Acidity is quite a simple problem when it begins, but it can get out of hand easily if not taken seriously. It is a common ailment and results from a wrong diet. The excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach causes acidity. Prolonged acidity can cause chronic indigestion, arthritis, gout, ulcers and even false angina pains. Acidity is the condition in which there is an excess secretion of acid within the stomach. Other names for acidity are hyperacidity or acid dyspepsia. In Ayurveda, this condition is recognized as Amalapitta. Acids present in the stomach in order to help in digestion. When foods enter the stomach, the acids come into play and digest them. But some foods are difficult to digest, and so more acids are released. This is when the stomach acidity increases. Other factors that can produce and increase in the stomach acids are gastric ulcers and cancers. The usual signs of heartburn are a burning sensation or pain in the stomach after one to four hours of a meal. The too much secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach causes acidity. Acidity can be a result of improper dietary regimen or stress.

What type of diet should be followed?

Avoid canned and junk food, artificially ripened fruits and vegetables or those kept in cold storage. Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Avoid a heavy intake of spices and aerated drinks that are highly acidic and strong enough to dissolve teeth and bones.

Cold beverages with or after meals should be particularly avoided. Cold drinks dilute the enzymes and put stress on the digestive system. As a result, the food gets fermented leads to acidity.

Avoid excess smoking, tea and coffee. Both nicotine and caffeine are directly related to problems of acidity. Instead, take coconut water, fresh water melon, cucumber juice and thin-skinned lemons because these are alkaline.

Bitter gourd, amla (Indian gooseberry) juice is an excellent remedy for acidity.

Benign lactic acid present in buttermilk, yoghurt are helpful. Raita prepared with fresh curd, grated cucumber, fresh coriander, tomato is a sure shot remedy in aiding digestion, and helps remove acidity.

If you are overweight, lose some immediately. Those who are overweight put too much pressure on the esophageal sphincter, which leads to reflux of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus, and heartburn follows.

Drink plenty of water, as it aids digestion and helps flush out toxins. Eat only when hungry because digestive juices are released in the stomach only when one is hungry.

Go green. Green leafy vegetables and sprouts contain vitamins B and E that facilitate the elimination of acids from the body.

Get moving! Not enough physical activity means not enough sweat, which in turn results in uric acid being deposited in the body.

Avoid stress and get adequate amount of sleep. Insomnia disturbs the digestive system.

Bring about a change in food and habits that is conducive to overall good health.