how to cure acidity at home - #22112
I am really struggling with this awful acidity problem that seems to be taking over my life. Like, I've tried everything but it just won't go away. It started a few months ago, I would get these burning sensations in my chest and throat after meals, and it feels sooo uncomfortable, right? I thought maybe it was just something I was eating, but I’ve cut out spicy food, coffee, even chocolate!!! I mean, who cuts out chocolate? It's the worst. My friend told me to drink water with baking soda but after doing that, I just felt bloated and it didn’t really help with how to cure acidity at home. I looked online and saw like a million different remedies but I don't even know where to start. One website said to eat bananas, which I can handle, but then another said something about chewing gum? Do all these home remedies actually work? What about apple cider vinegar? I've heard mixed things. I’m just lost here. Is there a reliable way of how to cure acidity at home, or do I need to go see a doctor? Like, how do people even know what to do? I mean, any advice would be greatly appreciated because this is no way to live!
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Doctors' responses
Acidity, or acid reflux, can certainly be a tough issue to tackle, and it sounds like you’ve already tried adjusting your diet, which is a great start. Eliminating known triggers such as spicy foods, caffeine, and chocolate can indeed help, but if the burning sensation persists, it might be worth trying a few other home strategies. Elevating the head of your bed by about 6 to 8 inches might reduce nighttime symptoms as it helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones can also be beneficial. Sometimes, simply changing when you eat—aiming for your last meal 2–3 hours before lying down—could help prevent nighttime issues. Chewing sugar-free gum might help increase saliva production, which can neutralize acid. However, avoid gum with peppermint or spearmint, as these can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and worsen symptoms. Apple cider vinegar is a popular remedy, but there’s limited evidence for its efficacy. If you do try it, start with a small amount diluted in water, but be cautious as it may irritate your stomach lining. Make sure to stay hydrated, as water can help dilute stomach acid. Instead of baking soda, which can cause bloating, you might find relief with over-the-counter antacids or H2 blockers; these are more reliable and specifically formulated for relief of acid reflux symptoms. But be careful with long-term use and check with a healthcare provider if you find you’re using them regularly. If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by unintended weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or chest pain, it would be wise to consult a doctor or gastroenterologist to rule out more serious conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other underlying issues. They may recommend lifestyle interventions or prescribe medications like proton pump inhibitors if needed. Collect information about your symptoms, keep track of triggering foods and drinks, and be prepared to discuss these with your doctor for a more personalized plan. Remember, persistent or severe symptoms need medical evaluation to ensure there’s no serious underlying health problem.
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