Home Remedies and Herbs for Acidity

Acidity or acid reflux is a common condition that many people experience from time to time. It is also linked to a more serious condition called GERD. It is when the stomach acid and/or contents of the stomach reflux back through the body and into the esophagus. This can create discomfort in the esophagus which makes acid reflux worse. ¹

What Causes Acidity/Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is caused mainly by an abnormality called a hiatal hernia. If the patient has this hernia, it can allow acid out of the stomach and into the esophagus. Other causes of acidity/acid reflux include:

• Being overweight/obese
• Eating too close to bedtime
• Certain beverages like coffee or tea
• Some foods such as ones that are too spicy, chocolate and fatty foods
• Eating large meals
• Certain medications like aspirin, or blood pressure medications²

What are some symptoms of Acidity/Acid Reflux?

There are a wide variety of symptoms associated with acidity/acid reflux. They do vary from patient to patient so it is important to note that one person may not experience the same symptoms as another. Some common symptoms of acidity/acid reflux include:

• Chest pain
• Pain after eating a meal
• A bitter taste in the mouth
• Gas
• Bloating
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Nausea
• Trouble swallowing

These are by no means all the symptoms that a patient may experience but they are the most common. ³

Acidity/Acid Reflux Diagnosis

Diagnosing acidity/acid reflux is not always easy. The physician will usually begin with some simple questions such as how often the patient experiences the symptoms they present with. From that point, the doctor may order a variety of tests if they deem in necessary. These tests can include:

• Upper endoscopy-A procedure where a scope is inserted down the patient’s throat and the esophagus/stomach are viewed for damage related to acidity/acid reflux
• Barium Swallow Radiograph-This is where the patient is given a solution of barium and the esophagus is examined via an x-ray to validate the existence of any possible internal damage
• Blood and stool tests⁴

Natural Medicinal Options for Acidity/Acid Reflux

While there are many conventional ways to treat acidity/acid reflux there are also a number of natural options that may help the patient foster a sense of relief from their symptoms. The focus should be to cool down the throat and body while also trying to lessen the amount of acid in the body. Some remedies include:

• Apples-Eating the flesh only of the apple may help to foster a sense of balance in the Ph of the body to negate some symptoms
• Baking Soda-Taken orally with some water, this can help to relieve the symptoms of heartburn which is directly linked to acidity/acid reflux
• Apple Cider Vinegar-Mixing one teaspoon of this in water and drinking it can help to curb some of the symptoms of acidity/acid reflux. It may help keep the amount of acid being produced in the body to a minimum
• Cardamom-This herb can be used after a meal to potentially stop acidity/acid reflux before it starts. Simply chew a little bit of this herb for this desired effect

Conclusion

Acidity/acid reflux is a common medical problem. That does not mean the patient cannot foster some relief from this painful condition. Recognizing the symptoms and speaking with a physician is important for accurate diagnosis. Also, keeping some natural options on hand can help those affected with this condition in a reasonable amount of comfort. Knowing what acidity/acid reflux can mean for the patient as the patient is important as is the proper diagnosis. Taking all aspects of acidity/acid reflux into account will only help the patient to lead a more comfortable life with the disease.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/basics/definition/con-20025201
2. http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/what-is-acid-reflux-disease
3. http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20529772_12,00.html
4. http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease/diagnosis.html