Hyperacidity is a common digestive issue that affects many individuals, leading to discomfort and a range of gastrointestinal symptoms. In Ayurveda, this condition is referred to as Amlapitta, which translates to "sour Pitta." This term reflects the imbalance in the Pitta dosha, a vital component of Ayurvedic medicine that governs digestion, metabolism, and energy production in the body.
Detailing upon the topic, we reached out to an expert, who shared natural Ayurvedic tips to manage hyperacidity with a few lifestyle changes. Read ahead to know how various factors can disrupt this balance, leading to excess acidity in the stomach and resulting in Amlapitta.
Expert’s Opinion On Amlapitta
Amlapitta is a condition where there is too much acid in the stomach. This can cause symptoms like heartburn, nausea, and sour burps. Dr Ritesh A Shukla, Medical Advisor, Charak Pharma Pvt Ltd, Lucknow, explained that the term "Amlapitta" combines two words: "Amla," meaning sour, and "Pitta," which refers to a type of digestive fluid in Ayurveda.
He further explained that in Ayurveda, there are two types of Pitta: Prakrita Pitta and Vidagdha Pitta. “Prakrita Pitta is the normal type of Pitta that everyone has in a balanced way,” said Dr Shukla. On the other hand, “Vidagdha Pitta occurs when Prakrita Pitta becomes damaged or contaminated due to various factors, leading to the symptoms associated with Amlapitta”.
Causes of Amlapitta
The onset of Amlapitta can be attributed to several dietary and lifestyle factors. The expert detailed a few factors that can lead to hyperacidity.
- Dietary Habits: Overeating, consuming food too quickly, or indulging in fatty, spicy, acidic, or sugary foods.
- Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and high stress levels contribute significantly to the aggravation of Pitta.
- Medical Conditions: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, hiatus hernia, H. pylori infections, and certain pain medications can also lead to increased stomach acidity.
- Seasonal Changes: The monsoon season is known to increase Pitta levels, which can further exacerbate symptoms during autumn. It also gets accumulated due to the effect of the monsoon/rainy season.
Symptoms of Amlapitta
Individuals suffering from Amlapitta may experience a range of symptoms that vary from person to person. However, Dr Shukla suggested a few symptoms of this ayurvedic hyperacidity.
- Burning sensation in the chest
- Regurgitation and sour taste in the mouth
- Chest pain
- Nausea and bloating
- Sour taste in the mouth (burps)
Ayurvedic Management of Amlapitta / Hyperacidity
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Ayurveda offers several natural remedies and lifestyle changes aimed at managing hyperacidity effectively. Dr Ritesh A Shukla listed down some practical tips on how individuals can treat Amlapitta.
Dietary Recommendations
- Smaller Meals: Consume smaller portions to avoid overeating and maintain digestive balance.
- Regular Eating Schedule: Eat meals at consistent times daily; do not skip breakfast or delay dinner.
- Avoid Irritating Foods: Steer clear of spicy, fried, and processed foods that can irritate the stomach lining.
- Herbal Teas: Replace regular tea or coffee with soothing herbal teas such as fennel tea or cumin-coriander-fennel (CCF) tea.
Lifestyle Changes
- Breathing Exercises: Practice Anulom-Vilom pranayama to help reduce stress-related hyperacidity.
- Physical Activity: Engage in daily morning walks and yoga to promote overall digestive health.
- Posture After Eating: Avoid lying down immediately after meals. “Sit straight at least 10 minutes post-meal in Vajrasana,” said the expert.
- Circadian Rhythm: The expert said, “I will advise people to follow a regular eating and sleeping schedule. An imbalance of this disrupts digestion and can worsen acidity.”
Natural Ingredients for Relief
Several Ayurvedic herbs are known for their efficacy against hyperacidity:
- Lodhra: The expert shared that it neutralises the excess acid in the stomach.
- Ushir (Vetiver) and Udumber: These herbs possess cooling properties that alleviate heartburn.
- Yashtimadhu: Taking 2 grams mixed with ghee two to three times a day can soothe the stomach lining.
- Jatamansi: Use 2 grams mixed with honey or ghee twice daily to combat acidity linked to stress.
Conclusion
Amlapitta represents a common yet manageable condition characterised by hyperacidity. By understanding its causes and symptoms through an Ayurvedic lens, individuals can adopt dietary modifications and lifestyle changes that promote digestive health. Incorporating natural remedies can further aid in restoring balance and alleviating discomfort associated with hyperacidity.