Hyperacidity, commonly known as acidity, is a common medical problem in which the stomach produces excessive acid. It can be a result of certain medications like painkillers or could be due to excessive stress. Moreover, lifestyle factors such as smoking and consuming foods loaded with oil, fats, and spices can also up your risk of acidity. It is also possible to suffer from hyperacidity due to an infection known as H-Pylori infection. Whatever is the cause of acidity, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms such as stomach pain and discomfort, vomiting, loss of appetite, flatulence, and heartburn.
Most often than not, we tend to opt for natural remedies to get rid of acidity such as drinking a glass of cold milk or chewing few tulsi leaves. In some cases, we even pop an antacid to relieve acidity. However, if you are the one who cannot think of a single day without non-vegetarian food or take frequent coffee breaks to sail through the day, then trying these remedial measures might fail to provide any relief. The is because your diet and the everyday routine is the reason why you are suffering from frequent bouts of acidity. So keeping a close watch on your diet and food intake can help you to prevent acidity and lead a healthy life.
Foods To Avoid If You Suffer From Hyperacidity
As you might be well aware of, there are certain foods that can trigger and worsen symptoms of hyperacidity. Hence, it is best to avoid these foods if you suffer from acidity or prevent any stomach related problems in the long run. These include:
1. Coffee
Having a cup of coffee a day is okay to keep you aware and beat your stress at the office and home. However, there are people who are addicted to caffeine and end up drinking several cups of coffee in a day, which is not right. This is because, caffeine, which is an active ingredient in coffee, is known to increase acid production and cause reflux in the body. So try and switch to mild teas like chamomile or lightly brewed green tea which are low on caffeine if you can’t think of sustaining a day without hot beverages.
2. Chocolate
Chocolate is packed with caffeine and other stimulants such as theobromine which can cause acid reflux and hyperacidity. It is also high in fat and cocoa which are known triggers of hyperacidity and reflux. If you are fond of chocolate, then it is wise to have dark chocolate as it is low in fat and caffeine. But remember that moderation is the key to prevent acidity.
3. Carbonated Drinks
Soda and other carbonated drinks aggravate acidity and reflux. The bubbles of carbonation expand inside the stomach, and the increased pressure leads to reflux. Sodas with caffeine and those that are acidic are even worse. Hence, stop stocking your fridge with caffenated and carbonated beverages as it can worsen acidity and also increase the risk of various health problems in the long run.
4. Deep Fried Food
A common thing in our Indian households is that foods undergo deep frying in an effort to make them more tasty. Fried foods are loaded with fat which is one of the main culprit for causing acidity. Experts suggest that fried food is the single most recognized cause of acidity. It also triggers acid reflux causing heartburn and chest pain. Avoid frying as much as possible and try and bake, boil or air fry your vegetables and snacks.
5. Fat Rich Dairy
The high-fat foods like cheese, ghee, butter and cream cause hyper-acidity. Consuming too much of cheese and butter can worsen symptoms of acidity. So, it is best to avoid them. If you have to, use a small amount of these foods as flavoring, but not as main ingredients.
6. Meats
High fat meats like lamb and pork which stay longer in the stomach increase the chance of acid production in the stomach. Try cutting back to a lean cut of meat and eat it only once a week.
7. Citrus fruits
The acid present in citrus fruits (like oranges, kiwis, lemons) triggers reflux symptoms by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. Citrus fruits also contain more acid than other fruits, which worsen symptoms of acidity. You can replace these fruits with non-citrus fruits like apple, banana, melon, guava and watermelon.
8. Alcohol
All forms of alcohol especially beer, wine, and liquor can cause severe acid reflux symptoms in two ways. Firstly, alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter muscles, allowing acid into the esophagus. Second, alcohol stimulates secretion of stomach acid causing reflux and acidity.
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So, if you suffer from symptoms of hyperacidity avoid or restrict the intake of these foods. If your symptoms persist or worsen over time, then you need a thorough clinical evaluation by a gastroenterologist who will assess the underlying cause and prescribe you medications accordingly. Stay Healthy, Stay Happy!
Recommended Reads:
6 Indian Remedies To Fix Indigestion Naturally
5 Probiotics You Can Make At Home
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