Introduction
Acidity, acid reflux, or heartburn has become a very common problem in today’s busy life. Office work, irregular routine, late-night food, too much fried food, excess tea/coffee, and stress—all these spoil the health of the stomach.
You too must have felt problems like a burning sensation in the chest or throat, burping, bloating, or sour water coming in the mouth at some time. These are the symptoms of acidity. This happens when the acid of the stomach comes up to the food pipe, i.e., esophagus.
The good thing is that there is no need to resort to medicines every time. There are many home and natural remedies that not only provide quick relief but also maintain the health of the stomach for a long time.
Let us know why home remedies prove to be good for acidity, and then talk in detail about the 8 most effective remedies.
Why are home remedies effective in acidity?
- These natural remedies balance the stomach acid.
- They provide instant relief from heartburn and discomfort.
- They do not have any major side effects.
- They can easily become a part of everyday diet and lifestyle.
- Many remedies are recognized by both Ayurveda and modern science.
1. Cold milk – instant cooling and relief
When you are suffering from heartburn and need quick relief, a glass of cold milk works like magic.
How it helps
- Milk contains calcium, which neutralizes stomach acid.
- Its cooling effect soothes the burning sensation.
- It forms a layer on the stomach lining, which reduces the sting of the acid.
How to use
- Drink half a glass of cold, unsweetened, and unflavored milk.
- This is very beneficial if you feel heavy in the stomach or have heartburn after eating food.
Things to note
- If you are lactose intolerant, avoid milk and opt for alternatives like almond milk.
- Ice cream or milkshakes can increase acidity, so take only plain milk.
2. Fennel – a friend of digestion
For centuries, there has been a habit of eating fennel after meals in India. It not only removes bad breath but also reduces acidity and gas problems.
Why is it effective
- Fennel contains elements that soothe the stomach lining.
- It improves the digestive system and reduces heaviness.
- Prevents gas formation and relieves the problem of belching.
How to take
- Chew 1 teaspoon of raw fennel after meals.
- If you want, boil fennel in water and drink it like tea.
- Fennel can also be eaten after roasting it.
Additional Tips
- If you want, you can also chew fennel and cardamom mixed together.
- Keep roasted fennel in a small box in the office or home and eat a little after every meal.
3. Ginger – Anti-inflammatory root
Ginger is present in the kitchen of every house, and it also works like a panacea for acidity.
Why is ginger beneficial?
- It has anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce inflammation of the stomach and food pipe.
- Improves digestion and prevents flatulence.
- It also gives relief from confusion and nausea caused by acidity.
How to use
- Chew a small piece of fresh ginger.
- Boil 1 teaspoon grated ginger and make tea and drink it.
- Adding a little honey to ginger juice also gives relief.
Take care
- Do not eat too much ginger; otherwise, some people may get stomach pain.
4. Basil leaves – natural antacid
Basil is known for its religious significance as well as health benefits in India. It is very effective in reducing acidity.
How does it help
- Reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
- Reduces the problem of gas and flatulence.
- Helps protect the stomach from ulcers.
How to use
- Chew 3-4 fresh basil leaves slowly.
- If you want, boil them in water and drink it like tea.
- You can also mix basil with ginger or mint in herbal tea.
Additional Tips
- Make sure to plant a basil plant at home. It also purifies the air and benefits health.
5. Banana – Natural protective shield for the stomach
Banana is a fruit that gives instant relief from acidity. Its soft and smooth texture coats the stomach lining and protects it from irritation.
Why does it affect
- A banana is alkaline in nature, which means it balances the acid.
- Being rich in potassium, it controls the acid level of the stomach.
- It also gives energy to the body and keeps the stomach light.
How to eat
- Eat 1 ripe banana as a snack.
- You can make a smoothie by mixing curd and banana.
- Overripe bananas can cause discomfort to some people, so eat normal ripe bananas.
Suggestion
- Eating bananas and almonds together gives even better results.
6. Cumin – an easy recipe for every home
Cumin is very beneficial not only to enhance the taste of food but also to keep the stomach healthy.
Why is it effective
- Speeds up the digestion process.
- Balances the acid produced in the stomach naturally.
- Eliminates gas, bloating, and heaviness.
How to use
- Boil 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds in water, cool it, and drink it slowly.
- Grind roasted cumin seeds, add them to lukewarm water, and drink it.
- Sprinkle roasted cumin seeds on salad and vegetables and eat.
7. Aloe Vera Juice – Cooling and Soothing
You must have used aloe vera for the skin, but it is also very good for the stomach.
Why is it beneficial
- Soothes inflammation of the stomach and throat.
- Controls the acid level of the stomach.
- Strengthens the digestive system and also relieves constipation.
How to drink
- Drink half a cup of aloe vera juice before meals.
- To reduce the taste, you can add a little honey or water to it.
- Always use edible aloe vera gel or juice.
Take care
- Drinking in excess can cause diarrhea, so take it in limited quantities.
8. Lifestyle changes – long term treatment
Acidity can be avoided not only by home remedies but also by improving lifestyle.
What to do
- Instead of eating heavy food at once, eat small meals.
- Do not lie down immediately after eating; keep a gap of at least 2–3 hours.
- Eat less spicy, fried, and oily food.
- Reduce beverages like tea, coffee, alcohol, and soda.
- Do regular exercise and yoga.
- Sleep with your head elevated.
Yoga and Pranayama
- After consuming any food, the best asana for digestion is Vajrasana.
- Anulom Vilom and deep breath exercises are also extremely beneficial
One-Day Acidity-Friendly Meal Plan
- Breakfast – Oats with banana slices and cold milk.
- Mid-morning snack – an apple or a handful of fennel seeds.
- Lunch – Brown rice, boiled vegetables, and yogurt.
- Evening snack – Ginger tea and 2 biscuits.
- Dinner – Light lentil soup, roti, and a spinach vegetable.
- Before bed – lukewarm water with some cumin powder.
Mistakes that increase acidity
- Overeating and doing so too late in the evening.
- Eating too much spicy or oily food on an empty stomach.
- Skipping meals and then gorging when a meal is consumed.
- Overconsuming tea and coffee or cold and carbonated drinks.
- Wearing tight clothes putting pressure on the stomach.
- Stress and getting too little sleep.
Conclusion
Acidity is extremely common and quite irritating. It, however, can be easily managed if one pays some attention. For quick relief, home remedies of cold milk, fennel, ginger, basil, banana, cumin, and aloe vera are very good. With a good diet and lifestyle, one can surely avoid a recurrence of acidity.
Please note that if the problem persists and is very serious, give a very serious thought to a doctor’s consultation. A healthy stomach grounds good health. Small healthy changes may be an antidote to acidity and bring along an aura of lightness, energy, and healthiness throughout the day.
FAQs:-
What causes acidity in the stomach?
Acidity happens when excess stomach acid flows back into the food pipe, often due to spicy food, overeating, stress, or late-night meals.
Which foods should I avoid during acidity?
Avoid spicy, oily, fried foods, citrus fruits, coffee, and carbonated drinks as they can worsen acid reflux symptoms.
When should I see a doctor for acidity?
If acidity occurs more than twice a week, causes severe pain, or affects your daily life, it’s best to consult a doctor.
