It’s true, acidity can affect people differently, and remedies often vary based on personal experiences and cultural beliefs. Sharing remedies within families and communities can be helpful in finding relief, as everyone’s body responds differently to treatments. At the time of acidity, all that we’re trying to seek is quick relief from acidity.
Let’s understand what acidity is and how to get quick relief from it. Stomach acid, also known as gastric acid, primarily consists of hydrochloric acid, a strong acid with a low pH. Its main function is to aid in the digestion of food by breaking down proteins and killing harmful bacteria. The stomach lining is protected from the corrosive effects of this acid by a layer of mucus. However, when the acid moves up into the esophagus, which lacks this protective lining, it can cause irritation and discomfort, leading to heartburn.
It’s a remarkable aspect of human physiology that our bodies can produce such a potent substance for digestion while also having mechanisms to prevent it from harming the delicate tissues of the digestive tract.
The pH scale, used by scientists to measure acidity, ranges from 1 to 14, with 14 indicating high alkalinity, 7 representing neutrality, and 1 indicating high acidity. Your stomach produces a cocktail of digestive compounds, including enzymes like lipase, responsible for breaking down fat, and pepsin, responsible for breaking down protein, alongside acid. It produces this heady mixture, known as gastric juice, at a rate of around 17 cups (4 liters) per day.
Let’s Explore Ways To Obtain Quick Relief From Acidity
1. Baking Soda
It serves as a quick relief agent from acidity. You can use it to calm some episodes of heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. To achieve this, dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and consume it slowly. To ensure safety, use this baking soda remedy occasionally, not frequently. It’s recommended to discuss with your doctor about the safe use of baking soda.
2. Licorice Supplements
A 2017 study suggests that licorice root, an ancient herbal remedy, potentially aids with heartburn for quick relief from acidity. The study found that herbal formulas containing licorice consistently offered better heartburn relief compared to commonly used antacids. However, excessive consumption of licorice may result in elevated blood pressure, reduced potassium levels, and interference with certain medications. Before consuming licorice or DGL supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your doctor.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Some people use apple cider vinegar as another home remedy for quick relief from acidity to treat heartburn. They believe that drinking apple cider vinegar could improve digestive health. However, solid evidence does not yet support this claim. Nevertheless, consuming small amounts of diluted apple cider vinegar is typically considered safe.
4. Ginger
Some people believe that ginger, with its long history of use in Chinese medicine, helps relieve nausea, so it may be worth trying for heartburn. However, using large doses of ginger may actually cause heartburn or other problems, so it’s advisable to use it in small amounts.
5. Chewing Gum
Chewing gums, interestingly, acts as a medium of quick relief from acidity. An older study from 2005 suggests chewing sugar-free gum after meals to potentially increase swallowing frequency, thereby improving the clearance rate of reflux in the esophagus. However, there is no follow-up evidence to support this claim. Chewing also boosts saliva production, which can help weaken stomach acid. But, it is important to avoid chewing gums containing sugar, as they may worsen symptoms or cause dental erosion. Additionally, people with acid reflux should avoid mint-flavored gums, such as peppermint and spearmint, as these may also aggravate symptoms.
6. Aloe Vera
This is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help soothe the esophagus and reduce the symptoms of acidity. You can consume half a cup of Aloe Vera juice before meals to prevent acidity and promote better digestion.
7. Fennel Seeds/Saunf
The most conventional ingredient for quick relief from acidity is Saunf.
Having around 1 teaspoon fennel powder with a glass of warm water relieves acidit. And also relieves its symptoms like heartburn, bloating and improves digestion. This will certainly help you obtain quick relief from acidity.
Conclusion
Quick relief from acidity has been explored through various methods discussed in this article. Acidity, a common ailment experienced by many, has prompted diverse remedies suggested by family members or society. Understanding the nature of acidity reveals the impressive aspects of human physiology. Such as the composition of stomach acid and its protective mechanisms. The above mentioned remedies, though diverse in nature, aim to alleviate symptoms and promote better digestive health. Many seek quick relief from acidity, prompting them to explore these varied approaches for symptom management and overall well-being.
