Acidity - The Stomach Woe

Acidity is the one thing we are hit by at one time or the other in our lives. It has other names too like heart burn and gastric reflux. There could be several reasons as to why one suffers from this. Reasons such as the presence of helicobacter pylorus or high hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach and even functional problems with the stomach valve (which puts a lid on the contents when the food churns in the stomach); last but not the least even stress and too much fried foods have been linked to acidity.

There are two ways to approach this affliction one is to adopt instant relief tactics and the second would be to bank on long term strategies. It is best to be aware of both solutions.

Instant Solution: When struck by acidity try eating some of these foods:

• Chilled bananas
• Chilled sabudana pudding
• Chilled curd. Although when it comes to yoghurt one needs to be aware that dairy is linked to causing acidity in people who are allergic to dairy products.
• And if the above foods are unavailable to you then drink a lot of water and eventually the acidity will subside.

Long Term Solution: There are a few steps one can take, so as to deal with the root cause of the problem and not just look for immediate or temporary relief.

• Begin the day with 1/2 a cup of raw cabbage juice (Ayurveda endorses it besides many western naturopaths) or white petha juice, they both lower the acid content.
• Drink a minimum of 3 glasses of water in the morning and follow up with a biscuit and a very light cup of tea (with milk added later if required) but if you can avoid tea all the better.
• If you are not used to a breakfast start with a fruit like banana/papaya (empty stomach causes more acidity), then now is the time to start the ritual.
• Acidity is frequently caused by dairy so give up dairy for a fortnight and see the effects.
• Have rice instead of wheat for a week and see if the acidity comes down. (In case you find boiled rice unattractive, go for a south Indian tuck in of dosa's, idli's but have it without sambhar or even poha and rice noodles are good options)
• Avoid fried foods for a week, instead munch on rice and chickpeas roasted together with a dash of oil and curry leaves plus salt to taste.
• Avoid vegetables like cauliflower, heavy pulses and Kidney beans as it brings up gas with acidity.

These are some basic steps to try and cut down on acidity. Always opt for fruits as snacks and drink a lot of water on regular basis.