Our stomach has a naturally acidic pH, which is essential for the digestion of food and killing any ingested bacteria.However, sometimes due to various reasons, the stomach produces excessive digestive acids, more than what is required for the digestion of food.The surplus of this acidic juice causes discomfort such as burning sensation in the stomach, difficulty swallowing, belching, nausea, indigestion, bad breath, constipation, regurgitation, restlessness, and burning sensation in the throat and heart (also known as heartburn).
* Baking SodaBaking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, provides quick and easy relief from heartburn. Being a natural antacid, it neutralizes the stomach acid and works within minutes, giving you relief from heartburn pain.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda into 1 glass of water.
- Optionally, you can mix in a few drops of lemon juice.
- Drink this solution for instant relief.
- Repeat this two to three times daily, if needed.
* GingerThe anti-inflammatory properties of ginger come into play to minimize the damage caused by acidity. It also helps combat the H. pylori bacteria responsible for the condition, and it works to neutralize stomach acids.
- When experiencing acidity, just chew a slice of fresh ginger.
- You can also put some fresh ginger slices in a cup of boiling water, let it steep for a few minutes, and then drink the liquid.
- A spoonful of ginger juice taken two to three times a day can also provide relief from acidity.
* FennelFennel is another kitchen staple enriched with carminative properties that aid digestion. Anethol, a key compound of fennel seeds, functions as a relaxant for the stomach, thereby reducing gastric spasms and flatulence.
- Simply chew some fennel seeds after eating a heavy or spicy meal.
- You can also steep 1-2 teaspoons of fennel seeds in 1 cup of hot water. Strain the liquid and drink it a few times a day.
* ButtermilkButtermilk works like a charm to curb the irritation in the gastrointestinal tract caused by a severe case of acidity. It contains lactic acid that offsets the acidity in the stomach and glazes the stomach lining, thereby soothing the irritation caused by the surplus acid.
- Grind a ½ – 1 one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds with a little water to make a paste.
- Mix it in a glass of plain buttermilk, and consume it to relieve stomach ache caused by acidity.
- You can also simply drink plain buttermilk several times a day until you get relief.
- Mix in a little black pepper or 1 teaspoon of ground coriander leaves for best results.
* Cumin SeedsCumin seeds can also be used to treat acidity as cumin works as a great acid neutralizer. Also, it aids in digestion and relieves stomach pain.
- Slightly crush some roasted cumin seeds and stir the crushed seeds into 1 glass of water. Drink the mixture after every meal.
- You can also boil 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds in 1 cup of water, strain the liquid, and then drink it after your meal.
- Another option is to mix 1 teaspoon each of coriander seed powder, cumin seed powder, fennel seed powder, and some sugar in a ½ cup of water. Drink this mixture on an empty stomach.