All about acidity

Acid reflux is a common phenomenon these days. In almost every session that we conduct, we always find people suffering from acidity. Heartburn leading to high levels of discomfort and lack of sleep is what troubles; however, the beauty is that with very simple changes, one can be free of acidity.

So, what is acidity? At the entrance to your stomach is a valve called LES, which closes as soon as food passes through it. However, if this doesn't close fully or opens too often, the acid produced by the stomach moves up the esophagus, causing acidity.

Read on for some simple steps that will free you from an acid reflux:

Go Plant Based: Products that come from animals – meat and dairy – cause acidity. Meat is the hardest food for the stomach to digest, while milk creates excessive secretion of acid. Going plant based opens your world to an incredible variety of foods to indulge in and savour, with no fear of a reflux.

Have Herbal Teas: Tea and coffee grow in acidic soils. Caffeine also leads to an increased secretion of gastric acid, not to mention the milk and sugar that goes along!

Indulge in Nature's Sugars: Refined white sugars, coupled with preservatives in processed foods create an acidic environment. Opt for fruits and dry fruits to combat your sugar cravings. And, of course, avoid packaged foods.

Check your Drinks: Carbonated drinks increase the pressure levels in our stomach causing acid reflux. Alcohol not only increases the gastric acid but dehydrates you too. Thirsty? Have a smoothie or even a glass of water or a freshly squeezed lemonade instead!

Bake instead of Fry : Fried foods and those foods high in trans-fats wreak havoc on the digestive system. These foods are heavy and slow down the digestive process. Also, fried foods get stuck for a longer time in the digestive tract leading to extra pressure on the system.

Go Easy on Fibre: If you are not used to having whole foods, then a sudden high fibre intake can cause acidity, so go slow initially. Great to have fibre, but it takes time for the body to get used to it.

Mindful Eating : Eat only till you are 3/4th full, chew your food thoroughly and have smaller meals.

Daily Exercise: This does wonders for the digestive system.

Go Medicine Free: Antibiotics, steroids cause acidity. A whole plant-based diet can help you get medicine-free.

Stress Free: Stress and lack of sleep are also connected with acidity. Work on your mental health. Everyone goes through stressful situations. However, the option of whether to take on the stress or leave it alone is entirely your choice.