Acidity
Acidity is one of the mostly seen consequences of overproduction of hydrochloric acid from the gastric glands followed by other symptoms like dyspepsia, heartburn and stomach ulcers. The prevalence of acidity is majorly found in people with non-vegetarian diet and in those who eat excessive oily and spicy food. The condition of acidity is also seen in elderly people and in youngsters who starve a lot.
Ayurvedic Description Of Acidity:
Ayurveda classifies Acidity or Amla-Pitta as a lifestyle disorder caused due to the aggravation of Pitta dosha. This aggravated Pitta impairs the body’s digestive fire resulting in the formation of the Ama or the toxin that in turn lead to the obstruction of Annavaha Srotas or the digestive tract of the body. This Ama, upon reacting with the already aggravated Pitta turns hot in potency and creates acidity or Amla-Pitta and other related symptoms in the body.
Signs & Symptoms
- Burning sensation in the stomach after eating meals
- Early morning burping
- Sour Blenching
- Constipation (Sometimes)
- Indigestion
Causes and Risk Factors
1. Food – Excessive use of spices like red chilies in meal, bakery products, consumption of tea/coffee empty stomach
2. Poor Lifestyle – The habit of taking meals at irregular intervals affects the normal digestion cycle that triggers the stomach to produce more hydrochloric acid, which then leads to hyperacidity
3. Addictions – Addictions like alcohol and smoking also raise stomach acid levels, which eventually cause hyperacidity. Using pain killers for a prolonged period of time also leads to acidity.
4. Medical Conditions – Certain medical conditions like gallstones, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the body) etc. are also a factor in triggering hyperacidity
5. Emotional Factors – Anxiety, anger, fear, stress and even depression also considered to be increasing the risk of hyperacidity
Self Care Tips
- Avoid spicy, sour, stale, oily, and processed food.
- Eat in appropriate amounts and in regular intervals.
- Maintain your diet routine and do not starve yourself.
- Avoid caffeinated, carbonated, and alcoholic beverages.
- Do regular exercise and yoga.
For the treatment of Acidity or Amla-Pitta, Ayurveda believes in pacifying the aggravated bodily humours or Doshas using cooling remedial measures and body cleansing therapies.
