[toc]Every one of us would have experienced heart burn sometimes in our life. Mostly the culprit is spicy food. Gastric acid plays a key role in digestion. When excess of this acid is secreted it leads to hyperacidity/Heartburn. Natural Histamine is produced in the body for the formation of gastric acid required for digestion. So, gastric acid and histamine has got direct relationship with each other. Thirty percent of the gastric acid release is via the brain function.
The symptoms of acidity are dyspepsia, heartburn, chest pain and formation of the ulcers and the causes are consumption of alcohol, spicy food stuffs, Non-vegetarian diets, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID’s). So we can control acidity by having food which have an alkaline affect in digestion, natural herbs, fruits and vegetables which have antihistamine properties, stimulates mucus secretion or a good stimulant. Here are some of the home remedies which can prove beneficial in hyperacidity:
7 Home Remedies For Heartburn
Ginger with Jaggery
Make a small ball of ginger with jaggery and have it half an hour before meal. Ginger has got antihistamine properties which blocks the action of the histamine. Histamine is a natural chemical produced by the immune (disease-fighting) system of the body. When it is released, it increases blood flow to the affected area. Liquid leaks out of the blood vessels, making the mucous membranes lining the nose and throat to swell, and stimulating nearby glands to produce mucus thus making it beneficial for patients of hyperacidity.
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Analgesic properties give relief from chest pain and the carminative properties induce the expulsion of gas from the stomach or intestines. The anti oxidant properties of ginger boosts the immune system thus making heal faster. However, Ginger is not recommended to young children.
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Chewing 5 to 6 basil leaves or crushing the leaves and consuming it with water relieves acidity to a lot of extent. Antioxidant properties boost the immune system thus making heal faster. The antihistamine properties block the action of the histamine responsible for the formation of gastric acid.
Analgesic properties give relief from chest pain. The carminative properties induce the expulsion of gas from the stomach or intestines. However, Holy basil also is reported to have an anti fertility effect and should be avoided if a woman is trying to get pregnant.
Aniseed (Saunf)
A teaspoon of aniseed in water twice daily will relieve you from acidity. The carminative properties induce the expulsion of gas from the stomach or intestines.
It is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A which brings in control the histamine production. It acts as a good stimulant by influencing the availability of certain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, in the brain.
Salad
To a cup of curd add grated cucumber, coriander, pepper and salt as per your taste. The live bacterial cultures in curd will help replenish the intestines with helpful bacteria before the harmful ones take over. Anti oxidant properties of coriander and pepper boosts the immune system thus making heal faster.
Coriander and pepper has got carminative properties which prove beneficial in expulsion of gas from the stomach or intestine. The analgesic properties of coriander will give relief from chest pain. Coriander has got antacid properties. Moreover, Cucumber has got an alkaline affect on digestion.
Lemon Juice
You can safely intake lemon juice daily. Though we typically think that citrus fruits are acidic, they are highly alkalizing in the body, because of their very low sugar content and high alkaline mineral content; lemons actually have an alkalizing effect on the body.
The antioxidant properties of lemon boost the immune system thus making heal faster. If cold catches on you frequently, then don’t opt for citrus fruits, better opt for other options.
Bananas
Bananas are known to have natural antacid properties due to their high potassium content. The antacid effect of bananas protects against stomach ulcer and stomach damage.
Bananas form thicker mucus thus accting as a barrier for stomach acids. You can have a banana in a day but people taking potassium supplements should consult their physician before eating large amount of bananas.
Things To Follow
Drinking water early in the morning will help in preventing acidity. Have foods that are alkaline in nature. Eat only when you feel hungry. Chew your food properly and lastly early to bed and early to rise will help in reducing the secretion of acid in the stomach.
Things to avoid: Avoid alcohol, coffee as they secrete more acid and damage the lining of the stomach. Don’t overeat and also avoid smoking. Avoid spicy and acidic food. Not to keep big gaps between meals. Avoid stress and tension by following some relaxation therapy.