Acid reflux is best known as the backflow of the acid produced by the stomach into the food pipe or the esophagus. This is said to be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. People suffering from GERD are also likely to notice signs like heartburn, post-nasal drip, etc. It a chronic condition that needs treatment on time otherwise the consequences would be life-threatening. Like the treatment of kidney disease or kidney failure treatment in Ayurveda, the condition of acid reflux can be cured by making some of the significant alterations in the diet and lifestyle. We’ll read about the disease and treatment further in detail.
Fundamentals of acid reflux
When we consume food the digestion happens in the stomach. In the stomach, there is a certain kind of acid produced in order to assist digestion and removal of bacteria from within. This happens naturally in humans and the acid is not at all harmful for the body. But there come certain situations in which the generation of the acid goes higher than required which results in discomfort. In such a condition, you might notice signs like chest pain, burning sensation in the chest, hiccups, and coughing. However, the condition is said to be okay and can be dealt with with the help of some antacids but if the problems stay longer then it is going to be a worrisome situation and you require treatment as soon as possible. The persistent occurrence of these signs means GERD is happening. Making certain changes in the diet and life similar to the plans of treatment of kidney disease or kidney failure treatment could be a great help.
Acid reflux according to Ayurveda
Acid reflux in Ayurveda is defined by the imbalance within the body due to the aggravated Pitta dosh. Pitta dosh is said to be the heat energy that is present in every cell of the body but it resides in the stomach in abundance. The nature of Pitta dosh is hot, intense, pungent, sharp, and acidic. When a human eats a lot of spicy food or food items that are incompatible in nature then it aggravates the Pitta dosh and increases the acidic content in the fluid present inside the stomach and eventually leads to acid reflux. As far as the treatment of acid reflux in Ayurveda is concerned, it is important to evaluate the underlying causes say Ayurveda. Many Ayurvedic practitioners have claimed that just as kidney disease or kidney failure treatment needs a customized treatment plan according to the unique system of the body, acid reflux needs the same personalized treatment.
Acid reflux allopathic treatment
For the treatment of acid reflux, the diagnosis is performed first. The diagnosis can be done with the help of upper endoscopy, ambulatory acid (pH) probe test, X-ray of the upper part of the digestive system, and esophageal manometry. Treatment can be done with the help of over the counter medicines, prescription medicines that include prescription-strength H-2 receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and medicines for the strengthening of the lower esophageal sphincter. Moreover, certain surgeries and other treatment processes like fundoplication, LINX device and TIF (trans-oral incision-less fundoplication) can also be used. However, there could be some side effects of these medicines and treatment procedure which is why many of the Ayurvedic practitioners who treats kidney disease or practice kidney failure treatment having deep insights of the acid reflux suggest that Ayurveda can easily help in making the condition better.
Treatment of acid reflux in Ayurveda
Treatment of acid reflux in Ayurveda is no rocket science. Everything natural available around you can be great help for you in pacifying the aggravated Pitta dosh and get the contentment of healthy body back in life. First of all, you need to bring some changes to the diet and lifestyle for which you can read the below-mentioned tips.
Dietary changes
- Eliminate the consumption of curd from your diet strictly.
- Say no to all kinds of alcoholic and carbonated beverages such as tea, coffee, etc.
- Do not eat fermented and processed food items.
- Stay away from the consumption of vinegar, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and onion in any form.
- Do not eat food with too much of salt, gravy, spice, and sour taste.
A home remedy
For quick relief from acid reflux, you can practice this remedy suggested by the Ayurvedic practitioners. Bring fennel, basil leaves, licorice roots, and coriander seeds to their powdered form and make a mixture out of it. Take 0.5 teaspoon of this mixture and mix it with 0.5 teaspoons of rock salt and have it.
Lifestyle changes
- Try to stay calm and stress-free.
- Practice yoga or physical workout daily.
- Do not exercise just after eating.
- Take an extra pillow to sleep so that the head stays higher than the feet.
- Eat small portions of food but eat frequent meals.
- Do not sleep for at least 3 hours after eating.
- Wear loose clothes to prevent the compression of internal organs.
Some of the widely known yoga that can be a great help in acid reflux, kidney disease, or kidney failure treatment are Bhujangasana, Vajrasana, and Salabhasana along with some breathing exercises.
