Picture this. You have your most favourite food in front of you, and nobody's watching. How much will you eat, how much will you leave? While you may like to empty the table, but you are also aware of the risks involved, right? Nobody likes a bad stomach or any kind of discomfort in the abdominal area. Therefore, a problem like acidity, though common, is never welcome. Acidity occurs when there is excess secretion of acids in the gastric glands of the stomach, producing gas, bad breath, stomach ache and other symptoms. It triggers an unpleasant reaction that also often makes you feel sick and miserable. According to Delhi-based Nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat, "Acidity can be caused due to a long gap between meals, empty stomach or excessive intake of tea, coffee, smoking or alcohol”. When the secretion of acids is more than usual - we experience heartburn or acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), which is normally triggered when we eat a heavy meal or spicy foods. Acidity can turn out to be quite annoying. In order to get rid of the same, we often resort to various remedies. However, if you have failed at doing so, then fret not, we've got your back. In this article we have included a list of few home remedies for acidity that may be of great help in getting rid of acidity problems. .
Here are 12 simple ingredients available in your kitchen or refrigerator that can be used to get rid of stomach acidity.
Acidity Home Remedies:
1. Basil LeavesThe soothing and carminative properties of basil leaves can give you instant relief from acidity. At the first sign of gas, eat a few basil leaves or boil 3-4 basil leaves in a cup of water and let it simmer for a few minutes. Sip on it frequently. This is one of the best home remedies for acidity.
Basil leaves have soothing and carminative properties
2. FennelYou can also “chew sauf after meals, to prevent stomach acidity”, advises Nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat. “For its multitude of gastrointestinal benefits, fennel tea is sure to help the digestive tract be healthy and happy. The tea is considered very useful to help indigestion and bloating because of the oils found in these seeds”, according to Shilpa Arora ND, a renowned Health Practitioner, Nutritionist and certified Macrobiotic Health Coach.
Fennel tea is sure to help the digestive tract be healthy and happy
3. Cinnamon
This humble spice works as a natural antacid for stomach acidity and can settle your stomach, by improving digestion and absorption. For relief, drink cinnamon tea to heal infections in the gastrointestinal tract. Cinnamon is a powerhouse of nutrients and loaded with health benefiting properties.
This humble spice works as a natural antacid |Photo Credit: Istock
4. ButtermilkDid you know that buttermilk is categorised as a sattvic food in Ayurveda? So, the next time you get acidity after eating a heavy or spicy meal, skip the antacid and drink a glass of chaas instead. Buttermilk contains lactic acid that normalizes acidity in the stomach. Sprinkle a dash of black pepper or 1 teaspoon of ground coriander leaves for best results.
Buttermilk contains lactic acid that normalises acidity in the stomach | Photo credit: Istock
5. JaggeryEver wondered why our elders finish a meal with gur? “Due to its high magnesium content, jaggery helps boost intestinal strength”, says Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja, Fortis Hospital, New Delhi. It aids digestion and makes your digestive system more alkaline in nature, thus reducing stomach acidity. Suck on a small piece of gur after a meal, and reap the benefits. Since jaggery also helps maintain normal body temperature, cooling the stomach - experts recommend drinking Gur Sharbat (jaggery soaked in ice cold water) during the summer.
Jaggery aids digestion and makes your digestive system more alkaline in nature
6. ClovesOver the years, cloves have grabbed a prominent place in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda to treat digestive disorders. Cloves are carminative in nature, thus preventing the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. Add cloves while cooking foods like kidney beans or black gram that tend to cause flatulence. You can even eat crushed cloves and cardamom (mixed in equal amounts) to treat acidity, and get rid of bad breath (which often accompanies this problem).
Cloves have grabbed a prominent place in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda
7. Cumin SeedsCumin seeds work as a great acid neutralizer, aid digestion and relieve stomach pain. Slightly crush some roasted cumin seeds, stir it into a glass of water or steep one teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of boiled water and drink it after every meal.
Jeera helps promote digestion and healthy gut
8. GingerBeneath its knobbly exterior, ginger hides many health benefits. “Ginger has excellent digestive and anti-inflammatory properties”, says Dr. Ahuja, Fortis Hospital. To help neutralize stomach acids, you can chew a slice of fresh ginger, or have a spoonful of ginger juice two-three times a day, or steep fresh ginger in a cup of boiling water and drink up.
Beneath its knobbly exterior, ginger hides many health benefits
9. Cold MilkFor those who are not lactose intolerant, milk can help stabilize gastric acids in the stomach. It is rich in calcium, which prevents the buildup of acid in the stomach. “All you need to do is drink a glass of cold milk the next time you suffer from acidity”, suggests Nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat.
Milk is rich in calcium, which prevents the buildup of acid in the stomach/ Photo Credit: Istock
10. Apple Cider VinegarVery often, your acid reflux is in fact the result of too little stomach acid. That's where apple cider vinegar steps in. Simply mix 1-2 teaspoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and drink it once or twice a day. You can also take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and chase it with a glass of water.11. Coconut Water “When you drink coconut water, your body's pH acidic level turns alkaline”, adds Dr. Ahuja, Fortis Hospital. It also helps produce mucous in your stomach, which protects the stomach from harmful effects of excessive acid production. Since it is rich in fibre, it aids digestion and prevents the re-occurrence of acidity.
Coconut water is leaves a soothing effect that can help control acid reflux
12. BananaWhen it comes to health benefiting properties, bananas hold much importance. Bananas contain natural antacids that can act as a buffer against acid reflux. This is the simplest home remedy for getting rid of acidity. Eat one banana every day to prevent discomfort.
So if you ever happen to suffer from acidity, then bring these home remedies to your rescue.