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Acidity is a common occurrence in many of our lives. When the acidic ratio increases in the stomach, it results in this condition. With this comes a certain level of discomfort, causing a burning sensation in our chest, throat, or both. This condition is commonly referred to as Acid Reflux. This is when the stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. While it is fine to experience occasional acidity, chronic acid reflux is concerning, requiring medical/surgical management as well as major lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments.
Acidity has an intimate relationship with your eating habits. This makes dietary modifications a highly beneficial treatment plan. However, to make an accurate adjustment, you must first learn about what is causing this acidity. Try to note the foods that trigger the condition and keep track of the pattern so that necessary steps can be taken.
Synopsis
Acidity: Its Triggers and Symptoms
The reason for acid reflux can either be your diet or some underlying health conditions. The primary cause is the acid overproduction in your stomach. Its triggers can be multifaceted.
Let us know the common triggers of acidity:
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Dietary Factors: Spicy dishes, citrus fruits, caffeine, and carbonated drinks.
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Obesity: Excess weight can cause pressure on your stomach. This can reflux your stomach contents towards the oesophagus.
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Hiatal Hernia: This is when part of your stomach protrudes into the chest cavity. It often increases the risk of acid reflux.
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Smoking: Tobacco often weakens the lower oesophagal sphincter. This is a muscle in our body that protects the oesophagus from stomach acid.
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Medicated Factors: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and calcium channel blockers.
The following signs and symptoms indicate acidity:
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Burning sensation in your chest or throat, often occurs after having food or while lying down
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A sense of food getting stuck in your chest or throat
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Feeling of food coming back to your throat from the stomach
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Nausea-like feeling
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Stabbing chest pain
If you are continuously experiencing these symptoms, it becomes necessary to consult a gastroenterologist to detect the condition and receive suitable treatment plans.
Preventing Acidity with Foods
Doctors often recommend the inclusion of certain food items in your diet. Usually, three categories of food help in controlling acid reflux.
Alkaline Foods
Your food habits must have a balanced pH level. Meals with low pH levels are more acidic and can cause reflux. Alkaline foods contain higher pH levels. This helps minimize stomach acid. Such food items include:
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Melons
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Bananas
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Fennel
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Cauliflower
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Nuts
High-fibre Foods
You won’t eat a lot if you feel full. Isn’t it? That’s where fibre-rich food items come into play. Overeating often causes heartburn. Healthy fibrous foods can reduce that risk. High-fibre foods include:
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Green vegetables - green beans, asparagus, broccoli, etc.
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Root vegetables - carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, etc.
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Whole grains - couscous, oatmeal, brown rice, etc.
Watery Foods
Plain water is helpful in diluting stomach acid at any time. This also applies to foods that contain more water. For example:
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Cucumber
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Watermelon
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Lettuce
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Celery
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Herbal tea
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Soups that are broth-based
Milk
Non-fat milk is an amazing inclusion for immediate relief. You can also have low-fat yoghurt. While soothing your burn, it also supplies probiotics. These are good bacteria that can enhance your digestion.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Medical research has not yet found any proof of its effects. However, patients' feedback says that apple cider vinegar is quite helpful. Take a small amount, mix it with warm water, and drink. Remember not to have it directly, as fully concentrated apple cider vinegar is highly acidic.
Ginger
With helpful medicinal properties, it is an amazing digestive aid. Its alkaline and anti-inflammatory contents can soothe your digestive tract. Next time you are feeling acidic, give a cup of ginger tea a try.
Lemon Water
You may be surprised how an evidently acidic food item can help with your heartburn and acid reflux! Mixing a little lemon juice with warm water does wonders. You can also spruce it up with some honey to get the effects of alkaline. It will neutralize your stomach acid.
Consult our gastro hospital in Bangalore if you need to learn more about foods to stop acid reflux.
Want to Prevent Acidity? Avoid These Foods
Now, it is time to know about the foods that are causing acidity. Some food items relax our esophageal sphincter which results in delayed digestion. So, the longer your meal sits in your stomach, the riskier it gets. Your worst enemies are salty, spicy, and fatty foods.
Let us have a brief look at the most common triggers:
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Bacon, sausage, or other fatty meats.
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Pizza
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Processed snacks like chips
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Pepper and chilli powder
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Fried food and fast food
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Cheese
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Chocolate
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Carbonated drinks
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Citrus fruits
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Tomato-based sauces
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Peppermints
This doesn’t mean you should stop eating your favourite junk food completely. Once in a while, a cheat day is fine.
More Tips to Prevent Acidity
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Try to maintain a healthy eating schedule.
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Do not have your meal closer to bedtime.
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Manage your weight in a healthy range.
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Limit alcohol and carbonated beverages.
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Eat small portions in frequent intervals instead of eating heavy at once.
All of these will help you control your acid reflux.
Visit our top gastroenterologist in Tamil Nadu at Manipal Hospital Salem for diagnosis and treatment plans, especially for chronic acid reflux.
FAQ's
The most suitable treatment for your acidic symptoms will vary depending on your condition. However, maintaining a healthy diet is often proven to be beneficial.
Yes, curd helps enhance our digestive system. The better we can digest our food, the more our stomach acid levels will stay in check. You can include a bowl of low-fat yoghurt in your diet chart. However, consult your doctor first.
Your stomach will feel like something is burning from the inside. There will also be a burning sensation in your throat. Sometimes, your mouth may also feel tangy. Consult a gastroenterologist if your symptoms don’t subside on its own.
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