Acidity: Causes, Symptoms, and Dangers
Do you often experience a burning sensation in your chest or food pipe after eating late at night or indulging in spicy food? If yes, you might be among the millions worldwide dealing with acidity, a condition that affects nearly 20% of the population weekly. This discomfort, medically termed acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is not just a minor inconvenience—it can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.
Modern studies link acidity to lifestyle choices, dietary habits, and stress, making it one of the most prevalent digestive disorders. Meanwhile, Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical system, attributes acidity to an imbalance in the Pitta dosha, caused by excessive heat in the body due to unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits. Known as Amlapitta in Ayurveda, this condition is seen as a result of disrupted digestion, which can lead to toxin build-up and long-term harm.
This article delves deeper into the causes, symptoms, and dangers of acidity, offering insights from both modern science and Ayurvedic principles to help you better understand and manage this condition.
Here are some Symptoms of Acidity
Burning Sensation: A burning feeling in the chest (heartburn), particularly after meals.
Regurgitation: Sour or bitter taste in the mouth due to acid reflux.
Bloating and Gas: Feelings of fullness and abdominal discomfort.
Nausea and Vomiting: Particularly in severe cases.
Chronic Cough or Sore Throat: Resulting from acid irritating the throat lining.
Hiccups or a lump-in-the-throat sensation.
The persistent exposure of the stomach, esophagus, and other parts of the digestive system to excess acid can lead to serious complications, including ulcers and even cancer. Here’s a closer look at these alarming aftereffects:
Severe Aftereffects of Acidity: From Ulcers to Cancer
Acidity, if untreated, can lead to serious complications affecting the digestive system and beyond. Here’s a concise overview of its most severe consequences:
Stomach and Peptic Ulcers
Excess acid erodes the stomach lining, leading to painful ulcers.
Risk: Internal bleeding, perforation of the stomach wall, and emergency surgical needs.
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Esophageal Erosion and Strictures
Chronic reflux damages the esophagus, causing inflammation and narrowing (strictures).
Result: Difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and increased risk of cancer.
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Esophageal Cancer
Untreated acidity increases the risk of esophageal cancer, particularly adenocarcinoma.
Symptoms: Difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and chest pain.
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Respiratory Complications
Acid aspiration can cause pneumonia or worsen asthma.
Result: Chronic cough, breathlessness, and lung infections.
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Dental Damage
Acid regurgitation erodes enamel, leading to cavities and gum issues.
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Internal Bleeding and Anemia
Ulcers or inflammation can cause internal bleeding and result in anemia.
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Reduced Quality of Life
Chronic symptoms disrupt sleep, increase anxiety, and lower productivity.
REMEDY
Some Lifestyle changes example avoiding spicy (specially red chilli powder), and food with citric acid in them, eg Lemon or Orange etc is recommended
Should avoid fried foods & Curd, buttermilk or Yogurt at all costs.
One of the most effective lifestyle changes are :
NOT eating too late example after 8:00 p.m. can help you get relief from acidity &
Observe fasting once or twice a weak and eating light can also work wonders
AMLAPITTA CHURNA 2-3gms or ALOEVERA VINEGAR 3teaspoon with warm water are recommended for immediate relief.
(Recommeded brands for Amlapitta Churna are Baidynath, Dabur, Charak to be sourced online or from Ayurveda Stores)
(Recommended brands for Aloevera Vinegar are Basic Ayurveda or HKM , and can be sourced from online and offline Ayurveda or Unani stores)
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(These are just my personal recommendations that have come from my own experiences and research and are not professional medical advice. Please use your own judgment and consult a qualified healthcare professional if needed.)
Happy & Healthy Life 