Rekindling the Digestive Fire: Fighting Acidity

Diseases manifest in the body because of an imbalance…and imbalances occur due to disturbance in the equilibrium of the Tridoshas. In Ayurveda, tridoshas, also known as the stambhas (pillars) of life, are like a tripod on which the body stands. The state of balance in a body varies from individual to individual depending on the prakriti or constitution of that person, which is defined by the ruling doshas in an individual’s body.

Vat which is the most dominant and important constitutes the very life of a being, for it is responsible for all activities of the body. Pitt helps in digestion and metabolism and kaph is the promoter of strength in the form of ojas.

Acidity is a condition of excess acid secretion that causes irritation and burning of the mucosal lining of the stomach. As per Ayurveda this condition occurs due to an imbalance of the pitta dosha. This condition is a result of derangement of one of the sub-types of pitta dosha, Pachak. Pachak contributes to the digestive fire through the release of gastric juices. Excess secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach is described as Amlapitta, a disorder of the sour (acid) and liquid quality of pitta.

The main symptoms tend to appear between one to two hours after eating. This is the time when gastric juices have sufficiently processed the ingested food and the excess acid begins to irritate the mucosal membrane in the stomach.

Symptoms of Acidity: Feelings of restlessness, nausea (wanting to throw up) and actual vomiting; sour belching with an aftertaste of the already-eaten food; stiffness in the stomach; lack of appetite, indigestion or even constipation.

If left untreated, the protective mucous lining may burn away allowing the strong digestive juices to form a sore in the stomach wall.

Since it is the pitta dosha that causes acidity you should avoid:
· A diet consisting of red meat, milk, paneer, eggs and vegetarian food treated with pesticides as it produces acidity in the body
· Excessively sour or spicy foods and liquids
· Fermented foods, white flour products and white sugar products
· Tea, coffee, smoking and alcohol
· Excessive exposure to sun and heat
· Curd at night
· Emotions, as it aids in increasing acidity

Remedy for acidity:

Eat at regular intervals and make sure you get adequate sleep.
Eat foods that are light, fresh and easy to digest and preferably alkaline. Barley, whole wheat, basmati rice, steamed dark leafy greens; pomegranate or cranberry juice should be a major part of your diet.
Aloe vera juice taken a half hour before or after meals can help to soothe the entire gastro-intestinal tract.
Tea made from coriander, cumin, and fennel seed is cooling to the system and is an effective digestive aid. Chamomile, mint or fenugreek tea may help reduce acid reflux symptoms too.
Sanatan Kriya also prescribes, sitting in Vajrasana for 5-10 minutes after every meal, which helps relieve acidity.

Remain healthy by avoiding acidic diet and cleanse the toxins by following a yogic lifestyle. Indulge in a lot of charity and follow the correct way of breathing.