Stomach acidity, as well as acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), are similar and occur when there is excessive stomach acid that flows upward from the stomach into the throat. The upward moving acid irritates the lining of the throat, creating a burning sensation.
It is normal for the stomach to produce acid, as it’s essential for the digestive process. However, excess acidity forms in the stomach due to an imbalanced diet and lifestyle, as well as stress, ultimately aggravating pitta dosha.
According to Ayurveda, when pitta dosha becomes aggravated, it develops a condition known as Amlapitta (sour pitta).
Does Stress Cause Acidity?
The common causes for Amlapitta are obesity, a fat-rich diet, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, spicy food, infections like H. Pylori, certain medications like NSAIDs and aspirin and severe stress.
Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux, Heartburn, Indigestion or GERD
- Burning sensation in the chest or throat, especially after eating or laying down
- Chest pain with feeling of heaviness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Regurgitation of food which is a sour liquid
- Sensation of a lump in the back of the throat
- Nausea and vomiting
What Foods Help Reduce Acidity?
Foods that taste bitter, sweet or astringent will pacify pitta dosha, while tastes that are spicy, sour or salty will aggravate pitta dosha. Ayurveda recommends having foods that are cooling for digestion, foods like leafy greens that are bitter, milk and ghee that are sweet, and apples and grapes that are astringent. It is important to greatly reduce all foods that taste salty, sour or spicy, as they will aggravate Amlapitta.
How Do I Eliminate Excess Acid from the Stomach?
Ayurveda suggests shodhana chikitsa (detoxification), and a classical herbal formula known as Avipathi Churnam, which helps to detox the excess acid from the stomach.
Benefits of Avipathi Churnam
Avipathi Churnam is an Ayurvedic formula that is mainly used for pitta digestive disorders. It helps to balance the aggravated pitta dosha and reduces and detoxifies the acid in the stomach. It acts as an antacid, digestive stimulant, and carminative all in one herbal formula. It is also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Avipathi also reduces sour burping, heartburn, burning sensations in the stomach, chest or throat, sour taste in the mouth, inflamed or sore mouth, and excessive sweating.
The main effect of Avipathi Churnam is on the digestive system. It helps to correct the digestive enzymes and acts as a mild laxative which helps to eliminate the toxins associated with aggravated pitta dosha.
Recommended Dosage for Avipathi Churnam
- Children ages 5 to 10 years: ¼ tsp. with warm water after food
- Children ages 11 to 18 years: ½ tsp. with warm water after food
- Adults above 18 years: ½ to 1 tsp. with warm water before food
To learn more on how to reduce stomach acidity, read our related article: Hyperacidity: An Ayurvedic Case Study.
Why is it important to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner?
It’s important to consult with Ayurvedic practitioner when any digestive problems become chronic and especially if lasting more than one season. It is important to understand your mind and body type or dosha. And once your dosha is known it will become easier to know the right foods, herbs and lifestyle activities that will support healthy digestion.
If you have chronic stomach acidity or related digestive problems, we recommend consulting with our Ayurvedic doctor Vishwanath Guddadar to support your overall health. Following the advice from a personalized Ayurvedic consultation will change your life and will give you the knowledge required to maintain your best health.
If you book a consultation with Dr. Vishwanath Guddadar, you will receive a personalized diet, lifestyle, and herbal protocol that will strengthen your vitality and improve your overall health.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and this information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute, or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop and we will provide you with one of our affiliated Ayurvedic professionals. Check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant.