The stomach normally secretes acid that is essential in the digestive process. This acid helps in breaking down the food during digestion. When there is excess production of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach, it results in the condition known as acidity. It is more common in highly emotional and nervous individuals.
Important causes of acidity are:
• Obesity
• Spicy food
• Caffeine intake
• Smoking
• Stress
• Pregnancy
• Fatty foods/overeating and eating in a hurry
• Drinking alcohols.
Symptoms of acidity:
Chest pain
Chest pain, which occurs because stomach acid is splashing into the esophagus, is a classic acid reflux symptom. But the pain can last longer and be more intense than expected.
Pain worsens at rest
The acid that is supposed to stay in your stomach is more likely to escape into your esophagus when you lie down or bend over, causing heartburn.
Post-meal pain
Pain that sets in right after a meal—especially a big meal—often means the stomach is overloaded and its contents have nowhere to go but up.
Bitter taste
Sometimes acid escaping from your stomach can make its way into the back of your throat, leaving an icky, bitter taste in your mouth.
Hoarseness
You might think you’re in the early stages of a cold when your voice tarts cracking, but hoarseness can be another heartburn symptom.
Nausea
If the nausea tends to come on right after meals, that’s even more of an indication that it might be acid reflux.
Extra saliva
If your mouth all of a sudden starts producing extra saliva, it could be water brash, which is highly suggestive of acid reflux.
Trouble swallowing
Over time, the continuous cycle of damage and healing after acid reflux causes scarring. This, in turn, causes swelling in the lower-esophagus tissue, resulting in a narrowing of the esophagus and difficulty swallowing.
What can be done to reduce it?
• Eating small portions of food rather than over eating.
• Slow down the speed of eating. Chew it properly before swallowing.
• Cut back on the fat. Roast, bake or grill your food rather than frying it.
• Citric foods have a low pH level, they are acidic in nature and should be avoided.
• Acidity of the foods can be reduced by eating them in small quantities along with some non acidic foods like vegetables and pasta.
• Drinks that contain caffeine should be avoided. Instead you can try herbal teas, smoothies, cold milk etc.
• Avoid eating chocolate after heavy meals or on an empty stomach.
• Avoid spicy food along with onion, garlic and peppermint.
• Try Chewing gum as it produces saliva which neutralize acids and signals the stomach to move its contents into intestines.
• Take gaps of at least 3 hours between dinner and bedtime.
