How to Cure Acidity Permanently? Top 10 Remedies!

By - Mehrosh Ahmer

What if your flu-like symptoms aren’t actually flu? Might be possible the bad taste is due to the disturbance near the lower esophageal sphincter! Well, acidity is one of the most common stomach problems in the world. You eat normally and all of a sudden your chest starts burning, this is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In this write-up, we’ll share all the tips which will tell you how to cure acidity permanently using natural and medical help.

What is Acidity?

Whenever you eat, the food content goes down through the esophagus into the stomach where it is digested with the help of acids. The gastric glands present in the stomach wall produce gastric juice which is composed of HCL, electrolytes, and enzymes.

Once the food reaches the stomach, the walls start producing the highly acidic juice. Sometimes the glands produce more HCL than the required quantity which might lead to heartburn. This condition is called acidity.

Acidity is often referred to as a condition called acid reflux. The lower esophageal sphincter is a valve that closes as soon as the food reaches the stomach. However, if it remains open, then the acid of the stomach might flow back into the food pipe. This condition is called acid reflux that causes severe burning in the lower chest area sometimes.

Acidity Symptoms

When it comes to acidity, “BURNING” is what we hear the most! Well, the symptoms might vary from patient to patient but a majority of them are pretty common. Following are the signs and symptoms one can experience.

Other than these signs, some patients also develop “Vertigo” which correlates the dizzy spells with food consumption. It is a symptom in which the patient feels as if the surroundings or the world are moving. Well, digestion affecting the body’s balance seems quite strange but the gut-vertigo connection is something real.

Causes of Acidity

The principal cause of vertigo is the disturbance in the inner ear tubes that work to maintain body balance. Hence, a problem there might muddle the balance mechanism of the ear. “Vertigo” as a symptom is associated with many diseases. Following are the most common ones,

• Labyrinthitis 

Labyrinthitis is an infection that can contribute to constant vertigo. It is also referred to as vestibular neuritis and is a viral infection of the vestibular nerve. 

• Migraine 

Migraine often contributes to vertigo. It is a medical condition that causes headaches often accompanied by nausea.

• Head Injury 

Followed by head injuries, some patients suffer from vertigo. 

• Acid Reflux  

There is a tube called the “Eustachian tube” which connects the throat to the ear. Sometimes the acid reflux can disturb the ear through it. Hence, in this way acid reflux can contribute to vertigo.

• Meniere’s Disease

A change in pressure in the ear can lead to excess fluid buildup, this happens in Meniere’s disease. It can lead to vertigo. 

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) 

It is the most common cause of vertigo. This disorder is characterized by recurrent attacks of vertigo along with nausea. It is caused when calcium carbonate crystals enter the fluid canals of the inner ear. Hence, this leads to disturbance in the body’s balancing mechanism. 

• Multiple sclerosis 

It is a condition in which a person might suffer from central vertigo as the brain and spinal cord (CNS) are affected

• Tumors

A patient with a brain tumor and acoustic neuroma might experience vertigo. Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that affects the acoustic nerve. 

• Cholesteatoma

It is a skin-lined, noncancerous cyst that might make a person suffer from vertigo.  

Acid Reflux (GERD) Treatment

The basic aim of GERD’s treatment is to prevent further damage of the esophageal lining due to acid reflux. A majority of the patients suffer from nonprogressive gastroesophageal reflux disease which can be easily tackled by medications.

To treat GERD, the doctor might prescribe you a list of medicines or he might ask you to make some changes to your lifestyle. Many patients treat themselves using these two approaches. However, those who don’t find satisfactory results try to find lifetime alternative options and go for surgery.

How to Cure Acidity Permanently?

There are four different approaches for gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment, including medications, lifestyle modifications, endoscopy, and surgery. However, every patient wishes to get treated in the simplest way. But there is a lot more than just making changes to your dietary habits. So, let’s find out how to cure acidity permanently.

Medications

To treat heartburn, a majority of the patients seek “OTC” medications. This is because lifestyle and dietary changes don’t work on every other person. So, people find it better to go for medicines.

There are two types of medicines, one category controls stomach acid production whereas the other one enhances the upper GIT movement.

Antacids

Antacids are the best to treat mild GERD symptoms. They neutralize the acid present in the stomach and stop heartburn. They offer the most immediate relief by working within minutes of intake. However, frequent intake might lead to increased acid production, diarrhea, and magnesium buildup in the body.

There are many antacids available in the market but the most common ones are-

H2 Receptor Blockers

Sometimes doctors prescribe patients with H2 blockers, They reduce stomach acid production which lowers the risk of heartburn. In approximately 50% of the patients, these histamine blockers work well for erosive esophagitis. Some common H2 blockers include-

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Proton pump inhibitors block the major pathways for stomach acid production. They block those proteins which produce acid and are considered better than histamine blockers. Moreover, these are powerful drugs that can even heal damaged esophageal lining. Some of the PPIs are enlisted below-

Prokinetics

These drugs strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and empty the stomach contents fastly leaving behind a small amount of acid. This leads to a scarcity of time for the reflux. However, one can also experience some side effects of prokinetics including nausea and vomiting. These drugs include-

Best Medicine for Acidity in the Stomach

When it comes to antacid drugs, Prilosec OTC Delayed-Release Acid Reducer tops the list! It belongs to the category of proton pump inhibitors. However, being a PPI, it is extremely strong. Omeprazole decreases the stomach’s acid level and works well for heartburn.

Other than omeprazole, one can also try Pepto Bismol, TUMS Chewy Bites Antacid Tablets,  Rolaids Extra Strength Antacid Chewable Tablets, and Mylicon Children’s Tummy Relief which is especially for kids.

Surgery

Surgery is the last option one can avail of if all other approaches don’t work. A majority of the patients observe improvement in the symptoms through medications only. However, those who don’t, go towards surgery. The surgery aims to avoid long-term medications, improve the anti-reflux barrier, and prevent complications.

Fundoplication

This is the most common surgical procedure that tightens and strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter. It can be performed both as open and laparoscopic surgery. Fundoplication is well known for good and long-lasting results.

Stretta Procedure

It is a less expensive procedure somewhat similar to that of fundoplication. It is usually performed with an endoscope when a small tube is threaded down the esophagus. The tube heats the tissue and morphs the lower esophageal sphincter.

TIF (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication)

As the name suggests this procedure doesn’t require incisions. A device known as “EsophyX” is inserted which forms a new valve by continuous foldings. Hence, the doctor might suggest this less invasive procedure if you don’t sit well with open fundoplication.

Linx Surgery

This surgery uses a band of titanium beads. The surgeon wraps it around the lower esophageal sphincter. The band strengthens the LES, allows the food to pass but remains tight enough to prevent gastroesophageal reflux.

Bard EndoCinch System

This procedure also requires an endoscope and aims to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter. It is rarely performed.

Home Remedies

Whenever a person goes through gastroesophageal reflux, the first step is using home remedies to treat it. There are many remedies that are effective and trustworthy! Here I’ll share with you the best home remedies for gastro-oesophageal reflux.

How to Cure Acidity Permanently by Yoga?

Acidity can be efficiently cured by some simple yoga postures. These positions won’t only help you deal with acidity but would also improve the digestive system. Following are the three yoga postures that can help you cure acidity.

Paschimottanasana

It is the forward bend pose that directly hits the abdominal organs. It also works well for belly fat and improves fertility as it improves the menstrual cycle. Lay on your mat with your legs and spine straight.

Now, straighten your hands and try to touch your toes, and hold them for a few minutes. Maintain the position for 5 minutes at least. Repeat the same steps.

KapalBhati Pranayama

This posture helps in increasing the diaphragmatic tone which helps in relieving acid reflux symptoms. Moreover, it works well for abdominal disorders such as acidity.

To do this, you need to sit on the floor with crossed legs and put each of your palms on its respective side of the leg. Afterward, slowly inhale and then exhale while thinking of the disorders as if you’re exhaling them out of your body. Repeat the same steps for 15 minutes at least.

Vajrasana

This yoga posture can help you prevent acidity and indigestion if you perform it immediately after your meal. To perform this, try to sit on your buttocks. Keep your spine straight with both of the palms on their respective sides of your legs. Now, inhale and exhale with the same mindset as described in Paschimottanasana.

How to Cure Acidity Permanently: Ayurveda

Ayurveda always brings up the best possible treatments for abdominal disorders from your kitchen pantry! Based on Ayurveda, there are many remedies for hyperacidity or acid reflux. Here we’ll share with you some of them.

Cumin Seeds

Add half a spoon of powdered cumin seeds into a bottle of water and mix them. Boil the mixture and then filter it. This diluted solution will help you prevent acid reflux. Cumin seeds are well-known neutralizers. They reduce heartburn and calm the stomach.

Ginger

Ginger not only relieves the heartburn symptoms but also prevents the acid from flowing back into the esophagus. The strong anti-inflammatory properties increase its effectiveness.

Jeera

A glass of jeera water a day can help you get rid of acidity and other stomach problems. Other than this, it has an antiseptic nature which also aids indigestion. Jeera is commonly used in rice and curries but using jeera water can improve the digestive system.

Cloves

Cloves show a carminative effect which increases peristalsis and affects both gastroesophageal reflux and flatulence. Sucking two to three cloves is considered one of the fastest possible remedies to cure acidity.

Tulsi

If hyperacidity is your major problem, then tulsi can help in its prevention. This ayurvedic product enhances mucus production. Moreover,  Chewing 3-4 leaves of tulsi might result in instant relief from the abdominal discomfort during acidity.

Foods That Reduce Stomach Acid

When it comes to treating gastroesophageal reflux disease, the first thing a person does is modify their lifestyle. Hence, there are many foods that reduce stomach acid, and some increase it. So, it’s better to avoid them. Following are the enlisted foods that reduce stomach acid levels.

Acid Reflux Foods to Avoid

There are many foods that might trigger gastroesophageal reflux disease and lead to heartburn. So, it’s better to be aware of such foods and avoid them. The foods you should avoid are –

Final Words

Too much acid in the stomach and delayed stomach emptying can lead to GERD. The most common symptom is burning sensations in the food pipe and chest area. To treat the disease there are a variety of medicines.

Some of them work as antacids, some block the histamine receptors while others inhibit proton pumps. Similarly, there are many natural remedies available that can improve acidity immediately after intake. However, if nothing works on the patient, then surgery is the last option to go for.

The aforementioned details are more than enough to answer the question, “How to cure acidity permanently?” However, it’s always better to seek a piece of medical advice before trying any medication. So, make sure you consult your doctor before switching to any medicine.

FAQs 

What kills acidity fast?

Quick action against acidity can be the use of baking soda. Being a base it neutralizes the acid and works well to relieve GERD symptoms. Other than such remedies, you should wear a loose dress, elevate your upper body while laying on the bed, and stand straight to reduce heartburn.

Is acidity a permanent problem?

Well, gastroesophageal reflux disease can become a permanent problem if not treated on time. This is because the acid reflux keeps on damaging the esophageal lining to the time that it is permanently damaged. Moreover, with timely action, it can be permanently cured too.

Is lemon good for acidity?

Well, there are mixed opinions about lemon being good for acidity. Some people claim that lemon being highly acidic enhances reflux symptoms. On the other hand, “lemon water” wins the competition as a home remedy. They claim that lemon water can have an alkalizing effect after digestion.

Which fruit is best for acidity?

Due to an already high-acid content of the stomach, low-acid fruits are preferred. So, the best fruit for heartburn can be watermelon. Its high water content prevents the body from dehydration. Other than this, you can also try bananas, cantaloupe, apples, peaches, papaya, and figs.

What is a good breakfast for acid reflux?

A healthy breakfast after acid reflux can be a  hot oatmeal cereal. Being rich in fiber, they help you feel full without even eating much and also absorb acid in the stomach. In this way, it minimizes the GERD symptoms. You can also top the oatmeals with the aforementioned fruits to sweeten the taste.