Thursday, Dec 20 2007

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Home Remedies for Acidity and Heart Burn

By Mumtaz Khalid Ismail

More Links Foods that relive pain Foods to avoid Precaution Home remedies

Acidity and heart burn are two common condition seen in people of present era. I am receiving a lot of questions regarding these symptoms from my readers. Excessive acid in the stomach causes irritation of the gastrointestinal covering and this manifest as epigastric burning pain. When excess acid leaks back up into the gullet this inflames and irritates the lining of the oesophagus and the feeling of heartburn is produced.

Eating rich, spicy foods or having eaten too quickly when feeling stressed or rushed usually causes heart burn and acidity. It is always advisable to chew the food properly and drink plenty of water for proper digestion and absorption. Pregnant women often suffer from heartburn because the uterus presses on the digestive tract as the baby grows.
Obese people are also susceptible because of pressure on their digestive tract. Lack of sleep and smoking also aggravate these conditions. The abdominal pain due to duodenal ulcer aggravate on empty stomach and may refer as hunger pain. In case of severe gastric ulcer, pain may get aggravated on intake of food and relieved after vomiting.

Consumption of milk and milk product are good to relive these symptoms. Like wise taking cereals like wheat or its products also give symptomatic relief. Bananas have protective action against these conditions and is highly recommended in the diet. The alkaline ash present in banana correct the acidosis caused by acid forming diets. Maintaining an upright posture for some time after food will help in preventing reflex in to oesophagus. Like wise sleeping with shoulder elevated will also reduce symptoms due to regurgitation of acidic content to oesophagus.

Some foods are not easily digested and can prompt bouts of indigestion among susceptible people and this results in acidity and heart burn. Avoid pickles, vinegar, fried foods, hot spicy foods, chocolate, pastries, and raw salad vegetables like onion, radish, cabbage, and peppers. Cut down on alcohol since it increases stomach acidity, strong coffee and tea can cause irritation and fizzy drinks can produce wind. Unripe fruits are high in pectin, which is hard to digest so it has to be avoided.

1. Do not eat just before going to bed.
2. Avoid irregular and hurried meals.
3. Stop smoking and cut down on alcohol.
4. Follow yoga or some exercise to reduce stress.
5. Drink plenty of water.

With all these precautions still you suffer from indigestion, acidity and heart burn you should consult your doctor.

1. Fresh mint juice taken every day or fresh chopped mint leaves boiled in a cup of water and sip slowly after meals.
2. A glass of plain milk gives good relief during the pain.
3. Drink tender coconut water 3- 4 times a day.
4. Eating water melon, banana and cucumber reduces the acidity.
5. Take a tiny piece of jaggery every hour. Just keep it in the mouth and slowly suck it till acidity subsides.
6. Cumin seeds boiled in a glass of water can be taken.
7. 1- 2 teaspoon juice of chebulic myroblan is taken daily is highly beneficial in the treatment of acidity and heart burn. For better results the juice can be mixed with equal amount of amla juice.

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