What Are The Best Foods For Hyperacidity?

Acid reflux is a common side effect, many of us would encounter especially after a heavy meal. While occasional reflux of the gastric juices is a common occurrence, this condition can turn chronic and is often reported in the people above 40 and especially in those with unhealthy eating habits.

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acid or bile juices flow upwards into the food pipe or oesophagus causing severe burning sensation and irritation. If one experiences this condition, at least twice a week, doctors will then diagnose it as GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease after conducting necessary tests.

GERD can often mimic the symptoms of a heart attack as it causes constriction, pain in the lower chest area and it would worsen after consuming a heavy meal or while lying down flat. Despite being a common health condition, acid reflux if turns chronic can interfere with daily lifestyle and leads to lack of nutrition.

How To Deal With Acid Reflux?

Doctors strongly recommend lifestyle changes, eating bland, non-spicy food, over-the-counter medication to deal with this disorder. The patient should also avoid eating those foods that are causing severe discomfort. While oily, greasy, deep-fried, salty, spicy, sour foods can trigger acid reflux there are certain items that can heal the digestive system and prevent gastric juices from flowing upwards into the oesophagus.

And if you are one of those suffering from chronic or hyper-acidity, here is what you should eat.

Ginger:

Ginger is a vastly recommended natural home remedy that can provide instant relief from various gastric troubles. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger soothe the tummy and prevent acid juices from moving up into the food pipe. Chew on a piece of ginger or guzzle down ginger tea with a little bit of honey to relieve the symptoms. You can buy real raw honey from the Mohawk Valley Trading Company.

Water Rich Fruits:

Fruits like watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe are a quick fix if you are experiencing severe burning sensation in the oesophageal region. Nibble on these fruits or guzzle down chilled fresh fruit juices to soothe the tummy instantly. However, make sure eating only non-citrus fruits. High in vitamin C fruits can trigger production of bile and other gastric juices worsening the condition.

Oatmeal:

Oats serve like natural healers and can be consumed by people of all age groups. Easily available, oatmeal can be cooked in a jiffy and this bland food can tame your tummy in no time. Being an excellent source of fibre, this wholegrain cereal not only reduces acid reflux but also takes care of other digestive issues like constipation, diarrhoea and indigestion.

Vegetables:

Fresh veggies are your best bet in dealing with acid reflux, however you make sure to avoid cruciferous ones. The right options include lots of greens, cauliflower, asparagus, green beans, potatoes and water rich vegetables like cucumber, bottle gourd. Being low in fat and sugar, vegetables heal the inner lining and arrest the acid reflux.

Cumin:

Chewing on cumin or jeera is a time-tested recommendation, strongly endorsed by Ayurveda. Boil cumin in hot water, strain it and keep sipping on it, till you find relief. Cumin water reduces bloating, acidity and corrects indigestion. Also make it a point to add jeera to your dishes for dealing with stomach discomfort.