What Is Acidity?

Acidity is also known as heartburn, acid indigestion, or pyrosis, It is a digestive fluid formed in the stomach. In addition, it is composed of hydrochloric acid, potassium chloride, and sodium chloride. This occurs when stomach acid returns to the esophagus.

The acid reflux therefore, causes a burning sensation in the lower part of the chest immediately after eating. However, this is a regular and natural process. That's why when we eat; cells within the lining of the stomach pump acid to liquefy our sumptuous dinner, from mash potatoes to a slab of steak.

A problem occurs when these cells produce a large amount of acid, more than your stomach needs. Therefore, the condition is called stomach acidity. Any burning sensation at the lower just above the stomach or below your breastbone is a clear sign that one might be suffering from Acidity.

On the other hand, excess acid secretion can also cause acidity. This happens when the normal protective lining of the stomach and duodenum (the part of the intestine that joins the stomach), is damaged.

What Are The Causes Of Acidity?

Acidity can occur:

• Due to unhealthy eating habits

• When certain foods are consumed in excess

• As a side effect of medicines

• Due to existing medical conditions

• After the consumption of alcohol, highly spicy foodstuffs, irregular food habits, and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).

What Are The Symptoms Of Acidity?

The symptoms of acid reflux include:

• Burning sensation in the stomach

• Heat feeling in the throat and heart.

• Difficulty in swallowing

• Regurgitation

• Restlessness

• Belching

• Nausea

• Prolonged sour taste in the mouth

• Bad breath

• Indigestion

• Constipation

How s Acidity Diagnosed?

In case you experience the above symptoms, it is advisable, should consult a physician for testing and verification of Acidity. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your physician may request you to do the following tests;

• You undergo and both stomach and esophagus E-rays

• An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy which enables the doctor to see the lining of the esophagus and stomach

What Are The Complications Of Acidity?

The complications of acidity include:

• Rigorous pain in both the abdomen and chest

• Excessive vomiting

• Difficulty in swallowing

• Gastric ulcers

• Cancer

Who Is Prone To Acidity?

People who are prone to acidity include;

• Those who overindulge in alcohol

• Persons who are obese

• People who often consume spicy food

• Those who often consume non-vegetarian food

• Persons who take Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs(NSAIDs)

• Women nearing menopause

• Women who are pregnant

• People who suffer from medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, peptic ulcers, or connective tissue disorders.

Treating Acidity using Natural Ingredients?

Grape juice is very effective in solving this problem. Besides the acidic taste of grapefruits, they produce an alkaline response. During digestion, the citric acid from the fruits undergoes oxidation.

Therefore, increasing the alkalinity of the content of fluids in the body system. This juice is good in the prevention and treatment of the acidity as well as many diseases caused by too much acidity in the system.

Take half a glass of grape juice twice daily for 3 weeks or take half a glass of cabbage juice and half a glass of carrot juice twice daily for 3 weeks.