Long working hours, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise is what defines most our current lifestyles. All of these factors contribute to the rise in acid levels in the gastric glands of our stomach. Excess acid secretion leads to acidity. Acidity or heartburn is that uneasy feeling you experience in your stomach to abdomen or chest, or even up into your throat. You may also experience regurgitation which is the feeling of a sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into your throat or mouth. At times, you may even feel bloated and nauseated.

There are several antacids available in the market to help relieve acidity. However, though antacids provide instant relief, its side-effects can cause damage to your body in the long run. So, it is always preferable to ease symptoms of acidity using natural food articles.

Here are 6 food items available in your kitchen that can relieve acidity naturally.

1. Tulsi/Basil Leaves

Tulsi or Basil leaves help curb effects of acid reflux on the stomach and esophageal lining. It promotes the production of mucus in the stomach that prevents excess acid formation. You can have 5-6 fresh basil leaves raw by chewing it well or you can boil the leaves in water and then drink when it cools down.

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2. Buttermilk/Chaas

Buttermilk can effectively treat acidity as it contains lactic acid that aids in normalizing the acidity in the stomach.

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3. Cold Milk

Since milk is high in calcium, it helps to control excess acid and soothes the burning sensation in the stomach.

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4. Bananas

Rich in potassium, bananas help control acidity levels in the stomach by boosting pH level. Bananas are also very fibrous and help in proper digestion of food.

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5. Ginger

Ginger contains melatonin that controls excess acid in the stomach. Ginger also facilitates the flow of juices in the digestive system. You can chew on grated ginger or have it by mixing crushed ginger juice with lemon juice. Ginger juice is most effective against acid reflux. Grate a small piece of ginger and keep in boiling water. Once the mixture has cooled off you can drink it one hour after dinner.

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6. Jaggery

Jaggery is known to change itself to acetic acid in the stomach which smoothens the process of digestion and reduces pressure on the intestines and digestive tract. You can chew on a tiny lump of jaggery after a meal to ease any feeling of acidity.

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So now that you know the wonderful benefits of these natural food items, keep the antacid strip out of your reach and grab one of these the next time you suffer from acidity.

 

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Fact Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6