Friday, December 25, 2020

Stomach Acidity and Digestive System

Stomach and Digestive System Issues

The intestines connected to the stomach are often referred to as the "second brain" because they are linked with millions of neurons and the central nervous system. As a result, the intestines can make decisions independently without consulting the brain.

Indigestion?

It is commonly believed that mental stress or anxiety disturbs the stomach, but new research is pointing towards genetics as a cause of this condition. However, the study has shown that individuals with similar genes tend to experience headaches alongside stomach complaints. This might be why people have historically associated stomach pain with mental stress or anxiety.




What is Acidity?

The food we eat travels through the esophagus to our stomach. The gastric glands present in the stomach produce acid to digest food, breaking it down into smaller pieces. When one eats excessively or at irregular times, the stomach starts producing an excess amount of acid. When the gastric glands produce more acid than necessary for digestion, you may feel a burning sensation under your breastbone. This condition is commonly referred to as acidity.
When the acid level in the stomach increases, it leads to hyperacidity. Often, the acid can move from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn and severe acidity.




To Avoid Feeling Heaviness After Eating:

  • Eat small portions and do so at intervals.
  • Avoid eating before sleeping.
  • Refrain from alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and caffeine.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Elevate the head of your bed slightly (or use two or three pillows) to prevent stomach acid from rising into the esophagus.
  • Maintain a correct sleeping position.



Stand in the right posture.


Sit in the right position.


Yoga Exercises to Combat Acidity:

Yoga exercises help increase movement in the stomach and intestines, improving digestion.

  • Yoga speeds up intestinal movement and releases gas.
  • It reduces stress in the body and digestive system, as stress is a cause of acidity.
  • Regular yoga practice strengthens the digestive system.

Pavanamuktasana
This pose helps release gas from the stomach and is very beneficial in treating digestive issues and gas troubles. It is excellent for acidity.

  • This exercise is great for treating constipation and acidic indigestion.
  • It benefits all the organs in the stomach.
  • Regular practice eliminates stomach diseases.
  • It helps those suffering from gas issues, arthritis pain, acidity, back pain, and heart difficulties.
  • It strengthens back muscles and alleviates back pain.
  • This exercise is also very beneficial for reproductive organs and menstrual disorders.



Kapalbhati Pranayama
This asana is effective for obesity, digestive disorders, and many other stomach-related illnesses.
Sit in this position quietly for 15 to 30 minutes, taking deep breaths that go deep into the stomach.

  • This will improve the respiratory system, especially lung function.
  • It will help resolve tension issues related to the genitals and improve reproductive system functions.
  • It aids the pancreas in producing insulin naturally.
  • It cleanses the internal system and removes toxins from the body.
  • It brings stability to your mind and calms you.
  • It is effective for weight loss.
 



Halasana
This yoga practice is called Halasana because the shape of the pose resembles a plow. In Sanskrit, "Hala" means "plow" and "asana" means "pose."

  • Stay in this position for a while and breathe slowly; repeat this exercise two to three times.
  • This asana helps improve digestion.
  • It is very effective for weight loss.
  • It is excellent for strengthening the stomach muscles.
  • It is very beneficial for diabetic patients.
  • It also helps strengthen and make the spine more flexible.



Ashtrasana
Named for its resemblance to a camel pose, "Ashtrasana" means "camel." It is excellent for back pain, blood circulation, and the nervous system.

  • It helps increase lung and chest capacity.
  • The stomach, chest, and neck will feel more flexible.
  • It will aid in stimulating the organs of the stomach.
  • It is very beneficial for asthma patients as it improves respiratory system efficiency.
  • It will resolve issues related to the neck, shoulders, and back.
  • It stimulates the thyroid gland's functions.
  • It increases blood circulation in the brain.


Stomach Troubles and Headaches

Some research indicates that stomach diseases may be linked to headaches.

 

Plow Pose Exercise
This exercise opens the neck, shoulders, and back. Applying pressure on the stomach massages the digestive organs and provides elasticity, allowing toxins to be released.

Foods and Habits That Help Reduce Acidity:

  • Coconut water relaxes your stomach and digestive system. Drink at least two glasses a day.
  • Apples and bananas act as a wall against acidity. Additionally, fresh fruits help reduce acidity.
  • Rice helps lower acidity.
  • Watermelon juice combats acidity. You can drink a glass of watermelon juice with breakfast daily.
  • A glass of buttermilk after spicy meals helps reduce acidity, as buttermilk contains lactic acid, which normalizes acidity in the stomach.
  • Potatoes help lower acidity, but they should be boiled, not fried.
  • Boil basil leaves in water and drink it to reduce acidity. You can also use mint leaves with basil.
  • Drink a glass of warm water with both after each meal.
  • Include bananas, cucumbers, and yogurt in your diet. These provide quick relief from acidity.
  • Chewing on pieces of cloves can alleviate acidity.
  • Ginger aids digestion. Use ginger in your meals or boil a piece in a glass of water. When the water reduces to half a glass, drink it. Daily boiling a piece of ginger in a cup of water, adding a few drops of lemon and honey, can help fix stomach acidity, indigestion, and heartburn.
  • Boil a teaspoon of cumin in a glass of water until it reduces to half; drink it on an empty stomach for less acidity.
  • Drink a glass of milk daily, as it reduces acidity.
  • Chewing gum produces saliva, which helps move food through the intestines.
  • Take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water every morning on an empty stomach.
  • Drink at least two liters of water every day.
  • Don’t leave too long between meals; eat smaller portions more frequently.


Foods and Habits Harmful for Acidity and Stomach:

  • Smoking and alcohol increase acidity.
  • Eat at least two hours before sleeping.
  • Avoid eating raw onions as they trigger acidity.
  • Refrain from caffeine and carbonated beverages.
  • Avoid tea and coffee.

Omeprazole
Omeprazole prevents the stomach from producing too much acid. It is used to treat patients suffering from reflux, throat inflammation, or stomach bleeding disorders. It can also be used with antibiotics to treat ulcers. Omeprazole is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form.

No comments:

Post a Comment