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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

Excessive Spice Consumption and Stomach Health: What You Need to Know

Spices are an essential part of Indian cooking. From turmeric and cumin to red chili powder and garam masala, spices add color, flavor, and aroma to our meals. Many spices even offer health benefits when used in moderation. However, like everything in life, too much of a good thing can turn harmful.

In this blog, we will discuss the impact of excessive spice consumption on stomach health, the symptoms of spice-induced digestive problems, and how to keep your gut happy and healthy.

Why Do We Love Spicy Food?

Spicy food is popular not just for its taste but also for how it makes us feel. Eating spicy food releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which give a slight “high.” It can also make us feel warm, especially during cold or rainy days. Spices like chili contain capsaicin, which is responsible for the heat. While capsaicin offers some health benefits like boosting metabolism and reducing inflammation, too much of it can irritate the stomach lining.

How Excessive Spices Affect Stomach Health

Let’s look at how too much spice can harm your digestive system:

1. Acidity and Heartburn

One of the most common side effects of spicy food is acidity. Excess spices stimulate acid production in the stomach. When this acid moves upward into the food pipe (esophagus), it causes heartburn and discomfort. Over time, it can lead to conditions like acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

2. Gastric Ulcers

Capsaicin may irritate the stomach lining when consumed in large quantities. This can lead to the development of small sores known as gastric ulcers. Symptoms include sharp abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea. In some severe cases, ulcers can bleed and require medical attention.

3. Digestive Disturbances

Overconsumption of spicy food can disturb the normal digestion process. People may experience gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. This happens because spicy food speeds up the movement of food through the gut, leaving less time for proper absorption.

4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Triggers

For those already suffering from IBS, spices can be a major trigger. Even a small amount of chili can lead to cramping, urgency, and bowel discomfort. Doctors often advise IBS patients to limit or avoid spicy foods altogether.

5. Loss of Appetite or Taste

Too much spice can numb your taste buds temporarily, making food less enjoyable. Frequent irritation of the stomach lining may also lead to nausea, vomiting, and a reduced appetite over time.

Signs That You’re Overdoing the Spice

Here are some signs that indicate your stomach is not handling the spice well:

Burning sensation in the chest or throat
Frequent burping or belching
Stomach pain after meals
Loose motions or irregular bowel movements
Sour taste in mouth, especially when lying down
Loss of appetite
Constant bloating or gas

Tips to Protect Your Stomach While Enjoying Spices

If you love spicy food but want to avoid stomach issues, follow these simple tips:

1. Balance Your Meal

Add yogurt, milk, or ghee to balance spicy dishes. Dairy helps neutralize the heat and soothes the stomach lining.

2. Cook With Digestive-Friendly Spices

Not all spices are harmful. Use cumin, fennel, and turmeric for flavor and digestion support. Avoid overusing red chili powder or black pepper.

3. Hydrate Well

Drink enough water throughout the day. It helps flush out excess acid and keeps the digestive system smooth.

4. Eat Mindfully

Don’t rush meals. Chew slowly and eat in a calm environment. Avoid lying down immediately after eating.

5. Know Your Tolerance

Each body reacts differently to spices. Understand your limit and reduce spice levels if you start noticing discomfort.

Best Tests to Monitor Your Stomach Health

If you frequently face digestive problems, it’s best to get tested. Here are some suitable tests from www.secondmedic.com powered by Thyrocare:

Complete Health Check-Up
For an overall view of your body functions including liver and stomach health.
H. Pylori Antibody Test
Checks for bacterial infection that causes ulcers.
Liver Function Test (LFT)
To monitor the impact of diet and spice on liver-related digestive enzymes.
Stool Routine & Microscopy
Helpful in detecting infections or digestive issues.
Vitamin B12 & D Tests
Spicy diets sometimes interfere with nutrient absorption.

Conclusion

Spices bring life to our food, but balance is key. While they offer health perks in small amounts, overindulgence can take a toll on your digestive system. By being mindful of what and how much you eat, you can enjoy flavorful meals without putting your stomach at risk.

If you're experiencing discomfort, it's time to listen to your gut and take a break from the heat. Take charge of your digestive health today and consult a doctor or get tested if needed.

Start your wellness journey by understanding the link between Excessive Spice Consumption and Stomach Health—because your stomach deserves better!

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