What is Acidity (Acid Reflux)?

Acidity results from stomach acid travelling back into the esophagus. The food we eat goes into our stomach through the esophagus. The gastric glands in your stomach create acid, which is necessary to digest the food. When the gastric glands create more acid than needed for the digestion process, you can feel a burning sensation below the breastbone. This condition is commonly known as acidity. Acidity, also called acid reflux, is a condition that is characterized by heartburn that is felt around the lower chest area. This acid can irritate the lining of the esophagus leading to a burning and a painful sensation in the chest.

Risks of Chronic Acidity

Chronic acidity may lead to serious risks that include:

Esophagus damage:-

Esophagus is the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach and when acid moves back up and enters the esophagus, it sets the stage for esophageal ulcers, esophagitis, esophageal strictures, and Barrett’s Esophagus.

Esophagus cancer:-

There is an increased risk of esophagus cancer, which is more likely if you have a history of the condition in the family.

Cavities/tooth decay:-

Acid reflux can wear down the enamel of your teeth and lead to cavities.

This can be due to many things, but one of the significant causes is one’s lifestyle

What are the causes of acidity?

Some causes of acidity are

• Excessive smoking or drinking/ Overindulgence
• Irregular work hours and Less or no exercise
• Being overweight
• Stress or certain medications
• Some medical conditions may also be the reason. Consult your Health Coach if you think this is the reason for your acidity symptoms.

Making simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in reducing the risk of acidity. Thankfully, acid reflux is a condition that’s quite easy to control. That said, it does require a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Let’s discuss this a little more in-depth.

We recommend creating a long-term plan of action based on the conditions underlying causes.

Lifestyle Changes to Control Acidity

Sleeping time and position:-

Maintaining a gap of at least 2-3 hours between your mealtime and sleep time is important. It allows food to digest properly and prevent avoid reflux.

Try to lose weight:-

Obesity could cause severe acidity. Hence, it’s important you take the necessary steps required to prevent it. avoid specific foods and replace them with a good amount of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

Visit a holistic wellness coach:-

If you experience heartburn on a regular basis, it is probably a good idea to consult a holistic wellness coach. They will give you a better understanding of the food that triggers you and will help you create a well-rounded plan suited to your personal requirements. These modifications will not only help in keeping acidity under control but also will help in healthy weight loss over a period of time.

Your wellness coach may suggest certain do’s and don’ts based on your health, which can help you control acidity. By making these small yet consistent lifestyle changes, you can prevent frequent acid reflux and protect your long-term digestive health. Since acidity is closely connected to how your digestive system functions, it’s worth exploring our blog on Gut Health: Why Should You Care? to understand how a balanced gut can naturally reduce acidity.

Moreover, uncontrolled acidity and poor gut health may also contribute to inflammation and autoimmune issues. To know more about this connection and learn how to protect yourself, read our article on 7 Factors Behind Autoimmune Disorders — And How to Decrease Your Risk.

Taking the right guidance from a holistic wellness coach can make these changes easier to follow, ensuring not only relief from acidity but also overall wellness.