What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is a disease of the digestive system in which
the food pipe lining gets irritated by bile or stomach acid. In other words, it
is the backward flow of stomach acid into the food pipe. During an episode of
acid reflux, an individual can feel a burning sensation in the chest.
According to Ayurveda, acid reflux is caused by a disproportion of the Pitta Dosha, which governs digestion. Acid reflux or acidity may arise from anything that enhances the fire element in the body, which is what the Pitta dosha signifies. We go into further detail regarding ayurvedic treatments for acidity in this post.
How Does Acid Reflux Develop?
It can take place due to numerous reasons such as:
- Overeating large meals just before bedtime.
- Lying down right after a meal.
- Overeating junk food.
- Being overweight.
- Drinking carbonated drinks, alcohol, or a lot of stimulants such as coffee, or tea.
- Smoking.
- Eating food items such as citrus, sugary products, tomato, spicy or fatty food, chocolate, mint, garlic, and onions.
- Improper diet and lifestyle.
- Belching.
How frequent is acid reflux?
Acid reflux or Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD. The
incidence of GERD is quite high in the general population, it can affect
approximately up to 20% of the worldwide population.
These are the main signs and symptoms of acid reflux.
The main sign and symptoms of acidity or acid reflux are as follows:
- Heartburn is a burning sensation from the stomach to the chest or even up to the throat.
- Black or bloody vomiting or stools.
- Burping.
- Bitter or Sour acid reflecting back in the throat from the abdomen.
- Recurrent Hiccuphs.
- Chronic sore throat, Wheezing, dry cough, hoarseness of voice.
Ayurveda’s approach to eliminating Acid reflux
Ayurveda is a holistic approach, so it recognises the causes
as well as recommends diet precautions. Additionally, lowers the risk of
recurrence. Pitta-enhancing foods should
be eliminated from the diet. For eliminating the chronic problem of Acid reflux,
four important changes in day-to-day life are required which are as follows:
Ayurvedic Herbs
Ayurvedic treatment for acidity or acid reflux consists of
wonderful herbs from mother nature which are as follows:
1.
Calendula Officinalis (Marigold flower)
Marigold has antibacterial and
anti-inflammatory properties which help in treating acidity. Tea prepared by
boiling marigold flowers is effective for treating digestive problems like acid
reflux, gastritis, and ulcers.
2.
Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle)
It acts as a strong antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory agent. It comforts and helps improve acidity in the
stomach. It helps in the elimination of indigestion and bloating. It can be
taken in the form of tea which will relieve acidity.
3.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory,
diuretic, antimicrobial, antiulcer, antioxidant and analgesic properties.
Hence, it is effective in treating gastrointestinal diseases. Additionally,
aloe vera gel is effective in cleansing toxins out of the digestive system. It
can be consumed in the form of juice or can be added to mixed juice.
2. Changes in Diet
The first and foremost step in ayurvedic treatment for acidity
includes eliminating junk food, Alcohol, salty, sour, spicy food and carbonated
drinks from the diet. Avoid using tomatoes, garlic, ginger, onions, and vinegar
while cooking. Curd should be avoided strictly at night.
Eating meals in a relaxed atmosphere is important. Fasting
or upvasa from time to time will help in relieving the symptoms, however, it is
not recommended to overdo it.
Remaining mindful of diet is pivotal as consuming the wrong
foods can aggravate indigestion and ultimately the problem of acid reflux.
3. Changes in Lifestyle
In order to attain a state of health, maintaining the proper
lifestyle plays and vital role. Food should be consumed only and only when a
person is feeling hungry.
A sedentary lifestyle leads to many diseases, so,
continuously sitting in one place should be avoided. Eating a larger quantity
of food at once should be avoided necessarily. Activities such as jogging,
walking, and stretching should be involved in daily routines which will help in
easing out the symptoms of indigestion and acidity.
4. Yoga and Meditation
Obesity can increase the pressure on the abdomen and
oesophagal sphincter, significantly increasing the risk of heartburn and acid
reflux. For getting rid of obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, practising yoga
will give immense benefits. Thus, eating moderately and practising yoga asanas
are the most effective for reducing weight. It will not only lead to weight
loss but also result in lowering the discomfort of acidity.
Pranayama and Yoga asanas such as Vajrasana, Bhujangasana,
Bhastrika Pranayama, Shitkari Pranayama and Shitali Pranayama. Apart from this,
meditation will relieve stress and anxiety which will make an individual feel
fresh.
What measures does ayurveda advise against Acid reflux?
The most effective ayurvedic treatment for acidity or acid reflux includes avoiding the foods and drinks which trigger the symptoms of indigestion and acid reflux.
- Don’t wear tight belts and tight clothes.
- Smoking should be avoided.
- Eat small meals throughout the day despite of larger meals.
- Eat dinner 2-3 hours before sleeping.
- While sleeping, keep your head elevated with pillows.
Ayurvedic tips for heartburn relief or acidity.
Using some spices and herbs in meals such as fennel seeds, carom seeds, rock candy (mishri), green cardamom, basil leaves, and coriander seeds, turmeric, cumin, coriander, basil leaves and asafoetida can also help.
- Using some spices and herbs in meals such as fennel seeds, carom seeds, rock candy (mishri), coriander seeds, cumin, and coriander can also help.
- Drink cumin tea or coriander tea once a day.
- Drinking fresh coconut water is one of the effective natural remedies to reduce heartburn.
- Drinking water immediately after meals should be avoided as it can slow down digestion.
- Drinking lukewarm water will help in the digestion and absorption of food.
- Suppressing natural urges such as passing urine, flatus or stool, yawning, sneezing, belching, and even crying. Suppression can aggravate Pitta Dosha in the stomach.
- Include Buttermilk with Sendha salt and cumin drink in the diet.
- Consume desi- cow’s ghee regularly, this provides the texture for the inner lining of the oesophagus, and in nature, this is pitta (shamak) relieving.
To conclude, these precautions can be taken for getting rid
of acid reflux. The above changes in diet, lifestyle, herbs, yoga and
meditation can help tremendously, nevertheless, if the symptoms are severe and
persistent an individual should contact an expert Ayurvedic practitioner.
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