Have you had those days when you’ve enjoyed a lovely meal, but soon after begin to feel the acidity creep in and totally regret it? Well, acid reflux is when the stomach acid gets pushed up into the esophagus.
Acidity affects many people and is quite common and it is also known as “acid reflux” that can range from mild to severe intensity, where Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the chronic sort of acidity or acid reflux and heartburn is one of the symptoms of acid reflux or GERD.
Here are some home remedies for acidity:
1. Consuming ginger:
Ginger is one of the most effective remedies for acidity reduction and as ginger is often known as the miracle spice, because of its varied benefits, one of which is the treatment of acidity. Ginger is rich in antioxidants and has medicinal benefits. Ginger has phenolic compounds that can relieve gastrointestinal irritation and reduce gastric contractions. Ginger can help reduce the likelihood of acid flowing from the stomach back into the esophagus, increasing the risk of heartburn. There are two ways you can consume it for the best effects – in the form of dried ginger candy or by drinking a cup of ginger tea (recipe below).
How to make ginger tea:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp tea leaves/tea powder of your choice
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp honey
Method:
Into a heating pot add in the water, tea leaves and grated ginger. Let it come to a boil and then cover it with a lid and let it simmer for 5 to 6 minutes on low flame. Turn off the flame, strain into a cup, add in the honey and it is ready to consume. Do not drink or eat anything else after this for 15 minutes to 30 minutes for the best effect.
2. Basil tea:
Basil is good for the digestive system as it contains the compound eugenol that can aid digestion. Basil has the properties to help balance the acid within the body and can help restore the body’s pH levels. It can also treat various stomach problems like bloating and acid reflux and reduce water retention. It can also help boost appetite.
Here’s how you can make basil tea:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- ½ tsp grated ginger
- 3 to 4 leaves of basil
- 1 tsp tea leaves of your choice
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- Honey or sugar to taste
Method:
Into a heating pot, add in the water along with the grated ginger, roughly crushed or whole basil leaves and tea leaves. Let it come to a boil and then let it simmer for 2 to 4 minutes on low flame while the pot is covered with a lid. Then turn off the flame and strain this into a cup. Add in the lemon juice and honey to taste. Stir well and it is ready to consume.
Caution:
Those people who are on blood thinners and those who are already consuming medications for blood sugar need to be cautious of consuming basil tea, as they could have side effects. READ MORE – GINGER HONEY combination to cure headache, indigestion, cold and cough
3. Drink cold buttermilk:
Buttermilk contains lactic acid, which can help neutralize the acidity in the stomach. This lactic acid can help soothe the stomach and coat the stomach lining in turn reducing the symptoms. It is made with curd/yoghurt and water and therefore is a natural probiotic that can help maintain the balance in the stomach between the good and harmful bacteria because it contains “friendly” bacteria or “good” bacteria. You can also crush some ginger to the buttermilk before consuming.
4. Munch on chewing gum:
Now this one’s not exactly a “home remedy”, but it can be a remedy in case you do not have access to any of the other home remedies. Chewing on gum (which doesn’t contain peppermint) can help relieve acidity and you need to chew it for 20 to 30 minutes to reap the best benefit of this remedy, as while you chew you swallow more often and more saliva is produced. This saliva acts as an acid buffer and can help prevent the acid rising up from the esophagus.
5. Eat a banana:
Bananas are rich in potassium and have high fibre content. It can aid digestion and help reduce acidity. Once bananas are consumed they can help line the stomach and coat the esophageal lining, decreasing irritation. READ MORE – Green tea is the best remedy for hair loss
6. Chew on a piece of jaggery/gur:
Jaggery or gur is one of the best ways to cure and reduce acidity as it contains magnesium and can aid better digestion. The magnesium helps boost intestinal strength and neutralize the acids in the stomach.