Gas and Acidity Explained
Gas
Intestinal gas is a normal by product of digestion. Bacteria in your gut ferment indigestible carbohydrates that your small intestine can’t absorb. This fermentation process produces gas such as nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane, but a small portion includes hydrogen sulfide, which causes it smell like rotten eggs. Due to the production of excess gas you might feel bloated causing discomfort.
Acidity
Acidity refers to the burning sensation due to presence of excess or reflux of gastric acid in your stomach. Hydrochloric acid is the main component of stomach acid, which helps break down food and kill bacteria. However, excess stomach acid can irritate the lining of the oesophagus and stomach, causing heartburn, indigestion, and a burning sensation in the chest (acidity).
Common Habits that Cause Gas and Acidity
- Diet, Certain foods like spicy foods, fatty foods, sugary drinks, carbonated beverages, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) can trigger gas and acidity.
- Eating habits, eating too quickly, skipping meals, and overeating can all contribute to gas and acidity.
- Stress can increase stomach acid production and worsen symptoms of gas and acidity.
- Certain medications, aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can irritate the stomach lining and increase gas and acidity.
- Smoking and alcohol weakens the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), which can lead to acid reflux and heartburn. Alcohol can also irritate the stomach lining and increase acidity.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Acidity and Gas
Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine, emphasizes dietary and lifestyle changes for managing acidity and gas. Here are some common approaches:
Diet
Ayurveda recommends a balanced diet that is easy to digest, including whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits.
Spices
Certain spices like cumin, fennel, ginger, and coriander are believed to aid digestion and soothe the stomach.
Herbal remedies
Ayurveda practitioners may recommend herbal formulations like Triphala or buttermilk to reduce acidity and improve digestion.
Acidity VS GERD
Acidity
Acidity is the uncomfortable sensation of heartburn or chest burning caused by excess stomach acid or acid reflux. Triggered by food, stress, or lifestyle factors, it can cause significant discomfort, making it essential to address promptly.
GERD
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a chronic digestive disorder where stomach acid frequently flows back (refluxes) into the oesophagus, the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. This can cause heartburn, chest pain, and other symptoms.
Long-Term Impact of Acidity
Oesophageal ulcers
Persistent acid reflux can severely damage the lining of the esophagus, leading to the formation of painful ulcers. These ulcers can cause significant discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and even bleeding if left untreated, requiring medical intervention.
Oesophageal structure
Chronic acid reflux can result in scarring of the esophageal tissue, leading to the development of an esophageal stricture. This narrowing of the esophagus makes it increasingly difficult to swallow food and liquids, often requiring surgical procedures to correct.
Barrett's oesophagus
Barrett’s esophagus is a serious precancerous condition that arises from chronic acid reflux, where the normal lining of the esophagus is replaced with abnormal tissue. This change increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer, necessitating regular monitoring and potential treatment.
Gas and Acidity Explained
Gas
Intestinal gas is a normal by product of digestion. Bacteria in your gut ferment indigestible carbohydrates that your small intestine can’t absorb. This fermentation process produces gas such as nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane, but a small portion includes hydrogen sulfide, which causes it smell like rotten eggs. Due to the production of excess gas you might feel bolated causing discomfort.
Acidity
Acidity refers to the burning sensation due to presence of excess or reflux of gastric acid in your stomach. Hydrochloric acid is the main component of stomach acid, which helps break down food and kill bacteria. However, excess stomach acid can irritate the lining of the oesophagus and stomach, causing heartburn, indigestion, and a burning sensation in the chest (acidity).
Common Habits that Cause Gas and Acidity
- Diet, Certain foods like spicy foods, fatty foods, sugary drinks, carbonated beverages, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) can trigger gas and acidity.
- Eating habits, eating too quickly, skipping meals, and overeating can all contribute to gas and acidity.
- Stress can increase stomach acid production and worsen symptoms of gas and acidity.
- Certain medications, aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can irritate the stomach lining and increase gas and acidity.
- Smoking and alcohol weakens the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), which can lead to acid reflux and heartburn. Alcohol can also irritate the stomach lining and increase acidity.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Acidity and Gas
Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine, emphasizes dietary and lifestyle changes for managing acidity and gas. Here are some common approaches:
Diet
Ayurveda recommends a balanced diet that is easy to digest, including whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits.
Spices
Certain spices like cumin, fennel, ginger, and coriander are believed to aid digestion and soothe the stomach.
Herbal remedies
Ayurveda practitioners may recommend herbal formulations like Triphala or buttermilk to reduce acidity and improve digestion.
Acidity VS GERD
Acidity
Acidity is the uncomfortable sensation of heartburn or chest burning caused by excess stomach acid or acid reflux. Triggered by food, stress, or lifestyle factors, it can cause significant discomfort, making it essential to address promptly.
GERD
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a chronic digestive disorder where stomach acid frequently flows back (refluxes) into the oesophagus, the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. This can cause heartburn, chest pain, and other symptoms.
Long-Term Impact of Acidity
Oesophageal ulcers
Persistent acid reflux can severely damage the lining of the esophagus, leading to the formation of painful ulcers. These ulcers can cause significant discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and even bleeding if left untreated, requiring medical intervention.
Oesophageal structure
Chronic acid reflux can result in scarring of the esophageal tissue, leading to the development of an esophageal stricture. This narrowing of the esophagus makes it increasingly difficult to swallow food and liquids, often requiring surgical procedures to correct.
Barrett's oesophagus
Barrett’s esophagus is a serious precancerous condition that arises from chronic acid reflux, where the normal lining of the esophagus is replaced with abnormal tissue. This change increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer, necessitating regular monitoring and potential treatment.
