Acidity: Foods that Help, Home Remedies, and Important Do's and Don'ts

Acidity is one of the most common digestive issues today. Whether it's eating too fast, long gaps between meals, stress, or wrong food combinations, acidity can disturb your whole day.

Image source: freepik.com

You feel a burning sensation in the chest, heaviness in the stomach, sour burps, and sometimes even throat irritation. And once it starts, it keeps coming back unless you fix the root cause.

The good news? With a few simple home remedies, mindful eating habits, and daily lifestyle changes, you can control acidity naturally.

---

What Exactly Is Acidity?

Acidity happens when excess stomach acid flows back into the food pipe (esophagus). This causes:

• Heartburn

• Chest burning

• Sour burps

• Bloating

• Nausea

• Throat irritation

• Heaviness after meals

In Ayurveda, this is known as Amlapitta — a condition where Pitta (heat) increases in the stomach due to wrong food and lifestyle choices.

Common Causes of Acidity

Some daily habits unknowingly trigger acidity:

• Skipping meals or long gaps between meals

• Eating fried, spicy, or oily foods

• Drinking too much tea/coffee

• Stress and lack of sleep

• Late-night dinners

• Eating very fast

• Consuming too much citrus or sour foods

• Overeating

• Sedentary lifestyle

Correcting these small habits creates a big difference.

Best Home Remedies for Acidity (That Actually Work)

Here are some gentle, home-based remedies you can try to naturally reduce acidity. However, remember that if your symptoms are severe or don’t improve, you should always consult a doctor.

1. Cumin Seeds (Jeera)

   • Why it helps: Cumin has compounds that may help neutralise stomach acid and support digestion.

   • How to use: Roast 1–2 teaspoons of cumin seeds lightly and chew them after a meal. Or boil them in a cup of water, strain, and drink the infusion warm.

2. Fennel Seeds (Saunf)

   • Why it helps: Fennel can soothe gas and relax the digestive tract.

   • How to use: Chew a small pinch after meals, or steep in hot water to make a soothing fennel tea.

3. Ginger (Adrak)

   • Why it helps: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can support digestion and acid balance.

   • How to use: Boil fresh, sliced ginger in water, let it steep for a few minutes, and drink it as tea about 30 minutes before a meal.

4. Jaggery (Gur)

   • Why it helps: A small piece of jaggery after food can stimulate digestive enzymes and help balance stomach pH.

   • Caution: Avoid this if you have diabetes — jaggery has sugar, so use it very sparingly.

5. Holy Basil (Tulsi)

   • Why it helps: Tulsi has soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the stomach lining.

   • How to use: Chew 4–5 fresh tulsi leaves after a meal or boil them in water for a mild basil tea.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

   • Why it helps: Some acidity arises because of low stomach acid; ACV can help boost it (in small amounts).

   • How to use: Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water, and drink 15–20 minutes before meals.

7. Buttermilk (Chaas)

   • Why it helps: Buttermilk’s lactic acid can help neutralise excess stomach acid.

   • How to use: Drink a small glass of buttermilk after lunch or dinner to soothe digestion.

8. Alkaline Foods / Fruits

   • Examples: Ripe banana, papaya, and coconut water.

   • Why they help: These are naturally less acidic and help neutralise stomach acid quickly.

   • How to use: Keep a banana or papaya handy for quick relief; sip coconut water when you feel burning.

9. Cold Milk

• Why it helps: Calcium in milk can help absorb excess acid.

• How to use: Take small sips of cold milk slowly when you feel acidity

10. Mulethi (Licorice root) Powder

• Why it helps: Mulethi soothes the stomach lining, reduces inflammation, and potentially decreases stomach acid secretion.

• How to use: Mix ½ tsp mulethi powder with warm water.

• Jaggery and milk contain sugar — avoid or use carefully if you have diabetes.

• If you take prescription medicines (esp. for the heart, blood pressure, diabetes), check with your doctor before trying new herbal remedies.

• Home remedies help many people, but they are not a substitute for medical advice.

Small Safety Notes

1. Jaggery and milk contain sugar — avoid or use carefully if you have diabetes.

2. If you take prescription medicines (esp. for the heart, blood pressure, diabetes), check with your doctor before trying new herbal remedies.
3. Home remedies help many people, but they are not a substitute for medical advice.

Quick remedies for instant relief

• Eat a ripe banana or sip coconut water.

• Take small sips of cold milk slowly until you feel better.

• Chew roasted cumin or fennel for mild relief and to reduce gas.

Ayurvedic Daily Habits to Control Acidity

1. Eat smaller meals more frequently

Don’t let the stomach stay empty for too long.

2. Maintain regular eating times

Our digestive fire (Agni) works best with routine.

3. Add cooling foods

Cucumber, coconut water, buttermilk, banana, and soaked almonds.

4. Sleep on your left side

Helps reduce nighttime acidity.

5. Don’t lie down immediately after meals

Keep at least a 2–3 hour gap before sleeping.

Do’s & Don’ts for Acidity

✔️ Do’s

• Eat freshly cooked food.

• Drink lukewarm water during the day.

• Chew your food properly.

• Include fibre-rich foods

• Keep stress low

• Stay active — even a 20-minute walk helps

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t drink tea/coffee on an empty stomach.

• Don’t eat late-night dinners.

• Don’t eat very spicy or fried foods regularly.

• Don’t overeat

• Don’t lie down immediately after eating.

• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.

When You Should Visit a Doctor

Most cases of acidity are harmless and manageable at home.
But seek medical help if you notice:

• Persistent acidity for more than 2 weeks

• Difficulty swallowing

• Vomiting or blood in vomit

• Unexplained weight loss

• Chest pain spreading to the shoulder/arm.

• Acidity disturbs sleep daily.

These signs may indicate a more serious issue like GERD or an ulcer, and a doctor’s evaluation is necessary.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor for diagnosis or treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main cause of acidity?

Acidity mainly happens when stomach acid flows back into the food pipe due to irregular eating habits, long gaps between meals, spicy or oily food, stress, and overeating.

2. How can I get instant relief from acidity at home?

For quick relief, you can try cold milk, a banana, saunf water, or sucking on a clove. These soothe the stomach and reduce burning.

3. Is drinking hot water good for acidity?

Yes, sipping warm water improves digestion and reduces acid formation. But avoid extremely hot water — it may irritate the stomach.

4. Which foods reduce acidity naturally?

Cooling and light foods like banana, cucumber, coconut water, buttermilk, oats, and soaked almonds help reduce acidity.

5. Can I drink tea or coffee if I have acidity?

You can, but avoid drinking tea or coffee on an empty stomach. Also, limit them to 1–2 cups a day, as both increase acid production.

6. Does stress increase acidity?

Yes. Stress affects digestion and increases acid imbalance. Practicing deep breathing, meditation, or simple walks can help reduce acidity.

7. Is it okay to lie down after eating?

No. Lying down immediately after meals can trigger acid reflux. Always keep a 2–3 hour gap before sleeping.

8. Can acidity cause chest pain?

Yes, severe acidity can cause burning chest pain. But if the pain spreads to the arm, neck, or shoulder, or stays for a long time, consult a doctor immediately.

9. Which Ayurvedic herbs help with acidity?

Mulethi, saunf, amla, gulkand, aloe vera, and jeera are commonly used in Ayurveda to calm excess Pitta and improve digestion.

10. When should I see a doctor for acidity?

If acidity lasts more than 2 weeks, causes difficulty swallowing, repeated vomiting, or sudden weight loss, you should seek medical help.

References:

1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
   “Definition & Facts for GERD.”
   U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

2. American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).
   “Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.”

3. Mayo Clinic Staff.
   “Heartburn / Acid Reflux — Symptoms & Causes.”
   Mayo Clinic.

4. Cleveland Clinic.
   “GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.”

5. Johns Hopkins Medicine.
   “Acid Reflux, GERD and Heartburn.”

6. Harvard Health Publishing.
   “Foods and habits that worsen acid reflux.”

7. Indian Ayurvedic Classical Texts (for your Ayurveda-based sections):

   • Ashtanga Hridaya – Sutrasthana

   • Charaka Samhita – Chikitsa Sthana (Amlapitta chapter)

   • Sushruta Samhita – Nidana Sthana
     (Use these when mentioning Ayurvedic causes, remedies, and doshas.)

8. AYUSH Ministry, Government of India.
   “Ayurveda Guidelines for Digestive Health & Amlapitta.”

9. World Journal of Gastroenterology.
   Research articles on diet, lifestyle, and GERD.

10. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.
    Studies on Ayurvedic herbs like mulethi, amla, jeera, saunf, and cooling foods for Amlapitta.