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Acidity is a problem that occurs when there is an excess of acid production in the stomach. This is not an abnormality but rather required because it is acid that breaks down food into its individual constituents of protein, carbohydrates, fat, and so on. When food is swallowed and sent to the stomach via the food pipe, hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin are the first breaking-down components that get to work. When the food is broken down, a valve called the pyloric sphincter opens and allows the food to fall into the duodenum. From here it is worked upon by enzymes that break down peptides into amino acids, and carbohydrates into simple sugars for assimilation and absorption.
So, if acid is so important to digestion, why it does also become a medical problem? This occurs when the stomach produces too much acid. This can be felt in effects like a tightening of the stomach and gastroesophageal reflux.
Prolonged acidity can even cause gastritis to occur.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is one of the worst dangers of chronic acidity. In this disease, the esophageal sphincter fails to close causing acid filled food to shoot up the food pipe and create a burning sensation to the sensitive tissues of the food pipe.
The way to solve this problem is to have antacids and proton pump inhibitors that either neutralize acid when produced or shut down the production of acids altogether. This very action can be replicated by natural remedies as well.
The first remedy is to start eating according to a schedule. Respect mealtimes and ensure that you eat at a fixed time.
To settle the stomach, one of the best remedies is to have a concoction of ginger juice and honey. This will immediately settle the stomach and prevent excessive acid production. Try avoiding very spicy food as this will stimulate the excessive production of stomach acid. Another important remedy that is equivalent to antacid is a small glass of warm milk.
Ideally, when you feel like your stomach is filled with acid, you should have something to eat but if this is not convenient, just have any dairy product. Ice cream is also extremely useful in this regard. It might also be useful to not eat huge quantities at one sitting. This means that you will have to spread the amount that you do eat over more meals through the day.
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