of hope for them? Yes, if they follow this article and stick to whatever suits them out of the options given in a disciplined way, there sure is a way out. But why allow the malady go that far? It is best to control in its initial stages. 

Symptoms of Acidity 

Heartburn is the most common symptom; however, severe cases may feel chest pains. The acidity may advance to ulcers because too much acid leads to wounds, scarring and inflammation in the esophagus and intestines. If this is not arrested in time it can go to the extent of hemorrhage. The other symptom is sore throat, that happens in extreme cases where the acid travels up from the stomach to the throat.

Home Remedies For Acidity 

 

Clove 

This condiment helps the digestive system. Suck a piece of clove after every meal, it will give relief from acidity. 

Milk and Dairy Products 

Milk is one of the best remedies for acidity. It is the easiest to source because we all keep milk handy at home. Milk negates the acidic effect in the stomach. With reduced build up of acids in the stomach, the heartburn does not trouble. You can drink a cup of cold milk. If you don't want to drink that much milk in one go, or you feel that you will not be able to digest cold milk, add 2 tbsp of milk in a glass of water and drink. It will give an instant relief. It is a sure shot remedy. Another fantastic and delicious way to reduce acidity is to take a cup of milk with a dollop of vanilla ice-cream floating on top.

Fresh Mint 

Fresh mint juice is helpful in getting rid from acidity, but make a point to take it in limited quantity. It is a strong herb, hence use only 2 or three twigs at a time. Another way to use mint for acidity is to boil 2 glasses of water with 5 to 10 twigs of mint. Remove from heat and keep the lid on till the minty water cools. Add a tbsp of honey to it and drink it through the day. 

Cumin Seeds Drink 

Take a tsp of cumin seeds, put them in 4 glasses of water, Put the pan on heat, bring it to a boil, remove from heat and your anti-acidity drink is ready. You can use another relatively easier method of making this drink, you may not boil it but have the seeds steeped in water for 15/20 minutes. Strain and drink this cumin water. 

Cucumber 

The alkaline nature of cucumber nullifies the acidity, you can sprinkle some pink salt (kala namak) to make cucumber digest quickly.

Watermelon 

Buy a ripe watermelon, cut it and eat it frequently to alleviate the symptoms of acidity. An unripe watermelon will not be of any help. You can store a cut watermelon in the fridge for three days covered with a cling film. Instead of pills for acidity go for a beautiful and tasty delight. 

Coconut Water 

Every time you feel thirsty drink coconut water. Try it for a few days. It sure will give you relief from heartburn. Coconut water soothes the inflamed stomach and cools it down. 

Jaggery 

10g of jaggery eaten after every meal can reduce the acidity considerably. 

Baking soda 

1tsp of baking soda in water works well to reduce acidity. Soda is alkaline, thus it neutralizes acid.

Water 

A glass of warm water as the first drink of the morning is good for acidity. Avoid Tea, coffee and aerated drinks can cause acidity or at least aggravate it. These beverages cause heartburn and must be avoided completely. If you feel a strong urge to have them, drink a very small cup. 

Avoid  Smoking 

Smoking increases acidity and avoiding it completely can help a lot in reducing acidity. 

Avoid Alcohol 

Alcohol has a warming and burning effect. When you take a sip, you can clearly make out that every small sip gives you a burning feeling as it travels down your stomach. It will aggravate your acidity as it does not have a cooling effect, even if you drink it chilled. Beer may be sold as a tempting and cooling drink, actually it does not cool. It promotes the acidity in the stomach.