Hyperacidity

Hyperacidity, also called acid reflux or gastric acidity, happens when excess stomach acid irritates the stomach lining or flows back into the oesophagus. This causes heartburn, sour burps, chest burning, and indigestion, especially after meals or while lying down. Hyperacidity may be occasional or part of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), which is chronic acid reflux.

What Is Hyperacidity (Acid Reflux)

Hyperacidity refers to increased acid levels in the stomach or acid reflux entering the oesophagus.

Two main types include:

• Simple hyperacidity – occasional acidity after certain foods or habits.
• GERD – chronic acid reflux causing frequent heartburn and risk of oesophagitis, ulcers, or strictures if untreated.

Causes of Hyperacidity

Hyperacidity develops due to food choices, lifestyle habits, medical issues like GERD or gastritis, and certain medications that increase acidity or weaken digestive function.

Dietary Causes of Hyperacidity

• Spicy, oily, fried foods
• Overeating or large portions
• Long gaps between meals or irregular meal timings
• Excess tea, coffee, or caffeinated drinks
• Carbonated beverages and sodas
• Excess onion, garlic, tomato, vinegar, and packaged sauces

Lifestyle-Related Causes

• Stress and anxiety
• Poor sleep or late-night sleep cycles
• Sedentary lifestyle, obesity
• Smoking and alcohol
• Heavy dinners or eating late at night
• Lying down immediately after eating

Medical Causes (Gastritis, GERD, Ulcers, Hernia)

• Gastritis or stomach inflammation
• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
• H. pylori infection
• Peptic ulcers
• Hiatal hernia
• Pregnancy-related hormonal and pressure changes
• Obesity increasing abdominal pressure

Medication-Induced Acidity

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, diclofenac)
• Steroids
• Certain antibiotics
• Iron supplements
• Medicines that irritate the stomach lining

Symptoms of Hyperacidity and Warning Signs

Hyperacidity symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe chest burning. When reflux becomes chronic, it is classified as GERD.

Common Symptoms of Acidity and Acid Reflux

• Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) after meals or while lying down
• Sour burps or regurgitation of acid/food
• Bloating, heaviness, and stomach discomfort
• Acid reflux sensation of food rising up
• Nausea or occasional vomiting
• Bitter or acidic taste in the mouth
• Excess saliva and bad breath

Severe Symptoms That Need a Doctor’s Evaluation

• Vomiting blood or coffee-ground vomit
• Severe chest pain or upper abdominal pain
• Difficulty or pain while swallowing
• Unintentional weight loss
• Persistent symptoms despite medicines

Seek urgent medical help if you have severe pain, trouble swallowing, blood in vomit or stools, or chest pain that could mimic a heart attack.

Diagnosis of Hyperacidity and GERD

Diagnosis is usually based on typical symptoms, but tests are required for persistent, severe, or unclear cases.

Clinical Evaluation

• Detailed history of symptoms: triggers, timing, duration
• Review of diet, stress, smoking, alcohol
• Assessment of medications that may cause acidity

Endoscopy, pH Monitoring, and H. pylori Tests

• Upper GI endoscopy to detect oesophagitis, ulcers, or stomach lining inflammation
• H. pylori tests (breath test, stool antigen, blood test, or biopsy)
• 24-hour pH monitoring to measure acid reflux episodes
• Ultrasound or CT scan if needed for other abdominal causes

Treatment of Hyperacidity

Treatment includes home remedies, lifestyle changes, and medicines that control acid, heal the lining, and reduce reflux.

Home Remedies and Natural Relief

• Warm water sips
• Jeera (cumin) water or saunf (fennel) water after meals
• Buttermilk with a pinch of black salt
• Banana or coconut water
• Aloe vera juice in moderation (with guidance)

Medicines (Antacids, H2 Blockers, PPIs, Prokinetics)

Under medical supervision:

Note: Long-term PPI use or frequent antacid intake should always be supervised by a doctor to avoid side effects and avoid masking serious conditions.

Surecare Homeopathic Doctors’ View in Treating Hyperacidity

Homeopathic practitioners consider hyperacidity a combination of digestive imbalance, stress, food triggers, and constitutional tendencies. They select remedies based on:

• Type and intensity of burning
• Timing of discomfort (night, lying down, after meals)
• Gas, bloating, or constipation patterns
• Emotional triggers such as stress, anger, or tension

Goals of Homeopathy Treatment for Hyperacidity

• Improve digestion and reduce gastric irritation
• Reduce frequency and intensity of acidity episodes
• Address stress and lifestyle triggers
• Support long-term digestive balance

Prevention of Hyperacidity (Diet & Lifestyle Tips)

• Eat small, frequent meals
• Avoid skipping meals
• Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises
• Avoid lying down for 2–3 hours after meals
• Elevate the head end of the bed for night symptoms
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol
• Maintain healthy weight

Diet for Hyperacidity: Foods to Eat and Avoid

Diet plays a major role in calming or worsening acidity. Identifying personal triggers is crucial.

Foods to Include

• Banana, oats, coconut water
• Watermelon, cucumber, and hydrating foods
• Buttermilk and low-fat curd
• Steamed or boiled vegetables
• Rice, dal, khichdi, soft bland meals
• Non-citrus fruits
• Almonds and small frequent meals
• Herbal teas (chamomile, ginger – if tolerated)

Foods to Avoid

• Spicy, fried, oily, or very rich foods
• Pickles and highly salted items
• Tomato, onion, garlic (if sensitive)
• Chocolate and high-fat desserts
• Citrus fruits (lemon, orange, grapefruit)
• Excess coffee or tea
• Soda and carbonated drinks
• Alcohol, vinegar, heavy sauces

Recommended Drinks

• Jeera water or saunf water
• Cold milk (helps some people)
• Aloe vera juice as advised
• Warm water with ginger and honey

Conclusion

Homeopathy treatment for hyperacidity can support overall digestive balance, along with PPIs, lifestyle changes, GERD evaluation, diet correction remains essential for long-term management.