Introduction Symptoms Do's Investigations Self-help

Causes See a doctor if Don'ts Prevention Homoeopathic treatment

Acidity refers to regurgitation of acid or partly digested food from the stomach into the food pipe (esophagus) or mouth. Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus caused by the stomach acid. With the help of gravity, a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), keeps stomach acid in the stomach. The LES is located where the esophagus meets the stomach, below the rib-cage and slightly left of the centre.

Normally, it opens to allow food into the stomach or to permit belching, then closes again. But if the LES opens too frequently or too far, stomach acid can reflux, or seep, into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation. The sourness is due to fermentation of food in the stomach or over-secretion of acid.

• Stress.
• Overeating.
• Irregular eating habits.
• Bending, lying down or physical exertion too soon after eating.
• Obesity.
• Pregnancy.
• Alcohol.
• Cigarette smoking.
• Certain drugs like aspirin, antibiotics, etc.
• Certain food which relax the LES like tomatoes, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, chocolate, coffee, tea, alcohol and peppermint.

• A burning sensation, usually in the lower chest just behind breastbone (the sternum), that occurs after eating, lasting from a few minutes to several hours.
• Chest pain after bending over or lying down; after eating or drinking alcohol.
• Pain relieved by belching or antacids.
• Belching, sour eructations.
• Burning in throat - or hot, sour, or salty-tasting fluid at the back of the throat - and a feeling that food is getting stuck after swallowing.
• Acid taste in mouth.
• Nausea.

• After taking an antacid to relieve heartburn, there is no relief within 15 minutes. This may be a sign of a heart attack (Myocardial Infarction).
• Along with heartburn, there is difficulty in swallowing, breathlessness, sweating, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, extreme abdominal pain, fever or black or bloody stools. These may be due to strangulated hiatal hernia, pancreatic problems, gastritis, stomach ulcers or cancer, or a heart attack.
• The discomfort around the chest region is aggravated by exercise and relieved by rest. It may indicate a heart disease.
• The heartburn is chronic in origin (daily or almost daily). The oesophagus is being repeatedly burnt by the stomach acid, which can lead to oesophagitis, oesophageal scarring, stomach ulcers or cancer.

• Drink cold milk at the time of heart burn.
• Hot compresses over stomach are said to improve blood supply in the area and relax muscles.
• Eat less spicy, avoid fatty, fried food and those that contain possible irritants such as chemical food additives or hot spices.

• Avoid alcohol, reduce the amount of coffee and tea and avoid them entirely during an attack.

• An X-ray or endoscopic evaluation of esophagus may be necessary.
• If a heart disorder is suspected to be the reason for heartburn, an ECG may be taken.

• Maintain reasonable weight.
• Take time to relax allowing about 20 minutes of leisure before and after eating and make meals enjoyable, unstressful occasions.
• Avoid drinking immediately before meals and drink little during meals.
• Eat slowly, chew each mouthful well. Eat meals frequently but in small amounts and at regular timings. Do not overeat.
• During pregnancy, avoid heavy meals and spicy, greasy, sugary and acidic foods. Stick to a bland, high-fibre diet, drink lots of fluids and exercise daily. Also, raise the head of the bed 2-4 inches with a stable support.
• Avoid bending over or lying down when the stomach is full. This increases abdominal pressure and makes gravity work against you, thus increasing the likelihood of heartburn.
• Do not lie down immediately after eating. If it is necessary to lie down after eating, lie on the left side; in this position, the stomach remains lower than the oesophagus.
• Do not smoke as it irritates the gastric mucosa.
• Avoid painkillers or medications which cause acidity.
• Recognize signs of stress and identify the causes. At work; reduce stress by learning to avoid long hours, not accepting unrealistic demands, setting realistic goals, accepting changes optimistically and not taking work related problems home. At home; air your grievances, share your problems and take regular weekend breaks with the family. Try yogic exercises for relaxation.
• Take adequate rest.

• Antacids can mask or aggravate some ailments. Do not take antacids before consulting the physician if you have high blood pressure, irregular heart beat, kidney disease, chronic constipation, diarrhoea, colitis, any kind of intestinal bleeding, vomiting or any symptoms of appendicitis. Pregnant and nursing mothers should consult a physician before taking any medication, including antacids.
• Milk is not a remedy for heartburn. The soothing effect felt when drinking milk is deceiving; once in the stomach, milk's fat, calcium and protein cause increased acid secretion and worsened heartburn.
• Mints are often credited with alleviating heartburn, but they don't. Mint actually relaxes the LES, making heartburn more likely.

Acidity is a functional constitutional problem and can be treated successfully with Homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic medicine optimizes the functioning of the LES and acid secretion in the stomach. The intensity, duration and recurrence of the complaints can be controlled with the medicines. Homeopathic medicines along with a few life style changes will give effective and lasting relief.

While deciding the individualized constitutional medicines a detailed history of the patient is taken. The case taking includes evaluation of the physical and mental aspects of the person including the triggering factors like stress, diet, genetic predisposition, etc. The medicine thus prescribed gives lasting relief. Homeopathic medicines are safe and are not habit forming; long term management with Homeopathic medicines helps to overcome dependence on antacids.