Acidity

The following factors may increase the likelihood of developing acidity:

• Medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, celiac disease, and connective tissue disorders such as scleroderma
• Presence of a hiatal hernia
• Delayed stomach emptying
• Being overweight or obese
• Pregnancy
• Women approaching menopause or undergoing hormone replacement therapy

Avoid wearing tight waist belts for extended periods, as they may trigger heartburn.

Tight belts can alter pelvic alignment, increasing abdominal pressure and narrowing the waist, which may contribute to acid reflux.

If you experience symptoms of acidity, such as a burning sensation or discomfort (commonly known as heartburn), regurgitation, bloating, or sour-tasting burping, it is advisable to consult a doctor. The doctor may conduct a physical examination and ask questions about your daily habits to identify the underlying cause.

For mild symptoms, your doctor may not suggest any tests. However, if there is no improvement after treatment or if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty swallowing or internal bleeding, further diagnostic tests may be recommended.

These tests may include:

1. Upper GI Endoscopy: This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope down the throat to inspect the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
2. pH Monitoring: This test measures stomach acid levels, evaluating how much acid flows into the esophagus and how long it remains in the stomach.
3. Barium Swallow Test (Esophagram): In this test, you drink a barium solution, and an X-ray of your chest and upper abdomen is taken to detect structural abnormalities in the esophagus or stomach.
4. Esophageal Manometry: This test examines the functionality of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and esophageal muscles, determining whether food can move through the esophagus properly.
5. Electrocardiogram (ECG): If severe chest pain or discomfort is reported, an ECG may be performed to assess heart health. Additionally, other tests, such as biopsies, may be recommended depending on the specific symptoms and condition.

Implementing simple tips and lifestyle changes can effectively prevent and manage acidity. These include:

Consume Smaller, Frequent Meals

• Eating smaller portions more frequently can help reduce the risk of acid reflux. Overeating places excessive pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus.

Follow a Low-Carb Diet

• Research suggests that a low-carbohydrate diet can alleviate heartburn symptoms, particularly in individuals with obesity. Excessive carbohydrate intake may cause bloating and gas, which can contribute to heartburn.

Chew Food Thoroughly

• Eating slowly and chewing food properly allows digestive juices ample time to break down food, aiding digestion and reducing the risk of indigestion, acidity, and heartburn.

Avoid Late-Night Eating

• Eating late at night or close to bedtime can disrupt digestion and increase the likelihood of heartburn. Refrain from snacking heavily in the evening or having meals right before sleep.

Limit Spicy and Fried Foods

• Spicy foods can stimulate excessive gastric acid production, while deep-fried foods are slow to digest, triggering additional acid production. Both should be consumed in moderation.

Cut Down on Caffeine and Carbonated Drinks

• Caffeine-rich beverages like coffee and tea are acidic and can lead to increased gastric acid production. Similarly, carbonated drinks can cause acidity as the bubbles expand in the stomach, putting pressure on the LES.

Reduce Alcohol Consumption

• Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, impair LES function, and worsen acid reflux. Limiting alcohol intake can help manage heartburn symptoms.

Quit Smoking

• Nicotine relaxes the LES, increasing the risk of acidity. Quitting smoking not only helps prevent heartburn but also offers numerous health benefits.

Avoid Strenuous Activity After Meals

• Engaging in intense physical activities or bending over immediately after eating can interfere with digestion and lead to acid buildup in the esophagus. Allow time for digestion before exercising.

Avoid Sleeping Right After Meals

• Maintain a gap of at least three hours between your last meal and bedtime. Lying down immediately after eating increases pressure on the LES, heightening the risk of acid reflux.

Elevate the Head of Your Bed

• Raising the head of the bed by 15–20 cm can alleviate acidity symptoms and improve sleep quality. A foam wedge is more effective than stacking pillows, as it provides uniform support.

Focus on Weight Loss

• If overweight, prioritize losing weight, as abdominal fat can pressure the stomach and LES, pushing stomach acid upward and causing reflux.

Review Medications

• Some medications may lead to acid buildup or esophageal irritation, worsening heartburn. Consult your doctor to understand potential side effects.

Sleep on Your Left Side

• Sleeping on the left side can help prevent heartburn by minimizing the risk of acid leakage through the LES. Sleeping on the right side may exacerbate symptoms, as noted in a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

Taking proactive measures to heal your gut can significantly enhance your overall well-being.

Specialist to Consult

Acidity symptoms can often be managed effectively with over-the-counter medications and lifestyle modifications. However, if you experience severe chest pain, unusual or worsening heartburn, or persistent symptoms occurring more than twice a week, it is crucial to consult a doctor. Seeking medical advice promptly will help determine the underlying cause and ensure appropriate treatment.

Specialists who can assist in managing acidity include:

• General Physician
• Gastroenterologist

Medications used to manage acidity primarily work by reducing stomach acid production or neutralizing it. These drugs are broadly categorized based on their mechanism of action:

Antacids

• Antacids, also known as acid neutralizers, help alleviate acidity by neutralizing stomach acid. They are available in tablet or syrup forms.

Common examples include:

• Aluminum hydroxide
• Magnesium hydroxide
• Magnesium trisilicate
• Magnesium carbonate
• Calcium carbonate

The side effects of antacids vary depending on the active ingredient. For instance, aluminum hydroxide can cause constipation, while magnesium hydroxide may lead to diarrhea. Prolonged use can result in issues like belching, swelling of the hands or feet, constipation, or diarrhea.

H2-Receptor Blockers

• These medications reduce acidity by blocking specific receptors in stomach cells responsible for acid production. They are also effective in treating damage caused by conditions such as peptic ulcers, gastritis, or stomach inflammation.

Possible side effects include abdominal pain and diarrhea. These drugs are contraindicated for pregnant women as they may lead to fetal defects or miscarriage.

Common examples:

• Famotidine
• Ranitidine
• Nizatidine

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

• PPIs reduce stomach acid production and are used to relieve symptoms of acidity. They are available both as prescription and over-the-counter medications and are typically prescribed for individuals with persistent gastric issues or those unresponsive to lifestyle modifications.

Although side effects are rare, they may include headache, diarrhea, and upset stomach. The long-term effects of high-dose or extended use are not fully understood; therefore, consult a doctor for prolonged use.

Examples:

• Omeprazole
• Pantoprazole
• Rabeprazole
• Esomeprazole
• Lansoprazole

Coating Drugs

• Also known as ulcer-protective medications, these drugs form a protective layer over the lining of the stomach and esophagus. They are often used for short-term relief and are considered safe.

These medications are mainly prescribed for conditions like stomach ulcers and peptic ulcer disease.

Examples:

• Sucralfate
• Carbenoxolone
• Colloidal bismuth (CBS)

Prokinetic Drugs

• Prokinetic medications, typically prescribed, enhance esophageal contractions and promote faster stomach emptying. These are often used in combination with acid-reducing drugs like PPIs or H2-receptor blockers, particularly for GERD patients.

Common side effects include diarrhea, drowsiness, and agitation.

Examples:

• Domperidone
• Metoclopramide
• Mosapride
• Levosulpiride

Occasional episodes of acid reflux or acidity typically do not result in severe or long-term health concerns. However, frequent and untreated occurrences can give rise to various stomach-related issues, such as:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):

• This condition affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular ring between the esophagus (food pipe) and the stomach. Heartburn or acidity is one of the primary symptoms of GERD.

Erosive Esophagitis:

• This condition involves inflammation of the esophagus, which can lead to the development of ulcers and, in some cases, bleeding.

Ulcers:

• If left unaddressed, acidity can result in stomach ulcers, increasing the likelihood of developing peptic ulcer disease.

Barrett’s Esophagus:

• In this condition, the normal esophageal lining is replaced by tissue resembling the intestinal lining. This transformation may, in certain cases, heighten the risk of esophageal cancer.

Esophageal Stricture:

• This condition causes a narrowing of the esophagus, leading to difficulty in swallowing.

Home Remedies for Acidity

Here are some simple remedies to manage and alleviate acidity effectively:

Holy Basil (Tulsi) Leaves

• Tulsi leaves possess antiulcer properties that reduce stomach acid levels and stimulate mucus production, which neutralizes excess gastric acid. Chew 4-5 leaves and swallow their juice to ease the burning sensation in your chest and stomach.

Cinnamon (Dalchini)

• Cinnamon contains phytochemicals that aid digestion and relieve acidity. Mix a pinch of cinnamon powder with a teaspoon of honey or water and consume it after meals to combat acidity.

Cumin Seeds (Jeera)

• Jeera seeds act as natural carminatives and digestive aids, helping to alleviate acidity caused by indigestion and flatulence. They also ease symptoms such as stomach pain and discomfort. Boil 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of water until the color darkens slightly. Strain, cool, and sip this tea throughout the day if you frequently experience acidity.

Cold Milk (Doodh)

• Milk, rich in calcium, prevents acid buildup and provides immediate relief. It also absorbs excess stomach acid, protecting the intestinal lining. Drink cold milk plain, without adding sugar, honey, or turmeric, to soothe acidity.

Buttermilk (Chaach)

• Buttermilk neutralizes excess stomach acid and contains lactic acid, which improves digestion, reducing acid reflux and gas. Consume a glass of buttermilk daily after meals if you often suffer from acidity. Adding a pinch of black pepper and coriander enhances its effectiveness.

Carom Seeds (Ajwain)

• Ajwain contains thymol, a compound that promotes the secretion of gastric juices, easing indigestion and gas. Boil a teaspoon of ajwain seeds or 3-4 fresh ajwain leaves in 2-3 glasses of water. Strain and drink the water regularly after meals for quick relief.

Yoga for Acidity

Practicing these simple yoga poses can help alleviate acidity:

• Pawanmuktasana
• Vajrasana
• Virabhadrasana
• Shashankasana
• Trikonasana

Your diet plays a vital role in managing and alleviating acidity. To keep acid reflux in check and prevent symptoms, follow these guidelines:

Dos:

• Include fiber-rich foods in your meals to support digestion.
• Opt for small, frequent meals throughout the day to prevent excessive acid production.
• Stay hydrated by drinking 7-8 glasses (approximately 2-3 liters) of water daily, as water is a natural remedy for acidity.
• Add foods like oatmeal, ginger, salads, bananas, melons, and fennel seeds to your daily diet.
• Use herbs like cardamom and mint for quick relief from acidity and discomfort.

Don’ts:

• Limit the intake of oily and spicy foods.
• Reduce consumption of caffeinated beverages, such as tea and coffee.
• Avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks.
• Refrain from overeating, as it overburdens digestion and triggers excess acid secretion.

Occasional episodes of acidity can often be managed with simple dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes. However, for chronic acidity, along with these measures, medications may be necessary to control symptoms and prevent potential complications.

If you rely on over-the-counter medications, consult your doctor to evaluate the severity of your condition and determine the most suitable treatment to prevent acidity from worsening.

Here are some lifestyle modifications that can help manage and prevent acidity:

• Steer clear of foods that exacerbate hyperacidity, such as coffee, chocolate, carbonated drinks, deep-fried items, high-fat dairy products, meats, citrus fruits, and alcohol.
• Avoid eating meals right before bedtime or lying down with a full stomach.
• Opt for smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions.
• Increase your water intake and aim to lose excess weight if you are overweight or obese.
• Keep a journal to identify triggers and work toward avoiding them to reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Use home remedies or over-the-counter antacids for relief when symptoms arise.

It is important to note that persistent acidity may signal an underlying condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If symptoms persist despite medications and home remedies, consult a healthcare professional.

Heartburn vs. Acid Reflux vs. GERD

Though often used interchangeably, these terms have distinct meanings:

• Acid reflux (acidity) refers to a digestive condition characterized by excessive stomach acid production.

• Heartburn is a symptom of acidity or acid reflux, resulting from stomach acid leaking into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. This discomfort may last from a few minutes to several hours.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic form of acidity in which stomach acid leads to inflammation of the esophagus or intestinal lining. This condition often requires medications to neutralize or inhibit stomach acid production.

Heartburn during Pregnancy

Heartburn is among the most frequent gastrointestinal issues experienced by pregnant women, affecting between 17% and 45% of cases. The causes of heartburn in pregnancy are varied and multifaceted.

One primary factor is the increased levels of the hormone progesterone and its metabolites, which lead to the relaxation of smooth muscles and a reduction in the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Additionally, during pregnancy, gastric acid and food are more likely to flow from the stomach into the esophagus, causing irritation and a burning sensation in the esophagus. As the pregnancy advances, the enlarging uterus applies pressure on the stomach, which can further aggravate heartburn symptoms.

In most cases, heartburn can be managed by adopting certain lifestyle changes. These include eating smaller meals, avoiding late-night meals, steering clear of known triggers, and refraining from smoking or consuming alcohol during pregnancy. If symptoms persist, a doctor may suggest pregnancy-safe medications to provide relief.