Acidity is a common stomach problem which we all experience in our life somewhere. Acid produced in the stomach helps in breaking down the food, but excess acid yield burning sensation or pain in stomach. This condition is called acidity. It is also known as heartburn or gastric reflux. In our modern life acidity is becoming more common due to consumption of fried acidic foods.

Symptoms of acidity:

Symptoms of acidity include burning sensation in the stomach and chest especially one to four hours after the meal. Loss of appetite, bitter taste in mouth and pain in the upper abdomen are some other accompanying symptoms.

Cause of Acidity:

1. Acid is produced by intestinal glands of the stomach which helps in digestion of food. If for some reason, the amount of acid required for digestion increase, it results in acidity. There are many reasons for the high amount of acid in the stomach.
2. Excess secretion of Hydrochloric acid
3. Skipping breakfast also causes acidity
4. Keeping the stomach empty for a long time
5. Alcohol intake increase acidity
6. Excess intake of coffee or tea.
7. Eating unhealthy food like fried-fast food also results in acidity
8. Aging, pregnancy and obesity also cause acidity
9. Excessive smoking cause acidity

Home remedies for acidity:

1. Eating banana daily is remarkably effective in reducing the acidity. Include fruits like banana, apple and water melon in your daily diet.
2. Avoid fried foods, spicy food and pickles
3. Drink plenty of water each day. Drinking 2-3 glass of water subsidizes the acidity
4. Drinking 3-4 glasses of water in morning empty stomach helps in reducing acidity and improves digestion.
5. Don’t skip breakfast. Include fruits like banana and papaya in the morning breakfast.
6. Vegetables like cauliflower and kidney beans bring up acidity so if you are suffering from acidity, avoid these vegetables.
7. Avoid alcohol, coffee and smoking as it causes acidity.
8. Increase intake of high-carbohydrate food like rice and reduce consumption of wheat.
9. Instead of taking heavy meal, take 2-3 times small meal as it improves digestion.
10. Complete your dinner 2-3 hours before bed.
11. Avoid eating dairy products at night.
12. Mint juice and mint tablets are also useful in controlling acidity
13. Coconut water and butter milk are effective home remedies in digestion and acidity problems.
14. Avoid food containing excess sugar as sugar after fermentation produce acid in the stomach.