• Published on: Sep 11, 2021
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Are The Symptoms Of Acidity & How Can I Reduce Acidity?

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Ever experienced that uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest or throat? It might be acidity, a common digestive issue that affects many. But fear not – understanding its symptoms and knowing how to reduce acidity can bring relief. Join us on a journey to unravel the mysteries of acidity, exploring simple home remedies, medications, and the possibility of seeking guidance through online doctor consultation.

What is Acidity?

Before we dive into the symptoms and solutions, let's grasp the basics. Acidity, also known as acid reflux, occurs when the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort. It's like an unwelcome guest disrupting your digestive party.

Symptoms of Acidity

1. Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, often rising towards the throat, is a classic symptom of acidity. It feels like a fiery pit that just won't settle.

2. Regurgitation: Ever had a sour taste in your mouth, like something from your stomach decided to revisit? That's regurgitation, a telltale sign of acidity.

3. Bloating: Feeling excessively full or bloated after meals? Acidity could be playing a part in disrupting your digestive harmony.

4. Burping: Frequent burping, especially when accompanied by the taste of stomach acid, is another symptom you shouldn't ignore.

5. Nausea: Acidity can sometimes bring along a feeling of queasiness or nausea, making you wish for a pause button on life.

Causes of Acidity

Understanding the triggers of acidity is crucial for effective management. Common causes include:

1. Unhealthy Eating Habits: Overindulging in spicy, oily, or acidic foods can lead to acidity. Your stomach might protest against that extra helping of hot wings.

2. Skipping Meals: Going for long hours without eating can cause an imbalance in stomach acids, paving the way for acidity.

3. Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts pressure on your stomach, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux.

4. Smoking and Alcohol: These indulgences can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, the gateway between your stomach and esophagus, leading to acid reflux.

5. Stress: The infamous stress factor! High-stress levels can wreak havoc on your digestive system, making acidity more likely to strike.

Acidity Treatment at Home

Now, let's explore some easy home remedies to calm the acidity storm:

1. Ginger Tea: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the stomach. Enjoy a warm cup of ginger tea for relief.

2. Bananas: This humble fruit is a natural antacid. Snack on a banana to neutralize excess stomach acid.

3. Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera is not just for skincare. Drinking aloe vera juice can provide relief from acidity due to its cooling properties.

4. Chewing Gum: Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acid. Opt for sugar-free gum for an added health boost.

5. Fennel Seeds: Chewing on fennel seeds post-meals can aid digestion and alleviate acidity symptoms.

Acidity Medicine Options

When home remedies aren't sufficient, medications can come to the rescue:

1. Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids can quickly neutralize stomach acid, providing immediate relief from acidity symptoms.

2. H2 Blockers: These medications reduce the production of stomach acid, offering longer-lasting relief compared to antacids.

3. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs are effective in reducing the production of stomach acid and are often prescribed for more severe cases of acidity.

Seeking Professional Advice through Online Doctor Consultation

Persistent acidity issues might warrant professional guidance. The convenience of online doctor consultation allows you to discuss your symptoms, receive personalized advice, and even order prescribed medication from the comfort of your home.

Lifestyle Changes for Long-Term Relief

Preventing acidity involves making some lifestyle adjustments:

1. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Opt for smaller meals throughout the day to prevent excessive stomach acid production.

2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps dilute stomach acid, reducing the likelihood of reflux.

3. Avoid Trigger Foods: Identify and steer clear of foods that trigger acidity symptoms, such as spicy, fried, and citrusy items.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Shedding excess pounds can alleviate pressure on your stomach, reducing the risk of acid reflux.

Acidity may be a common woe, but armed with knowledge and simple solutions, you can keep it at bay. From understanding symptoms to exploring home remedies, medications, and seeking professional advice through online consultations, managing acidity is within your grasp. Remember, your digestive system deserves a harmonious melody – let's make sure it stays in tune.

Read FAQs


A. Reducing acidity quickly involves simple steps. Drink water, chew gum, or sip on ginger tea. Antacids provide instant relief, and avoiding trigger foods helps prevent acid reflux.

A. Lowering acidity requires lifestyle changes. Eat smaller meals, stay hydrated, and avoid trigger foods like spicy and fatty items. Probiotics and aloe vera juice can also promote a healthier stomach environment.

A. The main reason for acidity is often unhealthy eating habits. Consuming spicy, oily, or acidic foods, skipping meals, obesity, and stress are common triggers. Identifying and addressing these factors can help manage acidity.

Read Blog
Top 5 Blood Tests You Shouldn’t Skip After 40

Top 5 Blood Tests You Shouldn’t Skip After 40

As we grow older, our bodies go through many changes — some are visible, like graying hair or slower metabolism, but others happen quietly inside. After the age of 40, the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders, and kidney problems increases significantly. The good news? Most of these conditions can be detected early with simple blood tests.

Regular health checkups and blood tests can help you stay ahead of potential problems. They can alert you before symptoms even begin, giving you the chance to take control of your health in time.

In this blog, we’ll look at the Top 5 blood tests you shouldn’t skip after 40, why they’re important, and how you can easily get them done — even from the comfort of your home.

 

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

What is it?
The Complete Blood Count is a common blood test that checks the levels of different cells in your blood — red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Why is it important after 40?

  • Detects anemia, which is common in both men and women over 40

  • Helps identify infections and inflammatory conditions

  • Can point toward more serious issues like blood cancer in rare cases
     

What it includes:

  • Hemoglobin

  • Hematocrit

  • White blood cell (WBC) count

  • Platelet count
     

How often to test:
Once a year, or as advised by your doctor.

 

2. Blood Sugar Tests – Fasting & HbA1c

What is it?
These tests measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. The fasting blood sugar test checks your sugar level after 8–10 hours of fasting, while the HbA1c test shows your average sugar level over the past 2-3 months.

Why is it important after 40?

  • Type 2 diabetes is very common in people above 40, especially in India

  • Early detection can prevent complications like nerve damage, eye problems, and kidney disease

  • Many people have prediabetes and don’t even know it
     

What it includes:

  • Fasting Blood Glucose (FBS)

  • Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS)

  • HbA1c
     

How often to test:
Every 6–12 months, or more often if you're overweight, have a family history, or symptoms of diabetes.

 

3. Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test)

What is it?
A lipid profile checks the levels of different types of fats (lipids) in your blood — especially cholesterol and triglycerides.

Why is it important after 40?

  • Helps assess your risk of heart disease, stroke, and artery blockages

  • Detects high LDL ("bad cholesterol"), which builds up in arteries

  • Encourages healthy lifestyle changes before medications are needed
     

What it includes:

  • Total cholesterol

  • LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

  • HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

  • Triglycerides
     

How often to test:
Once a year, or every 6 months if you're overweight, smoke, or have a family history of heart issues.

 

4. Liver Function Test (LFT)

What is it?
This test checks how well your liver is working. The liver is responsible for digesting food, filtering toxins, and regulating many body processes.

Why is it important after 40?

  • Modern lifestyle increases the risk of fatty liver disease, even in non-drinkers

  • Long-term use of medications, alcohol, or unhealthy diets can silently damage the liver

  • Detects hepatitis, jaundice, and other liver issues early
     

What it includes:

  • SGPT (ALT), SGOT (AST)

  • Bilirubin

  • Alkaline Phosphatase

  • Albumin
     

How often to test:
Once a year or as recommended, especially if you drink alcohol, are overweight, or take regular medications.

 

5. Kidney Function Test (KFT)

What is it?
This test checks how well your kidneys are filtering waste and balancing fluids in your body.

Why is it important after 40?

  • Kidneys often get damaged silently due to high blood pressure, diabetes, or painkillers

  • Early detection can prevent serious kidney damage or the need for dialysis

  • Many Indians are at risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) without knowing it
     

What it includes:

  • Blood Urea

  • Serum Creatinine

  • Uric Acid

  • Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium)

  • eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)
     

How often to test:
Yearly, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems.

 

Other Important Tests After 40

While the above 5 are essential, don’t ignore these additional tests:

  • Thyroid Function Test (TSH, T3, T4) – for energy, weight, and mood balance

  • Vitamin D & B12 – deficiencies are common in Indian adults

  • ECG or TMT – if you feel chest pain or breathlessness

  • Prostate Test (PSA) – for men over 45

  • Pap Smear & Mammogram – for women to detect cervical and breast cancer
     

How to Book These Tests Easily in India

Getting a blood test today is simple and stress-free. You don’t even need to visit a lab anymore.

At SecondMedic, you can:

  • Book blood tests online through our website

  • Get home sample collection by trained professionals

  • View your digital reports online within 24–48 hours

  • Consult our doctors based on your results
     

 

Conclusion

Turning 40 is a milestone — and a reminder that your health needs attention. Don’t wait for symptoms. These simple blood tests can alert you to hidden problems and help you take action before it’s too late.

Remember, good health starts with awareness. Be proactive, not reactive.

If you care about your long-term well-being, Top 5 Blood Tests You Shouldn’t Skip After 40 should be part of your annual health routine. Book them today on SecondMedic and stay a step ahead in your health journey.

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