We’ve all encountered that fiery discomfort—a burning sensation that begins in your stomach, rises to your chest, and sometimes creeps up into your throat and back. It’s that unsettling mix of heat and sourness that leaves your chest tight, your burps acidic, and your post-meal peace utterly shattered. Acidity doesn’t just make you uncomfortable; it grabs your attention and refuses to let go, leaving you focused only on the uneasy sensations running through your body.
Yes, this is the exact problem our mothers warned us about. Whether it was after indulging in a spicy meal, skipping lunch, or lying down too soon after eating. We’ve all been there, desperately searching for relief in a Digene or the ever-celebrated, ever-reliable best medicine for acidity and gas, Pudin Hara or ENO.
But here’s the thing: acidity relief doesn’t always need medication. Sometimes, the solution lies right in the heart of your home. With the right knowledge and a dash of tradition, you can tackle acidity effectively. In this blog, we bring you a curated list of tried-and-tested home remedies for acidity—natural solutions that offer instant relief from acidity, improve digestion, and restore harmony to your body, ensuring you feel your best after every meal.
Understanding Acidity: The Root of the Burn
Acidity, commonly referred to as acid reflux or its more severe form, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition where stomach acid flows backward into the oesophagus, causing discomfort and irritation. While an occasional bout of acidity might be triggered by overindulgence in spicy meals, heavy foods, or late-night snacking, chronic acidity often points to deeper issues. Lifestyle habits like irregular meal timings, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, smoking, and lack of exercise can play a significant role. Stress, a silent disruptor of digestive health, further exacerbates the problem, while certain medical conditions like obesity, pregnancy, or a hiatal hernia can make the condition more persistent.
Understanding these triggers is essential because it empowers you to make informed changes to manage acidity more effectively. Whether it’s altering dietary habits, reducing stress, or seeking medical advice for underlying issues, recognizing the root cause is the first and most crucial step toward achieving lasting acidity relief.
Simple & Proven Home Remedies For Acidity: Instant Relief from Acidity
1. Baking Soda for instant acidity relief
Baking soda, a natural alkaline substance, can work wonders in neutralizing stomach acid. To relieve acidity, mix half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Drink this solution once you feel the burn creeping up your chest. The soda’s alkaline properties balance out the acid in your stomach, offering quick acidity relief. But, remember, this remedy should be used sparingly, as frequent use might disrupt your body’s natural acid-base balance.
2. Ginger for acidity
Ginger is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory agent that soothes the stomach and reduces irritation caused by acidity. You can chew a small piece of fresh ginger for instant relief, or for a more soothing approach, drink ginger tea. To make ginger tea, simply peel and slice a small piece of fresh ginger, add it to hot water, and let it steep for about 5 minutes. Drink this tea before or after meals to prevent acidity from flaring up. The ginger works to calm down the inflammation in the esophagus, providing instant relief from acidity.
3. Bananas for instant relief from acidity
Bananas are not just tasty fruits—they are a natural remedy for acid reflux. When you eat a ripe banana, it forms a protective coating over your stomach lining, which reduces the discomfort of acidity. Bananas also have natural antacid properties, which help balance the pH levels in your stomach. Simply peel and enjoy a ripe banana daily to prevent the burning sensation of acidity.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar for acidity relief
While apple cider vinegar might seem like an odd choice for acidity relief, it works wonders when diluted properly. Mix one to two tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it before meals. The vinegar boosts your stomach’s acid levels, which helps with digestion and reduces the likelihood of acid reflux. Be sure to dilute it well to avoid aggravating your condition.
5. Aloe Vera Juice for relief from acidity
Aloe vera isn’t just good for your skin—it’s also great for calming your stomach. Drinking pure aloe vera juice can soothe irritation in the stomach lining and help balance out acidity. Just drink a small amount of aloe vera juice (around 1/4 cup) after meals, and let it work its magic in easing discomfort. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great remedy for both short-term acidity relief and long-term digestive health.
6. Chamomile Tea for instant relief from acidity
Chamomile is widely known for its relaxing properties, but it’s also effective in easing acidity. Drinking chamomile tea can help calm down the stomach and reduce the production of stomach acid. To make chamomile tea, steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water for 5 minutes, then sip slowly. Drinking this tea after meals can not only help reduce acidity but also relax your body, promoting better digestion.
7. Buttermilk for quick acidity relief
Buttermilk is a staple in Indian households and serves as a natural remedy for acidity. After a heavy or spicy meal, drinking a glass of buttermilk can neutralize stomach acid and restore balance in your digestive system. It also helps reduce bloating and gas. If you want to enhance its soothing effects, add a pinch of cumin powder or black salt.
8. Jaggery for relief from acidity
Jaggery, a traditional sweetener in India, is often used to aid digestion. Eating jaggery stimulates the production of digestive enzymes in your stomach, which helps in neutralizing excess acid. It’s also a natural remedy to prevent heartburn and acid reflux. A small piece of jaggery after meals can keep your digestive system functioning smoothly and help reduce acidity symptoms.
9. Cloves for acidity
Cloves have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat digestive issues. Chewing cloves helps relieve heartburn symptoms by boosting the digestive process and controlling acid production. If you have frequent acidity, add cloves to your meals or chew one or two cloves after eating. It can aid digestion and prevent the discomfort of acidity from taking hold.
10. Ajwain (Carom Seeds) for quick acidity relief
Ajwain is a powerhouse herb when it comes to digestion and acidity relief. Take a teaspoon of ajwain with a pinch of salt or add it to warm water to soothe your stomach. Ajwain has carminative properties that can reduce gas, bloating, and acidity. It’s an excellent remedy for those suffering from frequent acid reflux or indigestion.
While the remedies mentioned above provide effective solutions for instant relief from acidity and long-term improvements in digestion, it’s important to note that if your acidity persists or becomes a chronic issue, seeking professional medical advice is crucial. Medicas offers you the convenience of an instant consultation with some of the country’s top doctors for just Rs 200, available anytime, day or night. Whether your acidity strikes at 12 AM or 12 PM, you can consult a doctor from the comfort of your home with Medicas.
Home Remedies for Acidity During Pregnancy
Acidity is a common concern during pregnancy, as hormonal changes and the growing uterus can put pressure on the stomach, pushing acid into the oesophagus. Thankfully, several gentle and safe remedies can provide instant relief from acidity without posing risks to the mother or baby.
- Drink Cold Milk: Sipping a small glass of cold milk can neutralize stomach acid and soothe the burning sensation. For added relief, consider mixing in a teaspoon of honey.
- Fennel Seeds (Saunf): Chewing a few fennel seeds after meals can promote digestion and reduce acidity. Fennel also helps alleviate bloating and gas.
- Coconut Water: Rich in natural enzymes, coconut water can cool the stomach and balance its pH, offering quick relief from acid reflux.
- Oatmeal or Plain Crackers: Snacking on high-fibre, low-acid foods like oatmeal or plain crackers can absorb excess acid and prevent discomfort.
Pregnant women need to avoid spicy and fried foods, eat smaller meals, and remain upright after eating to minimize the risk of acid reflux. If symptoms persist, consult a gynaecologist for safe treatment options.
Home Remedies for Acidity in Kids
Children can also experience acidity due to overeating, consumption of processed or spicy foods, or irregular meal timings. While managing a child’s diet and routine is key, some gentle remedies can offer instant relief from acidity without compromising their health.
- Jaggery (Gud): Dissolving a small piece of jaggery in water and letting your child sip it can help regulate stomach acid and improve digestion.
- Ajwain (Carom Seeds): Mix half a teaspoon of Ajwain with a pinch of salt and give it to your child with warm water. This can ease indigestion and neutralize acidity.
- Bananas: A ripe banana acts as a natural antacid, coating the stomach lining and soothing irritation. It’s an excellent snack for kids prone to acidity.
- Ginger-Infused Water: Boil a small piece of ginger in water, cool it down, and offer a few sips to your child. Ginger helps reduce inflammation and calms the stomach.
Encourage your child to avoid junk food and carbonated drinks, eat meals on time, and stay active to support healthy digestion. If symptoms persist, consult a paediatrician for a thorough evaluation.
Where It All Began: The Origins of Time-Tested Acidity Remedies
The roots of these remedies can be traced back to Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old medical system developed in India. Ayurveda is built upon the principle of balancing the body’s three primary energies or doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Acidity is primarily associated with an imbalance in Pitta, which governs heat, digestion, and metabolism in the body. Ayurvedic practitioners have long believed in the power of food and herbs to balance these energies, using ingredients that are cooling, soothing, and digestive-stimulating to bring relief to common ailments like acidity.
Many of these remedies have been passed down from generation to generation, originating in the kitchens and homes of traditional healers. The beauty of these remedies lies in their simplicity and accessibility—often made from ingredients found in every household, like ginger, bananas, and buttermilk. These remedies have become a part of the cultural fabric in many countries including India, where they are still widely used for instant relief from acidity.
In essence, the remedies for acidity we use today are not just based on trial and error; they are backed by centuries of wisdom from ancient healing practices. They offer a natural, holistic way to alleviate discomfort, rooted in the belief that food can be medicine and that health begins with balance.
Lifestyle Tweaks for Lasting Acidity Relief
1. Eat Smaller, Balanced Meals
Instead of overloading your digestive system with large meals, opt for smaller, balanced portions spread throughout the day. This approach reduces the risk of stomach acid flowing back into the oesophagus, helping to prevent acid reflux and improving overall digestion.
2. Identify and Avoid Trigger Foods
Certain foods like spicy dishes, caffeinated drinks, chocolate, fried snacks, and acidic fruits (such as oranges and lemons) can exacerbate acidity. Keep a food diary to identify your personal triggers and limit their intake to avoid flare-ups of acid reflux.
3. Practice Proper Meal Timing
Avoid eating heavy meals close to bedtime. Aim to have your last meal at least two to three hours before lying down. This gives your stomach enough time to digest food properly and reduces the chances of experiencing acidity at night.
4. Stay Upright After Meals
Lying down or slouching immediately after eating can aggravate acidity by allowing stomach acid to move upwards. Sit upright or take a gentle walk for at least 30 minutes post-meal to aid digestion and minimize acid reflux.
5. Hydrate Strategically
While staying hydrated is crucial for digestion, drinking too much water during meals can dilute stomach acid, leading to digestive inefficiency. Sip water throughout the day and limit consumption during meals to maintain optimal stomach acid levels.
6. Wear Loose Clothing
Tight clothing, especially around the waist, can put pressure on your abdomen and worsen acidity symptoms. Choose comfortable, loose-fitting attire to support proper digestion and reduce the risk of acid reflux.
7. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess body weight can increase abdominal pressure, pushing stomach acids into the oesophagus and causing chronic acidity. Incorporate regular physical activity and a balanced diet to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux.
8. Manage Stress Effectively
Stress can disrupt digestion and trigger acidity. Practice stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even a hobby that calms your mind. A stress-free lifestyle can significantly reduce acidity over time.
9. Sleep Smart
Elevate the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into your oesophagus while you sleep. Side sleeping, particularly on your left side, can also help reduce nighttime acid reflux.
10. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the lower oesophageal sphincter, making it easier for stomach acid to rise. Reducing or eliminating these habits can dramatically lower your risk of acid reflux and improve your overall digestive health.
11. Chew Your Food Thoroughly
Eating too quickly or not chewing food properly can overburden your digestive system, leading to acidity. Take your time while eating, chew each bite thoroughly, and enjoy your meals mindfully to aid digestion.
By incorporating these lifestyle tweaks, alongside tried-and-tested home remedies for acidity, you can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of acid reflux episodes. However, if symptoms persist, consult a healthcare provider for tailored advice. Medicas connects you with some of the country’s best doctors, offering instant consultations anytime, anywhere, ensuring you get the care you need when you need it most.
Embracing the Natural Path to Wellness
In the quest for acidity relief, the simplest solutions often lie within reach. From the humble basil leaf to the soothing touch of aloe vera juice, these home remedies for acidity offer not just relief but also a chance to reconnect with time-honoured practices of self-care.
The next time a bout of acid reflux strikes, resist the urge to reach for over-the-counter medications. Instead, turn to these natural remedies for a holistic approach to health and well-being. After all, a happy stomach leads to a happier you!
That said, while natural remedies and lifestyle changes work wonders, there are times when medical intervention is necessary, especially if you are dealing with a more chronic condition or are pregnant. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional is essential. They may recommend the best medicine for acidity and gas, tailored to your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions :
- How can I treat acidity fast at home?
To treat acidity quickly, drink a glass of cold milk, or mix half a teaspoon of baking soda in water, or eat a ripe banana to neutralise stomach acid. Chewing ajwain with a pinch of salt or sipping ginger tea can also provide fast relief. - What can I drink to relieve acidity?
Drinks like coconut water, buttermilk, chamomile tea, and aloe vera juice relieve acidity. These help neutralize stomach acid, soothe irritation, and promote digestion. - How do I reduce acidity in 5 minutes?
You can reduce acidity in minutes by drinking water with baking soda, chewing a piece of jaggery, or sipping cold milk. These remedies quickly neutralize acid and provide relief. - What are the home remedies for acidity for pregnant women?
Pregnant women can try cold milk, bananas, or fennel seed tea to reduce acidity safely. Eating smaller, frequent meals and avoiding spicy or fried foods can also help manage symptoms. - What home remedies for acidity are safe for kids?
For kids, cold milk, bananas, and coconut water are safe options. You can also offer chamomile tea in small amounts or ensure they eat smaller meals to avoid triggering acidity. - What other conditions or symptoms are associated with acidity?
Acidity may cause heartburn, bloating, sour burps, nausea, and a burning sensation in the chest or throat. Chronic acidity could also lead to symptoms like a persistent dry cough, difficulty swallowing, or a sore throat. - How do I know I have chronic acidity?
Chronic acidity presents as frequent heartburn, a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, or discomfort lasting for weeks. Consult a doctor if these symptoms persist. - Can hot water reduce acidity?
Drinking warm water may help dilute stomach acid and soothe discomfort, but it’s not a guaranteed instant remedy. - Can Eno cure acidity?
Eno provides quick relief by neutralizing excess stomach acid, but it’s a temporary solution. - What other conditions or symptoms are associated with acidity?
Acidity may cause heartburn, bloating, sour burps, nausea, and a burning sensation in the chest or throat. Chronic acidity could also lead to symptoms like a persistent dry cough, difficulty swallowing, or a sore throat. - Which juice kills acidity?
Fresh juices like watermelon, cucumber, and coconut water are excellent for neutralizing acid and soothing the stomach. - Is curd good for acidity and gas?
Yes, curd is excellent for acidity as it contains probiotics that improve digestion and balance stomach acid. - What kills acidity in food?
Adding jaggery, ajwain, or fennel seeds to your meals can help reduce acidity caused by certain foods. - Is jaggery good for acidity?
Jaggery stimulates digestive enzymes and helps balance acid levels, making it an effective remedy. - Does walking reduce acidity?
Yes, walking after meals aids digestion and prevents acid reflux, reducing acidity over time.
Disclaimer
Medical Advice: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance regarding your specific medical condition.
Accuracy of Information: While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the field of medicine and viral fevers is constantly evolving. The content in this blog post may not reflect the most current research or medical guidelines. Therefore, it is advisable to cross-check any information provided with reliable sources or consult a healthcare professional.
Individual Variations: The symptoms, causes, treatment options, and preventive measures discussed in this blog post are general in nature and may not apply to everyone. It is important to remember that each individual’s situation is unique, and personalized medical advice should be sought when making healthcare decisions.
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Results May Vary: The effectiveness of treatment options or preventive measures mentioned in this blog post may vary from person to person. What works for one individual may not work the same way for another. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs.
