A digestive disease in which stomach acid or bile irritates the flood pipe lining. When the oesophageal mucosa is exposed to gastric contents for prolonged periods of time, it can result in GERD (Gasho-oesophageal Reflux disease) and in proportion of cases, oesophagitis.
Ayurvedic Perspectives
Ayurveda defines acid reflux as ‘Amlapitta’ meaning that the pitta dosha component of the body which regulates digestion attains surplus acidic levels i.e ‘Amlata’ leading to acid reflux and heart burn – hrit daha, accompanied by a bitter taste in the mouth-tikta udgara and indigestion-Avipaka
Causes of Acid Reflux
- Dietary and environment factors:-
- Obesity
- Fatty food
- Heavy meal on dinner
- Smoking
- Abnormalities of the lower oesophageal sphincter
- Hiatus hernia
- Delayed oesophageal clearance
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
- Heart burn and regurgitation often provoked by bending or lying down.
- ‘Waterbrash’ which is salivation due to reflex salivary gland stimulation
- Weight gain/ weight loss
- Choking
- Odynophagia or dysphagia i.e difficulty in swallowing
- Chest pain
- Gas bloating
Major Complications
- Oesophagitis
- Barret’s oesophagus
- Cancer of the oesophagus
Management of Acid Reflux
Lifestyle advice which include: –
- Weight loss
- Avoidance of dietary items which aggravated the symptoms like chocolate, alcohol, coffee, tea, carbonated drinks etc:
- Avoidance of late meals
- Giving up smoking
- Elevation of bed if experience nocturnal symptoms.
Herbal Remedies for Acid Reflux
Boolchand Ayurveda provides you an effective herbal remedy containing pure extracts of herbs. These herbs help managing acid reflux with no side effects. The herbal remedies include Digestive care, Haritaki powder and Amalki rasayan.
Acidity Care Pack
1. Digestive Care
Digestive care is a wonderful ayurvedic mixture of various herbs it includes:-
- Nishotha (Operculina turpethum) – Nishoth is an herb used in Ayurveda to help with acidity and other gastrointestinal issues including acid reflux. It is believed to help regulate Pitta, thus reducing the likelihood of acid reflux.
- Motha (Cyperus rotundus) – It is known for it’s potential anti- inflammatory, analgesic(pain-relieving) and digestive properties.
- Elaichi (Elettaria cardamomum) – It is used to aid digestion and relieves gastric issues and stomach cramps.
- Kamdudha ras – It balances stomach acids and support better digestion, thus reducing issues like acid reflux, bloating and indigestion.
- Moti Pishti – It not only counter balance the excess acid in the stomach and provides immediate relief from acidity and heart burn.
Dosage:- 1scoop of powder twice daily before breakfast and lunch with plain water.
2. Haritaki Powder
Haritaki is a miraculous ayurvedic herb that improves gut health and treat a wide range of gastro intestinal disorders. It balances the three doshas of body and has deepan pachan property which helps in digestion.
Dosage:- 1 scoop of powder with luke warm water at night.
3. Amalki Rasayan
Amalki rasayan is a traditional ayurvedic formulation primarily made from amla (indian gooseberry) known for its rejuvenating and immunity-boosting properties. It’s believed to help with digestion and reducing acidity.
Dosage:- 2 capsules twice a day before breakfast and lunch with plain water.
