Hyperacidity

How does Ayurveda Treats hyperacidity

The general public usually rushes to buy and eat antacids on the onset of any symptoms of acidity rather than consulting a doctor, over the period of time prolonged consumption of this medication leads to various side effects on the body. According to Ayurveda a better approach would be to responsibly eat good food on time and in appropriate proportions. It is advisable to eat a little less than your hunger. If the disease hasn’t reached a severe level then these minor changes to lifestyle will be sufficient to bring back your acidity to normal levels

If the diet and stress can be controlled then it is possible to tackle hyperacidity, a balanced diet taken at regular intervals, yoga, meditation and activities that help you regulate stress are some of the basic steps that Ayurveda recommends to manage hyperacidity.

In majority of the cases Panchkarma is not needed but in certain cases Panchakarma treatment is administered too.

The modern way of living has given birth to many diseases, one of the most common diseases amongst them is hyperacidity. Hyperacidity has plagued our modern generation for many years now, in this article we shed some light on the disease itself, its causes, symptoms and what Ayurveda suggests about this problem. First let’s understand what hyperacidity actually is.

Hyperacidity is seen in all ages, all classes, and all communities. Hyperacidity refers to a set of symptoms caused by an imbalance between the acid secreting mechanism of the stomach and proximal intestine and the protective mechanisms that ensure their safety. The stomach normally secretes an acid known as Hydrochloric acid that breaks down food particles into their smallest form to aid digestion and is essential in the digestive process. When there is an excessive amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, it results in the condition known as Hyperacidity.

Causes of Hyperacidity:

• The way you eat and what you eat are some of the most important factors on which hyperacidity depends.
• Skipping meals or eating at irregular times
• Eating just before sleeping
• Overeating
• High intake of table salt
• Consumption of Spicy, oily and fried foods also cause the problem of acidity.
• Medications: Hyperacidity can be caused due to prolonged intake of various medications. Like Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Medicines for high blood pressure
• Antibiotics
• Depression and anxiety medications
• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can not only damage your liver, but also can give invitations to hyperacidity problems.
• Smoking
• Stress : stress is one of the important factors responsible for hyperacidity.

What are the symptoms?

• Abdominal discomfort, which may be worse on an empty stomach especially in mornings
• Nausea or vomiting
• Bloating
• Heartburn
• Prolonged sour taste in the mouth or bitter-tasting acid that backs up into your throat and mouth
• Post-meal heaviness
• Indigestion
• Bad breath
• Diarrhoea
• Decreased appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Restlessness
• Chronic Sinusitis
• Wheezing, dry cough, hoarseness, or chronic sore throat