Home remedies for acidity

The stomach normally secretes acid that is essential in the digestive process. This acid helps in breaking down the food during digestion. When there is excess production of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach, it results in the condition known as acidity. Dyspepsia,heartburn and the formation of ulcers are some of the symptoms. It is more common in highly emotional and nervous individuals.
Do you suffer from acidity or acid reflux too often and are tired of having antacids? Well, there are natural remedies you can get rid of the problem.
Getting to the root of the problem is the most important step. People who are overweight or older tend to be affected more since abdominal fat interferes with esophagus function, and the esophageal sphincter, which prevents backsplash, weakens with age. And many of the best things in life can relax the sphincter, including chocolate, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and greasy, spicy and fatty foods.
Those who suffer frequently from acidity problems may refer to having an “acid stomach.” Eating spicy foods, lack of exercise, irregular eating habits, stress, or drinking alcohol frequently can lead to acidity problems.
Some simple natural remedies can be used to treat stomach acidity. For instance, simply drinking a little water will help neutralize and flush out excess acid from your stomach.

*A spoonful of baking soda-

A spoonful of sodium bicarbonate, or teaspoon-full to be exact, can help put an end to the gnawing, burning, sensation of heartburn caused by acid reflux. Baking soda, as sodium bicarbonate is more commonly known, can help your reflux and in turn help your heartburn because it is a base substance. It has a pH higher than 7.0, and therefore neutralizes stomach acid. Neutralizing the stomach acid means that if/when your LES decides to be lazy and acid comes up your throat, you don’t get “burned.”
*1/2 teaspoon or 1 teaspoon of baking soda
*a glass of fresh water

Mix either a ½ teaspoon or 1 single teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water that is no more than 8 ounces. Give it a good stir and drink all of the mixture. You can repeat this as needed but should not exceed seven ½ teaspoon doses in a 24 hour period. Also, avoid using this as a remedy for more than a week straight, as it is high in salt and can have side effects such as swelling or nausea.
*If you frequently suffer from acidity, drink a glass of lukewarm water every day before going to sleep and immediately after waking up in the morning. Do not drink water during or immediately after a meal though, as it can lead to improper digestion that can contribute to acidity.

*Bananas

They are a rich source of potassium and help keep the level of acid production in your stomach in check.
Certain components in the fruit also help increase the production of mucous in your stomach, which helps protect it from the harmful effects of excessive acid production.
Are high in fibre content which helps speed up digestion, preventing the recurrence of acidity. ]
Eat a ripe banana for some relief. You could also eat an overripe banana to beat an especially bad bout of acidity, as they tend to contain more potassium which makes it the perfect antidote.
There are many more simple ingredients available in your kitchen or refrigerator that can be used to get relief from stomach acidity.

* aloe juice

Aloe is a plant used to soothe burns, and people often think of using it to help something like sunburn, but it can do more than that. It may be able to help with heartburn too because it reduces inflammation. This means when your tummy starts getting irritated and inflamed, or your esophagus is getting eaten away at, a nice glass of aloe vera juice may be just the thing to help calm it down.
*1/2 cup aloe vera juice
Drink a ½ cup of aloe juice, cool or room temperature, before meals. Cold milk
*Milk has a high amount of calcium that helps it prevent acid build up and absorbs the excess acid produced, thereby reducing the symptoms of acidity.
The fact that it is cold also provides instant relief from the burning sensation one feels during acid reflux.

*Tulsi

Tulsi leaves help stimulate your stomach to produce more mucous
Has antiulcer properties and reduces the effect of gastric acids,
Chewing on five to six tulsi leaves when you suffer from acidity is a great way to beat the discomfort you feel.
Start your day with a cup of warm water and fresh lemon juice. “By drinking this on an empty stomach 15 to 20 minutes before eating anything else, the body can naturally balance out its acid levels. It's a great digestive aid and is safe for all users,

*Lose weight.

 Studies show losing 10 percent of your body fat can improve acid reflux symptoms
Try eating raw almonds, an alkaline-producing food that can balance your pH because they are a good source of calcium, says Dr. Millie Lytle, a naturopathic doctor in New York

*Cinnamon is good for your digestive health. It works as a natural antacid and helps dispel stomach gas.
Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of water.
Bring it to a boil and then allow it to steep for a few minutes.
Drink this cinnamon tea two to three times a day.
You can also add cinnamon powder to your soup or salad.

*Another simple home remedy for acidity is buttermilk. It contains lactic acid that normalizes the acidity in the stomach. You can buy buttermilk or make it yourself.
*Grind half to one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds with a little water to make a paste. Mix it in a glass of plain buttermilk, also called chaas, and consume it to relieve stomach ache caused by acidity.
Or, you can simply drink plain buttermilk several times a day until you get relief. Mix in a little black pepper or one teaspoon of ground coriander leaves for best results.

*Take 1 to 2 teaspoons daily of apple cider vinegar. It’s great mixed with honey in tea or instead of lemon in tea. “Many people mistakenly believe all acid reflux and indigestion is caused by an overproduction of acid. The latest research shows it's actually the opposite for many people: There is too little acid produced to adequately digest the food eaten,” says Christina K. Major, holistic nutritionist and naturopathic doctor in Trevorton, Pa. Pickles, sauerkraut and other highly acidic foods also work well to help stimulate acid.

*Saunf or aniseed 

Has very potent anti-ulcer properties (due to the volatile oils it contains)
Aids in digestion and relieves constipation.
Helps cool the lining of the stomach, reducing that burning sensation you feel during a bout of acidity.
While simply chewing on a few saunf seeds can help reduce the symptoms of acidity, as a long term remedy, boil a few seeds in water and leave overnight, drink this water during the day when you feel uneasy.

*Clove

When bitten into your taste buds react cloves pungent taste and secrete excess saliva, which in turn aids digestion and beats the symptoms of acidity.
Has carmitive properties and helps improve peristalisis (the movement of food down the stomach).
In case you’re suffering from acidity, bite a clove once so that the juice is released and then keep it in the mouth. The slowly released juice will immediately lower acid reflux and give you some relief. Cloves can also help relieve a sore throat, here’s how .

*Chew a stick of gum after meals to increase saliva production, which research shows can reduce acid levels in the esophagus.
*Cumin seeds can also be used to treat acidity as cumin works as a great acid neutralizer. Also, it aids in digestion and relieves stomach pain.
Slightly crush some roasted cumin seeds and stir it into a glass of water. Drink it after every meal.
*You can also boil one teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of water, strain it and then drink the water after your meal.
*Another option is to mix one teaspoon each of coriander seed powder, cumin seed powder, fennel seed powder and some sugar in one-half cup of water. Drink it on an empty stomach
*Sleep on your left side. Studies found sleeping on your stomach or right side can cause additional pressure that increases GERD symptoms. Left-side sleepers report relief.
*Jaggery, lemon, banana, almonds and yogurt are all known to give you instant relief from acidity.
*Try to avoid pickles, spicy chutneys, vinegar, etc.
*Excessive smoking and drinking will increase acidity, so cut down
*A simple preparation of lemon water with sugar can be sipped on an hour before lunch to reduce uneasiness.
*Have vegetables like drumsticks, beans, pumpkin, cabbage, carrot and spring onions.