What is Acidity?In Ayurveda, acidity is referred to as
Amla Pitta.this disorder is caused by an
imbalance of Pitta Dosha. The humor is administreted by the elements of Fire and Water, these, in turn, control the digestive fire and stomach enzymes.
The stomach normally secretes acid that is essential in the digestive process. When there is excess production of acid in the stomach, it results in the condition known as acidity.
Hyperacidity (Amlapitta) is one of the most common disease seen in the society. It is seen in all ages.
This is also the reason why people of Pitta constitution tend to suffer from hyperacidity, peptic ulcers, and heartburn. Things that aggravate the Pitta dosha like stress, anger, hot and spicy foods, the extremely hot environment can also bring on a bout of acidity.
While Pitta is usually the one responsible for acid indigestion, the Kapha dosha has its seat in the stomach and the chest. Because Kapha controls the digestive juices and generates mucus, indigestion that stems from weak metabolism and mucus congestion are common patterns in acid reflux.
patient can identify a Kaphic acid reflux if he have a feeling of sluggishness and feel a bitter taste in mouth after late-night meals, chest congestion in the morning, a heavily coated tongue and a tendency to pile on weight.
Causes
1.Diet (Ahara)-Spicy food habits,Excessive use of chilly, Cinnamon, clove, mustard, garam masala powder (spice mixture), garlic etc. in diet
Salty and sour foods, Eating of stale, fermented foods,
Excessive intake of fast food,
Excessive intake of Oily foods, pickles,
Excessive intake of tea/coffee,
Lesser intake of water, dry food,Skipping meals,
Eating too late at night etc.
2.
Mental factors-like
Stressful life style
Excessive anxiety, worry, jealousy, anger, fear etc.
3. Regimens (Vihara)-
Lack of rest,
Insufficient sleep at night,
Sleeping immediately after meals,
Suppression of natural urges etc.
Signs and symptoms of Acidity-Regurgitation of food or sour substance.
Heart &chest burn (retrosternal burning)
Vomiting
Sour or bitter belching.
Nausea,
Throat burn,
Gaseous distention of abdomen,
Heaviness in abdomen,
Indigestion,
Pain in abdomen,
Chest pain,
Headache.
Bad breathe,
Foul smelling loose motions,
Severe burning sensation over feet, hands
Thirst,
Mouth ulcer,Fatigue.
Management of Acidity-
Avoid causative factors.
Palliative treatment - As the disease is of Pitta origin, all measures are undertaken to pacify pitta.
Panchakarma treatment When patient cannot be well managed with oral medications ‘Panchakarma procedures’ like Vamana (emesis) or virechana (purgation) whichever is needed should be administered. In chronic cases Asthapanavasti (medicated enema) is indicated.
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