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

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

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

Liver Enzymes Test Explained – What SGPT/SGOT Mean

The liver is one of the most important organs in your body. It performs hundreds of functions, including filtering toxins, producing bile, and supporting digestion and metabolism. When your liver is under stress or not functioning properly, certain enzymes in your blood can increase. Two of the most common enzymes tested are SGPT (ALT) and SGOT (AST). In this blog, we will break down what these enzymes mean, why your doctor might suggest this test, and what the results indicate.

What is a Liver Enzymes Test?

A liver enzymes test is a type of blood test used to evaluate the health of your liver. It measures specific proteins (called enzymes) that the liver releases into your blood. When liver cells are damaged, these enzymes leak into your bloodstream. The most commonly tested liver enzymes are:

SGPT (ALT) – Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase
SGOT (AST) – Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase

Why Do Doctors Recommend a Liver Enzymes Test?

Your doctor may ask for a liver enzymes test if you show symptoms of liver problems or are at risk due to lifestyle or existing health conditions. Some common reasons include:

Fatigue or weakness
Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
Abdominal pain or swelling
Dark urine or pale stools
Alcohol consumption
Hepatitis (A, B, or C)
Obesity or fatty liver
Long-term medication usage
Diabetes or high cholesterol

What is SGPT (ALT)?

SGPT, also known as ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase), is an enzyme mainly found in the liver. It plays a role in converting proteins into energy for liver cells. When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, SGPT leaks into the bloodstream.

Normal SGPT Levels:

For men: 7 to 56 units per liter of blood
For women: 7 to 45 units per liter

What Does High SGPT Mean?

High SGPT levels may indicate:

Liver inflammation (Hepatitis)
Fatty liver disease
Alcohol-related liver damage
Liver infection or injury
Side effects of medications
Obesity-related liver stress

Sometimes, even intense physical activity or certain supplements can temporarily raise SGPT levels.

What is SGOT (AST)?

SGOT, also known as AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), is an enzyme found not just in the liver, but also in the heart, kidneys, muscles, and brain. So, while it can point to liver damage, it may also indicate problems in other organs.

Normal SGOT Levels:

For men: 8 to 48 units per liter of blood
For women: 8 to 43 units per liter

What Does High SGOT Mean?

High SGOT levels may be due to:

Liver damage or cirrhosis
Heart disease or recent heart attack
Muscle injuries
Pancreatitis
Alcohol abuse
Use of certain drugs or supplements

If both SGPT and SGOT are elevated, it’s more likely to be a liver-related issue.

SGPT vs SGOT – What's the Difference?

Feature	SGPT (ALT)	SGOT (AST)
Location	Mainly in the liver	Liver, heart, kidneys, muscles, brain
Specificity	More liver-specific	Less liver-specific
Indicates	Liver damage	Liver, heart, or muscle damage
Normal Range	7–56 U/L	8–48 U/L

Conclusion: If only SGPT is high, it's more likely to be liver-specific. If both are high, the doctor may run further tests.

Other Liver Tests Often Done Together

To get a full picture of liver health, doctors may also recommend:

ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) – Linked to bile ducts
GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) – Linked to alcohol use or bile problems
Bilirubin – Indicates liver’s ability to process waste
Albumin and Total Protein – Reflects liver's protein production
PT/INR – Measures blood clotting, another liver function

What to Do if SGPT/SGOT Are High?

If your test results show high liver enzymes, don’t panic. A one-time elevation doesn’t always mean serious disease. Here's what you should do:

1. Follow-Up Testing

Your doctor may repeat the test after a few weeks or recommend imaging (ultrasound/CT scan) to check for liver fat, fibrosis, or tumors.

2. Lifestyle Changes

Avoid alcohol completely
Maintain a healthy diet (low-fat, high-fiber)
Exercise regularly
Control blood sugar and cholesterol
Stay hydrated

3. Review Medications

Some over-the-counter drugs like paracetamol, or supplements like bodybuilding products, can raise liver enzymes.

4. Monitor Regularly

If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, high cholesterol, or obesity, make liver function tests part of your routine health checks.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
Severe abdominal pain
Swelling in legs or abdomen
Confusion or mood changes
Dark-colored urine or light-colored stools

These signs may indicate serious liver issues and need immediate attention.

Final Thoughts

The liver is a silent warrior – it works 24/7 and rarely complains until it's seriously damaged. That’s why regular check-ups, especially liver enzyme tests, are essential for early detection and prevention.

Understanding your SGPT and SGOT levels can give you valuable insights into your liver’s health. Whether you’re dealing with symptoms, managing a chronic condition, or just doing a preventive health check, this simple blood test can help you stay one step ahead.

Call to Action

Worried about your liver health? Book a full liver function test online today and get your results from the comfort of your home. Know your SGPT and SGOT levels now – because your health can’t wait.

Liver Enzymes Test Explained – What SGPT/SGOT Mean – Book Now on SecondMedic.com!