Introduction
Acidity is one of the most common digestive complaints I see. Perhaps there are very few people who have never suffered from acidity (hyperacidity) or indigestion. But why does acidity happen? When someone suffers from acidity, they feel miserable. They can neither eat nor drink properly. Burping and sour reflux become frequent.
Where does this acid come from, and what is its solution? These are common questions that arise in our minds. Let’s check the causes and the naturopathic treatment to get relief from acidity.
What is Acidity?
The meaning of having acidity is that there is an excess of acid in our stomach. This is a common thing. Some people might not even show any symptoms, while others suffer a lot. Our stomach secretes digestive juices (internal fluids) like enzymes and hydrochloric acid to help in the digestion of food.
These are essential for digestion. However, sometimes due to consumption of spicy food, stale food, some medications, acidic-tasting items, and things like cigarettes, tobacco, tea, alcohol, and coffee, an excessive amount of acid gets produced, leading to acidity.
When such food is consumed, hydrochloric acid starts being secreted excessively in our stomach and continues to do so until digestion is complete. If the acid in the stomach becomes more than necessary, it leads to a condition known as “acidity.”
What are symptoms of acidity?
- Burning sensation in the stomach and chest (heartburn)
- Bloating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heaviness in the abdomen after meals
- Sour burps
- Loss of appetite or sometimes excessive hunger
- In severe cases – skin eruptions, boils, or even joint pain if the acidity starts affecting the blood and nervous system
How acidity affects to body function?
A person affected by acidity feels a burning sensation or heaviness in the upper stomach area while sleeping, along with sour burps, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. They may also lose their appetite or feel pain in the stomach after eating.
Acidity should not be treated as a minor issue and ignored because it can lead to ulcers or gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining). Gastritis can be caused by alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, too much spicy or oily food, or medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and indomethacin which are used for pain relief. Worry and stress can also cause acidity.
What should you do when you are suffering from acidity?
Whenever someone suffers from acidity frequently, they should try to find out the root cause. If a certain food or medicine triggers acidity, it should be avoided.
If any food or medicine is the cause of acidity, it should be stopped immediately. If someone is taking such substances on a doctor’s advice but is still experiencing acidity, they should consult the doctor again without delay. Commonly, people complain of gas or use powders, tablets, or soda with cold water to get relief from burning in the stomach.
These may provide temporary relief, but they only neutralize the acid temporarily and do not eliminate the root cause. Prolonged use of such things may lead to further increase in harmful acids in the stomach.
What is the naturopathic treatment of acidity?
There are 4 ways you can treat acidity naturally, that are: Food, Herbs, Naturopathy and Yoga. Here are the treatments:
Food treatment to cure acidity
- Seasonal fruits (especially papaya, banana, pomegranate).
- Steamed vegetables like pumpkin, bottle gourd, spinach.
- Amla, coconut water, buttermilk.
- Curd (unsweetened), soaked raisins, fresh coriander chutney.
- Salads like grated carrot, beetroot, radish.
Herbs treatment to cure acidity
1. Saunf, Jeera, and Ginger
Take a mix of fennel seeds (saunf), cumin (jeera), and a small piece of ginger after meals. This helps cool down the stomach and supports digestion.
2. Ajwain (Carom Seeds) Oil
A few drops (2-3) of ajwain oil, taken with lukewarm water, can relieve gas, pain, and sour burps.
3. Rosemary or Godanti Ark
Take 30 ml of either rosemary or godanti bhasma ark, 3-4 times a day. This is effective in calming the burning, nausea, and abdominal discomfort.
4. Babool Flower Powder or oil
A few drops (2-3) of babool flower oil or (1–2 grams) grams babool flower powder help in acidity, caused due to stress and anxiety. It’s especially calming for people with vata-pitta imbalance.
5. Amla and Haritaki Juice
Take amla juice or harad juice after meals. This balances pitta and aids in cooling down the digestive fire.
6. Saunf Water
Boil 100 grams of fennel seeds in 1 litre of water for 30 minutes. Strain and drink this water throughout the day. It’s soothing for gas, bloating, and acidity.
7. Dried roots of pomegranate
Soak dry roots of pomegranate overnight and boil them with rice starch. Drink this to soothe internal inflammation.
Naturopathy treatment to cure acidity
In severe or chronic acidity cases, I usually recommend:
- Enema with lukewarm water – cleans the colon and reduces internal heat.
- Hip bath and wet waist pack – very effective at night to cool the digestive area.
- Steam bath (10–15 mins) – twice a month to remove toxins through sweat.
- Wet sheet pack – once or twice a month to detox and relax the whole system.
- Mud pack on the abdomen – twice a day to draw out excess heat.
- Lemon honey water – twice a day, warm in the morning and cold in the evening.
Yoga Asanas for Acidity Relief
Along with dietary corrections and naturopathic remedies, practicing specific yoga poses can help relieve acidity by improving digestion, reducing stress, and strengthening the abdominal organs. Regular practice calms the nervous system and balances the acid-alkaline levels in the body.
Pawanmuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose)
- Relieves gas, bloating, and indigestion.
- Lie on your back, bend your knees, and hug them to your chest. Lift your head and bring your nose toward your knees. Hold for a few breaths.
Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose)
- Best done right after meals.
- Helps in proper digestion and reduces acid reflux.
- Sit on your heels with spine straight and hands on thighs. Breathe normally for 5–10 minutes.
Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist)
- Stimulates digestive fire and liver function.
- Sit with legs extended. Bend one leg over the other and twist the torso toward the raised knee. Hold and repeat on both sides.
Marjariasana-Bitilasana (Cat-Cow Pose)
- Improves gut motility and reduces stomach heaviness.
- Alternate between arching your back (cow) and rounding it (cat) while on hands and knees.
Note:
- Always practice yoga on an empty stomach or at least 3 hours after meals.
- End your practice with a few minutes of deep breathing or Shavasana (Corpse Pose) to relax the body and mind.
Which foods should you avoid when you have acidity?
- Spicy, fried, and oily foods
- Excess tea/coffee
- Pickles, vinegar, fermented foods
- White sugar, refined flour, packaged snacks
- Irregular eating patterns
Final Words
Acidity isn’t a disease — it’s a signal from your body. Don’t ignore it or suppress it. With a balanced lifestyle, correct food habits, and some age-old remedies, you can free yourself from the burning discomfort of acidity without depending on medicines.
Let your food be your medicine and your kitchen your clinic.
FAQ’s
Q- What is the main cause of acidity?
Acidity is mainly caused by an imbalance of acid in stomach which is mainly caused due to wrong food choices, irregular eating habits, stress, or excess intake of spicy, oily, and processed foods. Suppressing natural urges and a sedentary lifestyle also contribute.
Q- Can naturopathy really cure acidity permanently?
Yes, naturopathy focuses on treating the root cause through diet, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies. With consistency and the right guidance, long-term relief from acidity is absolutely possible.
Q- Which foods reduce acidity naturally?
Cool and alkaline foods like coconut water, cucumber, soaked raisins, bananas, pomegranate, amla, buttermilk, and steamed vegetables are very effective.
Q- How does yoga help in managing acidity?
Yoga helps to improves digestion, reduces stress, and strengthens abdominal organs. There are some poses like Vajrasana, Pawanmuktasana, and Setu Bandhasana helps to reduce gas, bloating, and acid reflux naturally.
Q- Is enema safe for acidity treatment?
Yes, enema helps remove toxins and reduces internal heat, which brings relief from chronic acidity and related issues like constipation. But when it done correctly under naturopathic guidance.
Q- Can I take Ayurvedic herbs along with naturopathy treatments?
Yes, you can. Herbs like amla, haritaki, fennel, and ajwain are treatments and work wonderfully to balance stomach acids. But always consult a trained naturopath before starting any herb kit.
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