HYPERACIDITY
By Dr. Arun Kheria
Hyper acidity is one of the most common worldwide ailment seen in people from cities and metros specially. It is the excess secretion of acid (Hydrochloric acid) and digestive enzymes by the glands present in the stomach. The stomach has a regenerative lining that protects the muscles of the stomach from coming in contact with these acids or enzymes. But when the level of these digestive acids rises above the required level, the acids start to erode the lining faster, and the stomach muscles become exposed. As the acids start acting upon the stomach muscles, there is a burning sensation, and this condition is known as hyperacidity. When we fails to control these secretions, it lead to the peptic ulcers and then perforation in the stomach walls might happen.
The most common symptoms of hyper-Acidity are nausea, vomiting, sour belching, flatulence, steady pain in abdomen or pain and burning sensation in epigastric region, loss of appetite, feeling of restlessness and indigestion / constipation.
Excessive use of the oily and spicy food, irregular eating habits, consumption of fast food in large quantity, sleeping just after taking meal, drinking too much alcoholic beverages, tea and coffee, stress, anxiety, tension and pain relieving medications (NSAID) are the most common causes of Hyper-Acidity.
AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW OF HYPER-ACIDITY
According to Ayurveda, hyper-Acidity is known as
‘Amla-Pitta”. Amla pitta(Acidity) is classified in two categories, namely
Urdhwaga Amplapitta (upward), Adhoga Amplapitta (downward). When we eat
something, Pachaka Pitta (digestive enzymes and acids) is secreted in the
stomach for digestion of food due to stimulation of Vata. Kledaka Kapha (Mucus)
is also secreted for softening of food and the protection of stomach-wall from
hot, penetrating secretions of Pitta.
In Amlapitta (hyper-acidity), Pitta is aggravated
and the quantity of pachaka Pitta gets increased & change from normal
bitter taste (alkaline) to sour (acid) taste. This aggravated Pitta or acidic
nature start to erode the lining of stomach and condition is Known as
Hyper-Acidity.
The Ayurvedic treatment of Ayurveda focuses on
balancing the aggravated Pitta dosha through classical herbal medicines as well
as customized diet and lifestyle plans.
Diet Recommend for Hyper-Acidity
- Eat carbohydrate rich food as these are
associated with no acid formation.
- Take more and more water as precautionary
measures to reduce acidity
- Avoid Sour fruits & vegetables (citrus
fruits, tomatoes, onion), pickles, oily and spicy foods, chocolate and
excess intake of alcohol, tea or coffee.
Lifestyle Recommend for Hyper-acidity
- Take meals in a relaxed mood at regular
intervals.
- If you are suffering from stress and tension
try to overcome them by practicing meditation and yoga
- Take smaller meal
Ayurvedic
Herbs Recommend for Hyper-Acidity
Amalki (Emblica officinalis), Bhringraja (Eclipta
alba), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Haritki (Terminalia chebula) are
examples of herbs which are effectively used in Classical Ayurvedic Medicines
in Hyper Acidity.
Home Remedy
- Indian Gooseberry (Amla) shows the calming effect on acidity.
- Bananas are full of potassium and can help to reduce acidity if taken daily.
- Calcium gives immediate relief from acidity, drinking cold milk in small quantity after meals can help you to bring down acidity.
- Fresh Garlic cloves are also useful for acidity and flatulence.
- Tulsi leaves naturally cure acidity as these reduce the formation of gas and burning sensation in the stomach.
- Eating of Jaggery subsides acidity.
- Mix the following herbs and take 1 teaspoon with warm water after dinner daily for 5 days.
a) Sonth powder
(Ginger Powder) - 10 grams
b) Dhania
Powder(Coriander Seeds) - 10 grams
c) Jeera Powder
(Cumin Seeds) - 10 grams
d) Saunf Powder
- 20 grams
e) Pudina Powder
(Mint leaves powder)- 20 grams
