Home remedies for acidity make it easy to treat the condition of excessive secretion of acids in the stomach during the process of digestion. The most commonly used remedies include consuming plantains, cumin seeds, orange juice, cloves, milk, honey, apple cider vinegar, ginger, jaggery, aerated drinks, coconut water, coriander leaves, leafy vegetables, and sprouts, among a number of other similar food products.
Acidity, which is a synonym for heartburn and acid reflux, is a very uncomfortable condition that may occur in people from different age groups. In the case of acidity, there is excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid (required to digest food by breaking it into simpler forms) by the gastric glands. The home remedies help to treat this stomach disorder to a certain extent in most people.
Home Remedies for Acidity
There are many home remedies for acidity, which apply to the treatment of this condition. Here is a list of these natural home remedies:
Drinking Water
It is a natural home remedy to drink two glasses of water in the morning regularly. This helps to maintain the level of acids in the stomach and dilutes the excess of acid produced. As per as study, It increases the gastric pH > 4 in 1 minute and the effect lasts for 3 minutes. [1]
Sleep on your left side
Sleeping on your left side may help reduce symptoms of acidity or acid reflux for some individuals, but it’s not a universal solution. This is because when you lie on your left side, your stomach is below your esophagus, which helps to prevent acid from flowing back up into the esophagus.
Another study suggests that it effectively reduces nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and improves GERD-related quality of life. [2]
Holy Basil
Holy basil plays an important role in treating the problem of acidity. A person suffering from it must consume cleaned and washed leaves of this plant regularly, preferably on an empty stomach.
Milk
Milk is considered one of the most popular treatments for acidity. You may also consume other dairy products in order to keep this health condition away. Drinking a cup (100ml- 150ml) of cold milk after 1-2 hours of having large meals especially dinner is a great home remedy to curb acidity experienced generally during nocturnal hours.
However, due to the stimulating effects of protein and calcium on gastric acid secretion, the frequent ingestion of milk by patients with peptic ulcers may warrant reconsideration. [3]
White Vinegar
White vinegar, when taken with meals, helps to ease heartburn and also aids in the proper digestion of food. It is recommended to take two spoonfuls (about 8-10ml) of white vinegar with every meal.
Acidity can cause burning chest pain. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Maintain Upright Posture During and After Meals
Adopting proper posture during meals and refraining from lying flat for at least two hours post-meal are essential practices as per the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFGD). Sitting upright aids in proper digestion, preventing gastric contents from flowing back into the esophagus. [4]
Sugar Cane Flour
Sugar cane flour, also known as sugarcane pith fiber, is a gluten-free flour made from the fibrous residue of sugar cane stalks.
In a double-blinded trial with 43 participants, those receiving sugarcane flour showed significant reductions in heartburn and overall symptoms compared to the placebo group. However, further research is warranted.
[5]
Jaggery
Jaggery in appropriate amounts is also among the most effective home-based remedies for acidity. It is good to consume small amounts of this product (around 10 grams) along with your meal.
Ginger
Ginger is a natural remedy for the treatment of acidity. In fact, it is recommended to add a touch of ginger to every food item to keep the body’s pH levels balanced.
Mint Leaves
It is also a good idea to chew mint leaves with boiled water to keep acidity at bay. Mint juice is also advised for the same purpose.
Aloe Vera
The aloe plant can also be a good home treatment for curing acidity, according to an article published in The Hindu. [6]
Another study substantiates the findings and found that aloe vera reduced symptoms of GERD, frequencies of heartburn, flatulence and belching. [7]
Pineapples and Oranges
Pineapple and orange juice, with added salt, are also effective in fighting against heartburn.
Fruits and Nuts
Almonds, cucumbers, lemons, lemon juice, watermelons, and bananas are also recommended nature-based foods for the treatment of acidity. [8]
Onion Juice
One of the most important home remedies for acidity is fresh onion juice. [9]
Raw potato juice
Potatoes are highly alkaline and hence, raw potato juice can help reduce acid content in the stomach. It has also anti-inflammatory properties which may help reduce inflammation.
Anise Seeds
Boiled water, along with anise seeds are great ideas to treat acidity. Allow the mixture to stand for some time, strain and then add a spoonful of honey to enhance its effectiveness.
Ginger Juice
Ginger juice, mixed with roasted cumin seeds and rock salt, happens to be an excellent option for the treatment of acidity.
Note: People suffering from kidney disorders must avoid using rock salt due to its high potassium content.
Acidity occurs when there is excess secretion of acids in the gastric glands. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Coconut Water
Coconut water is also helpful in restoring the normal secretion of stomach acids.
Curd with Vegetables
According to an article published in the American Chronicle, one of the simplest home remedies includes the preparation of raita, which is curd mixed with grated cucumber and coriander. This aids digestion and helps regulate acid in the stomach.
Word of caution: Always remember that you should not just completely rely on home remedies if your symptoms are severe. If you’re experiencing too much discomfort, then you should make sure to see a doctor.
