Acidity Problems: 25 Best Home Remedies That Can Help

Acidity or acid reflux occurs when the gastric glands in our stomach overproduce stomach acid. There is an imbalance between the acid-secreting mechanism of the stomach and the shielding mechanism that provides safety which causes acidity. The stomach secretes hydrochloric acid which breaks down the food into smaller substances, thereby promoting the digestion process. When there is an excessive increase of hydrochloric acid in the stomach it leads to acidity.

In a normal, healthy individual, the lining of the stomach synthesizes and secretes hydrochloric acid to aid in the digestion of food and this key bodily function is regulated by endocrine hormones and the nervous system. Due to poor lifestyle the tissues of the stomach lining make large volumes of hydrochloric acid, which presents as acidity.

Acidity disturbs the body's natural pH levels and increases stomach acids. This can be due to consuming spicy food too often, irregular eating habits, smoking, or drinking alcohol regularly. Acidity not only causes a burning sensation in the throat, chest, or stomach, but it can also lead to other problems such as belching, vomiting, and nausea.

If you encounter this problem more than twice a week, it indicates that you might have a serious acidity problem (acid reflux) which is known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, commonly known as GERD. 

Acidity is very common these days. If you are looking for natural acidity remedies, then it is very difficult to find something that can give quick relief from acidity. So it's imperative to find a solution that works on acidity. Therefore, you should know the Best Home Remedies That Can Help to get quick and easy relief from acidity at home.

 

Acidity Problems: Best Home Remedies That Can Help

Symptoms of Acidity:

• Burning and pain sensation in the throat, chest, and stomach.
• Gas or Flatulence.
• Frequent burps.
• Bad Breath.
• Constipation.
• Nausea or feeling of vomiting.
• Heaviness in the stomach after eating.
• Sour or Bitter belching.
• Heartburn.
• Indigestion.
• Abdominal distention.
• Mild discomfort in the chest.
• Aversion towards food.
• Tiredness.
• Loss of appetite.
• Irritation in the throat.
• Diarrhea.
• Frequent occurrence of belching and burping.

Causes of Acidity:

• Over-eating.
• Unhealthy eating habits like having too much tea, coffee, cold- drinks and junk, spicy, oily food, etc.
• Stomach ailments like Ulcers, Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), etc.
• A bad lifestyle like smoking, taking too much stress, sleeping less, drinking alcohol, etc.
• Poor eating habits like eating at odd times, skipping meals, erratic meal timings, having a very late dinner, eating a lot of spicy, fried, and junk foods, etc.
• Consuming foods like peppermint, caffeine, carbonated beverages, citrus, tomato-based products, and chocolate.
• Going to bed soon after having food.
• Continued usage of certain medications.
• Physical inactivity.
• Disturbed sleeping pattern.
• Pregnancy, obesity, aging, and fasting.
• Consuming junk, sugary, salty, spicy foods.
• Fasting for a prolonged duration.
• Lack of sleep and rest.
• Mental stress, tension, anxiety.
• Sedentary habits with no regular physical exercise.
• Excess intake of alcohol.
• Chronic disorders like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
• Bacterial infection in the stomach like issues induced by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
• Tumors in the gut that block the passages in the stomach and intestines.
• Kidney problems.
• Overeating or eating too quickly.
• Lying down too soon after eating.
• Being overweight.

Best Home Remedies for Acidity:

1).  Cold Milk:

Milk stabilizes gastric acids in the stomach. It is rich in calcium and prevents the buildup of acid in the stomach. Drink a glass of cold milk when you suffer from acidity.

Drink cold milk and prevent the buildup of acid in the stomach.

2).  Coconut Water:

Drinking coconut water turns your body's pH acidic level into alkaline. It also helps to produce mucous in the stomach, which protects the stomach from harmful effects produced by excessive acid secretion. Coconut water improves digestion and prevents the frequent occurrence of acidity.

Drink coconut water and turn your body's pH acidic level to alkaline.

3).  Banana:

Bananas contain natural antacids that act as a buffer against acidity. This is the all-time available home remedy for getting rid of acidity. Eat one banana every day to prevent discomfort or acidity problems.

Bananas contain natural antacids that can act as a buffer against acidity.

4).  Ginger:

Ginger has excellent digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. To neutralize stomach acids, you can chew a slice of fresh ginger or have a spoonful of ginger juice 2 - 3 times a day or put fresh ginger in a cup of boiling water and drink it.

Ginger neutralizes stomach acids

Acidity Problem Home Remedies:

5).  Butter Milk:

Cold Buttermilk contains lactic acid which neutralizes the acidity in the stomach. The lactic acid further softens the stomach by coating the stomach lining and reducing the irritation of acidity symptoms. The good bacteria present in Buttermilk prevent the gas build-up and bloating that often causes acidity. Buttermilk allows the food to be digested properly and the nutrients absorbed properly which ultimately eliminates the possibility of acidity occurrence and maintains gastrointestinal health in good condition.

Buttermilk contains lactic acid that neutralizes the acidity in the stomach.

6).  Low-Carb Diet:

Eating the right foods helps keep acidity in control. Add the foods in the image below to your daily diet and get relief from acidity.

 Eating the right foods helps keep acidity in control.

Acidity Home Remedy:

7).  Lemon Water:

 

Lemon juice is acidic in nature. Ingesting small amounts of lemon juice mixed with water can have an alkalizing effect, thus helping with acidity problems.

Lemon juice mixed with water have an alkalizing effect.

8).  Basil Leaves:

The soothing and carminative properties of basil leaves give instant relief from acidity. Eat a few basil leaves daily or boil 4-5 basil leaves in a cup of water for a few minutes. Sip on it frequently. This is the best home remedy for acidity. 

The soothing and carminative properties of basil leaves give instant relief from acidity.

9).  Fennel:

To prevent stomach acidity, you can chew sauf (fennel seeds) after meals.  Fennel tea helps to keep the digestive tract to be healthy. Fennel tea is very useful to avoid indigestion and bloating because of the oils found in these seeds. 

Fennel tea helps to keep the digestive tract healthy and happy.

Acidity Home-Made Solution:

10).  Cinnamon:

This spice works as a natural antacid for stomach acidity and improves digestion and absorption. Drink cinnamon tea to heal infections in the gastrointestinal tract. Cinnamon is a powerhouse of nutrients that shows health-benefiting properties.

Cinnamon works as a natural antacid for stomach acidity

11).  Jaggery:

Jaggery helps to boost intestinal strength because of its high magnesium content. It improves digestion and makes the digestive system to be more alkaline in nature thus reducing stomach acidity. Eat a small piece of gur after a meal. Drinking Gur Sharbat (jaggery soaked in ice-cold water) during the summer helps to maintain a normal body temperature.

Jaggery makes the digestive system more alkaline in nature.

12).  Cloves:

Cloves are used to treat digestive disorders. Cloves prevent the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. Add cloves while cooking foods. You can eat crushed cloves and cardamom (mixed in equal proportions) to treat acidity.

Cloves are used to treat digestive disorders.

How to Cure Acidity at Home Instantly:

13).  Cumin Seeds:

Cumin seeds are a great acid neutralizer, improve digestion and relieve stomach pain. Crush some roasted cumin seeds, add them to a glass of water, and drink it after every meal. Steep 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of boiled water and drink it after every meal.

Cumin seeds work as a great acid neutralizer.

14).   Baking Soda:

Baking soda has a property that provides relief from acidity. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water and mix it properly and drink it to get relief from stomach acidity problems.

Baking soda provides relief from acid reflux.

15).  Aloe Vera Juice:

Aloe Vera is known for its medicinal properties and is usually used as one of the options to provide quick relief from acidity. Aloe Vera contains powerful vitamins and amino acids and has strong anti-inflammatory properties which reduce the acidity levels and cool down the body. Remove the pulp from the aloe Vera leaves and mix it with water and drink it 3-4 times a day for relief from acidity problems.

Aloe Vera contains powerful vitamins and amino acids which reduce acidity.

You can buy:

AloeCure Pure Aloe Vera Juice USDA Certified Organic, Natural Flavor Acid Buffer, 2x500ml Bottle, Processed Within 12 Hours of Harvest to Maximize Nutrients, No Charcoal Filtering-Inner Leaf

Medicine for Instant Relief from Acidity:

16).  Mint Leaves:

Mint leaves(pudina) have good digestive properties and act as a natural cooling agent. This provides proper relief from acidity and 

heartburn.

A cup of pudina tea is an effective natural home remedy for serious conditions of acidity. To make 

pudina

 tea, simply boil the 

pudina

 leaves with water and then drink that water.

A cup of mint tea is an effective natural remedy for acidity.

17).  Tulsi Leaves:

Tulsi leaves produce mucus in your stomach which offers relief from acidity. To get instant relief from acidity, you can chew a few Tulsi leaves, or you can boil them with water and drink it.

Tulsi leaves produces mucus in the stomach, which offers relief from heartburn. 

18).  Chewing Gum:

Chewing gum provides some relief when coping with acidity. The act of chewing gum increases saliva production, which helps to clear acidity from the esophagus. 

Chewing gum increases saliva production which helps to clear acidity from the esophagus.

Home Remedies for Acidity and Gas Problems:

19).  Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar is one of the best home remedies that can help to get relief from acidity. Add 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and drink it 1-2 times a day. Apple cider vinegar is an apple juice that is fermented. Experts recommend that don't take apple cider vinegar right after food or before bedtime.

 

Apple cider vinegar helps to improve digestion and maintain the body alkaline.

You can buy:

WellPath Pure ACV Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies with The Mother - USDA Organic Gummy - Vegan - Raw Apple Cider Vinegar Supplements - ACV Gummies - Detox Support - 60 Ct

20). 

 Raw Almonds:

Raw almonds are rich in natural oils and can-do wonders for stomach issues. Raw almonds not only help with the digestion process but also offers relief from acidity. You can get relief from several digestion-related issues by regularly eating raw almonds with bananas.

Raw almonds offer relief from acidity.

21).  Watermelon Juice:

Watermelon juice keeps the body hydrated during the summer. Therefore, watermelon juice acts as one of the natural remedies for acidity. You can consume a glass of watermelon juice with your breakfast to get relief from acidity.

                             watermelon juice with your breakfast to get relief from acidity.

What to Drink for Heartburn Relief Home Remedy:

22).  Pineapple Juice:

Pineapple juice is the best home remedy for acidity. A simple glass of pineapple juice after a heavy meal helps to get instant relief from acidity. 

Pineapple juice after a heavy meal gives instant relief from acidity. 

23).  Licorice Root:

Chew licorice root for relief or add licorice root to boiling water and drink it. Licorice roots are effective for indigestion but large doses of it can cause sodium and potassium imbalances and high blood pressure. Consume less than 2.5 grams of dried licorice root per day for fast relief. Eat or drink licorice root 1/2 hour before eating or 1 hour after eating to improve indigestion.       

   You can buy:                             

Traditional Medicinals - Organic Licorice Root Herbal Tea (6 Pack) - Soothes Digestion and Promotes Respiratory Health - 96 Tea Bags Total

                                                  

24). Pomegranate Juice:

Pomegranate juice and pomegranate chutney also help balance the acid in the stomach. Pomegranate juice gives instant relief from acidity.

Eat pomegranate and get instant relief from acidity.

25).  Sleep on your left side:

Several studies showed that sleeping on your right side may worsen reflux symptoms at night. Lying on your left side may decrease acid exposure in the esophagus by about 71%. 

Other Effective Ways to Treat Acidity:

• Stay active and involved in moderate-intensity workouts. It can be cycling, swimming, dancing, or any favorite sport.
• Eat regular meals (4 to 5 times) a day.
• Take your dinner early at least 2 hours before going to bed.
• Don’t overeat and chew food well while eating.
• Don’t lie down immediately after a meal.
• If you are overweight or obese, then lose your weight.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Maintain mindful eating habits and eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet.
• Regularize meal patterns and timings.
• Avoid intake of sour, deep-fried, spicy, and junk foods.
• Restrict the intake of caffeinated beverages.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• Eat smaller portions of wholesome foods, fruits, vegetables, and nuts and ingest food more frequently throughout the day. 
• Maintain a proper sleeping pattern.
• Avoid stress by involving in activities like yoga, and meditation, and cultivating some hobbies.

• When simple home remedies do not aid in tackling acidity, then consult the doctor.

Foods that cause acidity:

• Spicy foods
• Certain kinds of chocolates
• Tomato sauce and other tomato-based products
• High-fat foods like fast food products and greasy food
• Fried foods
• Citrus fruit juices
• Soda
• Caffeine
• Garlic
• Mint
• Alcohol
• Fried foods
• Citrus-based foods
• Peppermint
• Onions

Complications and Side Effects of Acidity:

1).  GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease):

GERD is an intense side effect of acidity. It is a condition wherein the surplus acid secretions traverse back into the esophagus i.e., the food pipe. If food particles are combined with acidic fluids, then these get lodged in the esophagus and block the tubular pathways, and cause difficulties in swallowing. GERD also increases the risk of inflammation of the esophagus and Barrett’s esophagus which triggers abnormal modifications in the cells, and tissues of the esophagus both of which raise the risk of cancer.

2).  Bleeding in the Gastric Tract:

Because of acidity, the tissue in the digestive system gets damaged which leads to bleeding. This produces discomfort, and intense pain, along with bleeding in the stomach, esophagus, and lower gastrointestinal parts of the rectum and anus.

3).  Peptic Ulcers:

Peptic ulcers represent sores formed on the tissues of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, which are called esophageal ulcers, gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers respectively. Apart from damaging the tissues lining the gut, peptic ulcers cause constant aching in the abdomen and heartburn, which in turn lowers appetite, resulting in weight loss, and fatigue.

Visit to Doctor:

Even though acidity is a common problem frequent acidity is often a symptom of a chronic digestive problem like gastritis and even stomach cancer. Therefore, visit a doctor if acidity continues for more than two weeks or if you experience severe pain or other symptoms such as:

• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• vomiting
• black stools
• trouble swallowing
• fatigue

FAQs:

Q:  Is heartburn always caused by excess acid?

A:  Various other health conditions are associated with excess acid production. They include gall bladder disease, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, hepatitis, thyrotoxicosis, Celiac disease, high blood calcium level, Addison’s disease, and Lupus.

Q:  Can hydrochloric acid corrode the stomach lining?

A:  Yes, hydrochloric acid can be 10 times more acidic than undiluted lemon juice. The low pH value of hydrochloric acid indicates its highly acidic nature. The stomach lining is coated with alkali ions that protect the lining tissues from the acid. When acids and alkali ions react together salt and water are formed.

Q:  Can stomach acid burn our skin?

A:  Stomach acid is highly corrosive and in large quantities can burn our skin. Fewer quantities of gastric acid can cause irritation, redness, and scars on the skin.

Q:  What foods can choose to I eat to reduce my acidity?

A:  Certain fruits and vegetables that have low acidity levels or are alkaline in nature can help in reducing acidity:

• Vegetables such as cucumber, pumpkin, beans, corn, all types of green leafy vegetables, and all types of gourds.
• Food items such as unsweetened soybeans, yogurt, certain herbs, and spices like ginger, cumin, basil, mint, cloves, and herbal teas.
• Fruits like dates, figs, pears, bananas, papayas, and all types of melon.

Q:  Can antacids harm the stomach?

A:  Long-term use of antacids can induce constipation or diarrhea. Afterward, the effect of the antacid on the acid can reduce thereby not effectively relieving the acidity. 

 Harmful effects caused by long-term use of antacids are:

• Sodium bicarbonate: –It can disturb the mineral balance in our body, affect blood pressure, and increase the risk of kidney malfunction and urinary tract infections.
• Calcium carbonate: – It can cause constipation and kidney stones.
• Aluminum: - Aluminum-based antacid reduces calcium levels.
• Magnesium: -Magnesium-based antacids can affect blood pressure and reduce calcium levels in bones.

Q.  Can acidity be cured permanently?

A.  Yes, acidity can be cured permanently by adopting practices like stress management, regular workouts, avoiding excessive smoking or drinking, and frequent consumption of junk and oily foods.

Q.  Can acidity be treated?

A.  The types of acidity, such as GERD cannot be cured. But there are several medications that you can use to help you cope with the condition. You can modify your diet and workout plan or try to lose extra weight.  But it is best to consult with your doctor and discuss treatment options.

Q.  Is acidity a serious problem?

A. Frequent acidity problems in people can cause ulcers, strictures, and aspiration pneumonia. 

Q.  What are the symptoms of too much acid in your stomach?

A.  The symptoms can vary from person to person. They are heartburn, nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. 

                    “Negativity is an acid, 

                              that can do more harm to the vessel,

                               in which it is stored,

                      than to anything, 

                      on which it is poured.”