Normally the stomach acids and digestive juices, which are very important for the digestive process, remain in the stomach or digestive system where they perform the vital function of digesting the food and absorbing the nutrients from it. These juices are prevented from coming back into the esophagus by a valve which is situated at the end of the food pipe. This valve opens only into the stomach to allow the food into the stomach. If this valve malfunctions or fails due to build up of increased pressure in the stomach, then the digestive juices may be forced back up the esophagus. This situation is termed as acidity or acid reflux. The esophagus and throat linings are not equipped to handle such strong acids. Hence, there is intense irritation in the food pipe and throat. The burning sensation so caused due to the stomach acids traveling in the food, is normally termed as heartburn.

If this occurrence is infrequent, then it is not a cause for worry. However, repeated occurrences would definitely require medical help.

Probable causes for acidity and heartburn:

Heartburn is an indication of insufficient water in the higher part of the gastrointestinal tract. It could also be caused by

•    Eating foods which are rich and spicy

•    Eating food at a rapid pace without proper chewing

•    Eating hurriedly or under nervous tension

•    Irregular sleep

•    Smoking and alcohol intake

•    Pregnancy

•    Obesity

Preventive measures for acidity and heartburn:

•    Intake of at least 8-10 glasses of water daily

•    Chewing the food properly before swallowing

•    Eating food at a relaxed pace

•    Avoid skipping meals

•    Avoid lengthy time gap between meals

•    Avoid pickles, tomato ketchup, sauce, fried foods, hot spicy foods, chocolates, mustard, vinegar, too much coffee or tea, spearmint, peppermint, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, etc.

•    Avoiding raw salad consisting of vegetables like radish, cabbage, peppers and onion.

•    Unripe high pectin fruits like unripe apple should be avoided.

•    A mixture of two tsp of raw honey with two tsp of natural apple cider vinegar along with water should be taken before meals.

•    Smoking and alcohol intake should be reduced.

•    Allow sometime between eating and going to bed.

Some home remedies for acidity and heartburn:

•    Sucking slowly on a piece of clove after meals provides instant relief and also helps in reducing the probability of other complications.

•    Eating a piece of Jaggery after lunch or dinner helps.

•    Eating a banana daily will ensure protective action against acidity and heartburn

•    One tsp juice of amla (Indian gooseberry) mixed with one tsp of chebulic myroblan to be taken daily.

•    Fennel has also been found useful for heartburn.

•    Ginger aids in preventing acidity.

•    Drinking water gives immediate relief from acidity.

•    Vanilla ice-cream or cold milk may also provide relief.

•    Chewing on a bubble-gum will provide instant relief from acidity.

•    Sometimes there is not enough acid in the stomach to digest the food properly. This leads to heartburn. Drinking a teaspoon of vinegar, which is an antacid, gets rid of the acid. Then, the body produces enough acid to digest the food and the heartburn stops.

•    Calcium is also quite effective in treating heartburn. A glass of milk or some yogurt or ice cream will do the trick.

•    Avoid bending or any other posture which will aid in the reflux of the food for 3-4 hours after meals.

•    A pillow with high elevation should be used while sleeping.

•    A few almonds should be eaten on feeling of heartburn symptoms.

•    Coconut water should be consumed 4-5 times a day.

•    After every meal chew on some carom seeds.