What is acidity and how to get quick relief?

Acidity refers to a set of symptoms that may appear when the gastric glands of the stomach produces an excessive amount of acid during digestion. Typically, the gastric glands of the stomach produce hydrochloric acid (HCl) to break down food into smaller units. However, some acidic foods, alcohol, dehydration and alcohol may trigger an excess production of HCl, leading to acidity symptoms. Acidity is a common problem which is largely associated with lifestyle and dietary choices that you make. Sometimes, the excess acid produced in the stomach may reach up to the oesophagus and create a burning sensation. This is because the lining of the stomach has a pH between 1 and 3 and can withstand the acidic environment, but the pH of the oesophagus in 7. Therefore, a number of acidity symptoms may appear when the pH of the oesophagus falls below 4.

Other uncomfortable acidity symptoms apart from burning sensation in the throat and chest may include heaviness, sour taste in the mouth and burning sensation in the stomach as well.There are a number of medical remedies available in the form of antacids (tablets and syrups) to control the excess production of acid in the stomach and to provide relief against such acidity symptoms. However, there are several home remedies for acidity as well that can provide get quick relief from acidity. People suffering from acidity can rely on these simple acidity home remedies for immediate relief, instead of reaching out for an antacid.

Home Remedies For AcidityBanana: This wonder fruit is rich in a multitude of vitamins and minerals, especially potassium, which acts as a base and helps neutralize excess acid produced in the stomach. In addition, it enhances the production of mucous in the stomach, which in turn, protects the lining of the digestive tract against the deteriorating effect of the acid. Eat a ripe banana for relief against acidity symptoms.Tulsi: This auspicious plant has wonderful properties in terms of mucous production and protection of the digestive tract against the acid. In addition, it has anti-ulcer properties that help reduce the effect of gastric glands in the stomach. Chewing 5 to 6 leaves of tulsi in acidity helps with reducing the severity of the symptoms.

Cold milk: One of the best acidity home remedies is to drink a glassful of cold milk when you have the burning sensation because of acid reflux. It is rich in calcium, which absorbs the excess HCl produced in the stomach and thus helps avoiding the further buildup of the acid. Clove: The pungent taste of clove triggers excess production of saliva by the salivary glands. The excess saliva aids in digestion and thus help reduce acidity symptoms. It is believed that cloves also has peristaltic properties, that is, it helps with the movement of food through the digestive tract. Mint leaves: Mint or pudina leaves is yet another home remedy for acidity that will put you at an immediate relief. Mint helps lower the acid content in the stomach. In addition, it has cooling properties that help soothe the digestive tract and reduced the burning and the pain. Boil a few mint leaves in water and drink this water after it cools.