Simple tricks to tackle acidity

Imbalance in our body’s pH levels can lead to acidity, that causes inflammation, acid reflux and migraines. Bad food habits, poor nutrition, obesity, chronic stress, antibiotics and pill-popping are the primary triggers for this condition. Certain carbohydrates, proteins, fats, dairy, meat, refined grains, white sugar, ready-to-eat sauces, wine, coffee, tea etc, produce acid during metabolism.

Experiencing acid reflux and burping out sour acid from the stomach constantly can impact our body and mind. Here are some tips to deal with acidic conditions:

• Avoid all deep fried, packaged foods which have excess sodium and preservatives.
  
• Say no to refined sugary treats, aerated drinks, coffee and teas. Drink coconut water instead.
  
• Limit your alcohol intake to only once a month or refrain till you are cured.
  
• Avoid smoking or any form of tobacco.
  
• Drink loads of water. Try infusing your water with mint leaves, cucumbers or watermelon.
  
• Consume fresh alkaline fruits like bananas, lychees, apple, ice apple, guava, watermelon and jamun.
  
• Swap gluten in wheat for complex carbohydrates such as jowar, buckwheat, brown rice and ragi.
  
• Cut down on all oily and spicy foods, make the meal simple using cooling oils like ghee and olive oil.
  
• Eat fresh herbs like mint, basil, coriander and parsley.
  
• Sleep on time, limit screen time and meditate.

Try some of these home remedies: consume Isabgol before going to bed to soak up all the acid, eat a piece of jaggery after a meal, keep ice packs on your forehead and a glass of chilled virgin margarita will also help.

(The author is an integrative nutritionist, life coach and NLP expert)