Acidity is used to refer to the acid reflux condition where acid from the stomach moves up into the food pipe. This causes a burning sensation in the food pipe and the heart and this is known as heartburn. If someone gets acid reflux frequently, it is known as GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. 

The human stomach contains hydrochloric acid, a strong acid that breaks down the food we eat and protects the body from pathogens like bacteria. The stomach lining is designed in such a way naturally that by itself it is protected from the powerful acid but the oesophagus is not. 

The gastroesophageal sphincter which is a muscle ring works like a valve and helps food move into the stomach but not back into the oesophagus. If the valve falls, the contents within the stomach regurgitate back into the oesophagus. This is how acid reflux takes place. To tackle frequent occurrences of Acid reflux, the best way is to go see a professional. There are many reputed gastroenterologist in Hyderabad city who will provide you with expert diagnosis and treatment meals.

Before you approach a medical professional, here are some basic ideas about the causes of acidity and the home remedies that can help.

Acidity: Risk Factors

• Smoking (passive or active)
• Obesity
• Reduced or complete absence of physical exercise
• Taking certain medications like asthma drugs, antihistamines, calcium-channel blockers, sedatives, painkillers and antidepressants
• Pregnancy
• Lying down immediately after a meal

Dietary habits that spark off acid reflux are as follows:

• Spicy foods
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Fatty or fried foods
• Tomato sauces and tomatoes
• Overeating
• Consuming onions and garlic
• Consuming carbonated drinks, chocolate ad acidic juices

Acidity: Lifestyle Changes

·         Maintaining a suitable body weight

·         Quitting smoking

·         Changing your posture such as sitting up in a straighter position

·         Consuming more fibre

·         Avoiding bingeing on late-night meals

·         Elevating the bed or the pillows at the time of sleeping

Acidity: Diagnosis

Acid reflux and heartburn can often be confused with other forms of chest complaints such as:

·         Pneumonia

·         Chest wall pain

·         Heart attack

·         Pulmonary embolism

To get the right diagnosis, visit a gastroenterologist in Hyderabad either physically or set up an online doctor consultation.

Acidity: Home Remedies

1.      Eating banana

Bananas have high potassium content and this makes them a highly alkaline food. Due to the nature of bananas, it helps to counteract the stomach acid that irritates your oesophagus. On the other hand, unripe bananas are starch-heavy, less alkaline and can actually trigger acidity and heartburn in some people. Other alkaline foods that can help heartburn caused by acidity are cauliflower, melons, nuts and fennel. 

2.      Refrain from eating quickly or overeating

Managing portion size can help prevent heartburn. Overeating puts pressure on the valve that keeps stomach acid out of the oesophagus. If you have a tendency for heartburn, you should focus on consuming smaller-sized meals at more regular intervals. Eating too fast and not chewing your food properly triggers heartburn so always take time to eat your meals and drink your beverages. You can book an online doctor consultation and he will guide you

3.      Avoid wearing tight clothes

Wearing tight clothes puts pressure on the stomach and squeezes the belly when eating. This contributes to heartburn. Wearing loose-fitting clothes is the best alternate solution.

4.      Reduce or eliminate stress from your life

Taking constant stress takes a toll on your body eventually slowing down digestion and making you vulnerable to pain. The more time food sits in your stomach, the more chances you have of experiencing acid reflux. You can book an online doctor consultation and he will guide you about how you can manage your stress.

5.      Eat ginger

Ginger has digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. It can effectively tackle or reduce acid reflux and so it is highly recommended that you chew ginger or candied ginger after your meal. You can even boil it in water and drink it once the mixture has cooled down.

6.      Consume Buttermilk

Buttermilk, referred to as ‘chaas’ in India, works wonders for heartburn and acid reflux. It contains lactic acid and is a great way to curb acid reflux tendencies after a heavy meal.

Acidity: Complications

If you don’t get timely treatment for acidity and acid reflux, it can cause a barrage of complications. These can be as follows:

• Strictures: Over time, the damage caused by stomach acid causes scars and the patient has trouble swallowing food as it gets stuck while moving down the oesophagus.
• Esophagitis: The oesophagus lining becomes inflamed leading to bleeding, irritation and ulcers
• Barrett’s Oesophagus: Constant exposure to stomach aid alters tissue and cells that line the oesophagus. This increases the chances of cancer.

Gastroenterologists in Hyderabad/Online Doctor Consultation

Ignoring or putting off frequent heartburn episodes can damage your stomach lining and cause further problems. This will cause discomfort, and stress and hamper your quality of life. Seek treatment for your problems and live a healthy life. There are many capable gastroenterologists in Hyderabad who can treat you and help you on the path to recovery. If visiting a doctor is out of the question for you, you can also set up an online doctor consultation and speak to your doctor from the comfort of your home or office space. Visit the Bajaj Finserv website and browse through the profile of doctors. Select one which meets your needs and get effective treatment.