Cures for Acidity

Acidity can have a variety of definitions, but it is widely used to describe an over-acid condition in the stomach. Acidity can manifest in the body through conditions such as heartburn, sour stomach and gasteroespohageal reflux disease (GERD). There are a number of ways to soothe the stomach and correct the symptoms. Dietary restrictions of food that cause excess acid production within the stomach and natural remedies to heal and soothe the stomach and digestive tract neutralize the acid for immediate relief.

Dietary Modifications

• Apples in any form, including apple juice and apple sauce, may be eaten. Potatoes should be eaten baked without butter or other oils. Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage and broccoli, are particularly well-tolerated. Lean meats are much better tolerated than fattier cuts. Cut back on or avoid egg yolks as the fatty albumin can affect acidity. Fish cooked in vegetable broth or defatted meat stocks are also acceptable. If your symptoms are mild, then you may be able to tolerate more of these foods.

Natural Remedies

• Taking apple cider vinegar, which is considered a high-acidity food, for a high-acid condition may seem counterproductive, but it has to do with the chemical reaction that takes place when the vinegar hits the system. When the vinegar is introduced into the stomach, it reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCL) and makes the stomach less acidic and more alkaline (increasing pH).

  The thickness of honey coats the stomach and the esophagus. Although quite soothing, honey is acidic and reacts in much the same was as apple cider vinegar. Honey aids in the digestion process. Faster digestion means less acid lingering in the stomach.

Nature's Neutralizer

• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a weak base. A teaspoon of baking soda in a 6- to 8-oz. glass of water reacts chemically with stomach acid. Note that you may burp or pass gas to release the carbon dioxide from your stomach.