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the stomach, producing gas, bad breath, stomach ache and other symptoms.
According to Delhi-based Nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat, "Acidity can be caused
due to a long gap between meals, empty stomach or excessive intake of tea,
coffee, smoking or alcohol. When the secretion of acids is more than usual -
we experience heartburn or acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux
disease), which is normally triggered when we eat a heavy meal or spicy
foods.
1. Basil Leaves
The soothing and carminative properties of basil leaves can give you instant
relief from acidity. At the first sign of gas, eat a few basil leaves or boil 3-4
basil leaves in a cup of water and let it simmer for a few minutes. Sip on it
frequently.
2. Fennel
You can also chew sauf after meals, to prevent acidity, advises Nutritionist
Anshul Jaibharat. For its multitude of gastrointestinal benefits
, fennel tea is sure to help the digestive tract be healthy and happy. The tea is
considered very useful to help indigestion and bloating because of the oils
found in these seeds, according to Shilpa Arora ND, a renowned Health
Practitioner, Nutritionist and certified Macrobiotic Health Coach.
3. Cinnamon
This humble spice works as a natural antacid and can settle your stomach, by
improving digestion and absorption. For relief, drink cinnamon tea to heal
infections in the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Buttermilk
Did you know that buttermilk is categorised as a sattvic food in Ayurveda? So,
the next time you get acidity after eating a heavy or spicy meal, skip the
antacid and drink a glass of chaas instead. Buttermilk contains lactic acid that
normalizes acidity in the stomach. Sprinkle a dash of black pepper or 1
teaspoon of ground coriander leaves for best results.
5. Jaggery
Ever wondered why our elders finish a meal with gur? Due to its
high magnesiumcontent, jaggery helps boost intestinal strength, says Dr.
Manoj K. Ahuja, Fortis Hospital, New Delhi. It aids digestion and makes your
digestive system more alkaline in nature, thus reducing stomach acidity. Suck
on a small piece of gur after a meal, and reap the benefits. Since jaggery also
helps maintain normal body temperature, cooling the stomach - experts
recommend drinking Gur Sharbat (jaggery soaked in ice cold water) during
the summer.
6. Cloves
Over the years, cloves have grabbed a prominent place in traditional Chinese
medicine and Ayurveda to treat digestive disorders. Cloves are carminative in
nature, thus preventing the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. Add
cloves while cooking foods like kidney beans or black gram that tend to cause
flatulence. You can even eat crushed cloves and cardamom (mixed in equal
amounts) to treat acidity, and get rid of bad breath (which often accompanies
this problem).
7. Cumin Seeds
8. Ginger
Beneath its knobbly exterior, ginger hides many health benefits. Ginger has
excellent digestive and anti-inflammatory
properties, says Dr. Ahuja, Fortis Hospital. To help neutralize stomach acids,
you can chew a slice of fresh ginger, or have a spoonful of ginger juice two-
three times a day, or steep fresh ginger in a cup of boiling water and drink up.
9. Cold Milk
Very often, your acid reflux is in fact the result of too little stomach acid. Thats
where apple cider vinegar
steps in. Simply mix 1-2 teaspoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a
cup of water and drink it once or twice a day. You can also take a tablespoon
of apple cider vinegar, and chase it with a glass of water.
11. Coconut Water
Bananas contain natural antacids that can act as a buffer against acid reflux.
This is the simplest home remedy for getting rid of acidity. Eat one banana
every day to prevent discomfort.