Acidity : Causes, symptoms and treatment !

Acidity is one of the most common ailment experienced. Burning sensation below chest or in the stomach is known as acidity. Stomach usually produces secures hydrochloric acid which helps in breakdown and digestion of food. When the amount of hydrochloric acid secretion exceeds, it flows back in the food pipe and we feel burning sensation in stomach. While most people suffer in pain, they do not realise that poor life choices are the primary reason behind acidity.

What are the causes of acidity?

• Unhealthy food habits

• Excessive consumption of spicy and non vegetarian food

• Smoking and alcohol consumption

• Existing medical conditions like peptic ulcers

• Stress

• Inadequate sleep

• Side effects of medications

What are the symptoms of acidity?

• Burning sensation in stomach, throat and heart

• Chest burn

• Regurgitation

• Difficulty in swallowing

• Belching

• Nausea

• Restlessness

• Sour taste in mouth

• Indigestion

• Bad breath

What are the treatments available for acidity?

Acidity is usually treat by antacids. Antacids help in reducing the excess secretion of Hydrochloric acid in stomach. In case of complications, you may have to visit your doctor. Complicated acidity can be treated by surgery to reduce the production of hydrochloric acid in stomach.

How to prevent acidity ?

• Practice healthy diet

• Quit smoking and reduce the alcohol consumption

• Eat smaller meals throughout the day

• Keep 2-3 hours of gap between your meals and sleep

• Avoid lying down immediately after eating

• Exercise to lose excess weight.

Acidity is often mistreated or ignored by patients but timely treatment for those annoying heartburns may prevent further complications.

They say it right, ‘Healthy gut, healthy you’