Acid Reflux Natural Ayurveda Treatment and Management

Most people suffer an occasional bout of indigestion that is marked by an uncomfortable heaviness or burning sensation in the stomach, heartburn or a feeling of being bloated. However, if this begins to occur very frequently, and causes a lot of discomfort, it is important to pay attention because may be the sign and symptoms of acid reflux.

 

What is Acid Reflux or Hyperacidity ?

 

The stomach contains a certain amount of hydrochloric acid that, along with the enzyme called pepsin, plays a vital role in the digestion of food. When there is an excess secretion of this gastric acid, the condition is called hyperchlorhydria or what we commonly call acid reflux; this excess acid leads to the symptoms of this condition.

 

 

Symptoms of Acid Reflux or Hyperacidity 

 

A person who suffers from acid reflux may experience a few symptoms such as:

• Burning pain in the chest
• Nausea and vomiting sensation
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Sharp pain in the stomach or chest

 

Some persons also suffer from anaemia and weight loss when acid reflux is a chronic problem.

 

Acid Reflux & Heartburns Ayurveda Herbal Treatment and Management

 

According to Ayurveda, acid reflux is called Amlapitta – a disease due to excessive acid production in the stomach. 

 

As a result, there is an increased amount of heat and sourness generated in the body, impairing the Pitta Dosha. As a result, the digestive capacity is affected, resulting in the formation of ama or toxins which accumulate in the digestive channels. Treating such acid reflux therefore requires the removal of these toxins and pacifying the impairment in the Pitta Dosha.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ayurvedic concept of acid reflux says that the condition is generally caused due to faulty eating habits such as:

 

• Frequent fasting
• Irregular eating habits
• Overeating in spite of indigestion
• Eating foods that are unsuitable to the individual’s body constitution
• Improper cooking methods to prepare food
• Increased intake of alcohol
• Excess consumption of food that is highly spicy, hot, sour, oily or irritant
• Negative emotions
• Control of natural urges for urination and bowel movements

 

In some persons, there may be an excessive secretion of the digestive enzymes due to the stimulating effect of the Vata Dosha – this condition is called as pachaka pitta. Excess of enzymes causes a drying out of the mucous membranes that line the stomach and this leads to it getting irritated and subsequently, the development of ulcers.

 

Hyperacidity or Acid Reflux Ayurveda Natural Remedies

 

Ayurveda makes use of certain traditional herbal formulations and therapies to help treat acid reflux. Before recommending these, the physician takes a complete diet history to understand the client’s present eating habits and lifestyle. After the identification of what is causing the problem, he or she is recommended particular therapy, dietary changes and lifestyle to overcome the acid reflux.

 

 

Traditional Herbal Natural treatment for Hyperacidity or Acid Reflux

 

Ayurveda recommends the use of specific herbs that have the ability to reduce Pitta Dosha and help reduce the toxins generated in the gastrointestinal tract. Some of the common ones used traditionally include:

 

 

Amla (Indian Goosberry):

The Indian gooseberry fruit obtained from Emblica officinalis plant is a strong pacifier of the Pitta Dosha and therefore, very effective in acid reflux treatment. Besides, it also contains vitamin C which helps in rapid healing of the injured tissues of the stomach.

 

Licorice:

Obtained from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, the stem of licorice has powerful action against excess acid production in the stomach. It helps give relief from the burning pain of acid reflux.

 

Yashtimadhu (Indian Licorice) is beneficial in treating acid peptic disease. Scientific studies have shown that its extract reduces gastric acid secretion and inhibits the formation of peptic ulcers. Yashtimadhu treats ulcers by accelerating mucin excretion by increasing the synthesis of glycoprotein at the gastric mucosa, prolonging the life of the epithelial cells and antipepsin activity.

 

Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus):

The juice obtained from the root of the Asparagus racemosus plant is very effective against acid reflux; it may be administered as such or in the form of a formulation made with ghee (clarified butter).

 

In a study conducted by Poonam Sharma it has been found  that the methanolic extract from the fresh roots of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) has ulcer protective effect. It increases the mucous secretion and keeps the acid and pepsin levels stable. Also roots of Asparagus racemosus showed considerable in-vitro antibacterial properties.

 

Bhringaraj (Eclipta alba):

Obtained from the Eclipta alba plant, bhringaraj is a very useful antiulcer herb. It helps to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

 

Coconut:

Both the kernel as well as the liquid found in the coconut have a protective action against damage to the gastric mucosa by excess acid.

 

 

 

Ayurveda Herbal and Natural Medicine to treat and Manage Acid Reflux

 

Some of the common Ayurveda herbal formulations mentioned in the ayurvedic texts to treat acidity and reflux:

 

 

• Abhayarishtam herbal tonic 
• Aragwadharishtam herbal tonic
• Chandanasavam herbal tonic
• Draksharishtam herbal tonic
• Jeerakadyarishtam herbal tonic
• Pippalyasavam herbal tonic
• Aragwadhadhi Kashyam
• Vidharyadhi lehyam-Herbal jam
• Vilwadi Lehyam-Herbal jam
• Avipattikar choornam-Herbal powder
• Dadimasthaka choornam-Herbal powder
• Panchakola Choornam-Herbal Powder
• Triphala Powder
• Hinguvachadi Choornam Tabet
• Vilwadi Gulika tablet
• Vayu Gulika Tablet

 

 

Ayurveda Panchkarma Detox Remedy for Acid Reflux or Hyperacidity

 

 

 

This detox therapy should be performed under supervision of a qualified ayurvedic practitioner and never be experimented without supervision.

 

Vamana:

This is therapeutic emesis or induced vomiting to get rid of the waste products and mucous in the upper gastrointestinal tract. 

 

 

 

 

Virechana:

This is therapeutic purging where purgative substances that increase the Pitta dosha are given to the patient. Some of the commonly used purgatives include senna leaves, flaxseeds, castor oil or Triphala. After several hours of consuming this, there is a natural bowel movement, which may be repeated several times. By this method, most of the toxins in the gastrointestinal tract are eliminated and it helps to reduce the suffering from acid reflux.

 

 

 

 

 

Yoga for Acidity and Indigestion   

 

 

Some yoga postures help to stimulate the digestive system to secrete appropriate levels of the digestive enzymes and also reduce the acid reflux.

The most effective ones are Virasana (Hero Pose), Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose), Baddha Konasana (Cobbler Pose), Makarasana (Crocodile Pose), Mayurasana (Peacock Pose), Padahastasana (Foot-Hand Pose) and Shavasana (Corpse Posture). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acid Reflux Foods to Avoid 

 

In many persons, improper eating habits are mainly responsible for problems with digestion that lead to chronic acid reflux. Here are a few tips that are recommended as lifestyle changes for persons with such problems.

 

 

• Eat at appropriate, regular times to avoid leaving the stomach empty for very long.
• Eat smaller meals at frequent intervals rather than just one huge meal.
• Pay attention to what you eat and chew the food carefully; avoid being distracted with reading or working on the computer while eating.
• Avoid the use of Pitta-stimulating beverages such as coffee, tea, alcoholic and carbonated beverages.
• Do not use foods that are excessively processed and fermented, sour, spicy or salty.
• Especially avoid sour foods with high content of acidic nature such as tamarind, vinegar and pickles.
• Avoid consuming yoghurt at night
• Drink tender coconut water on a regular basis to keep your stomach cool.
• Consume herbal tea made with coriander and cumin seeds to aid in digestion.
• Include herbs such as mint, cardamom, cumin and fennel in your regular cooking.

 

 

 

Along with all these measures, it is vital to remember that because the brain controls the secretion of gastric acid, stress plays an important role in deciding one’s state of digestive health.

 

 

In general, anxiety, nervousness, anger and being on edge tend to worsen the symptoms of acid reflux and therefore, one must strive to stay calm. Along with the recommended yoga postures, the regular practice of breathing techniques and meditation to keep the mind calm can therefore help greatly in combating chronic acid reflux.

 

 

References

1. Dr Poonam Sharma, ‘Use of Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus Willd.) and Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza Glabra Linn.) in Treatment of Peptic Ulcer’, World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Volume 4, Issue 8, 944-949, file:///C:/Users/Sargun/Downloads/article_wjpr_1438325509.pdf
2. Paghdar Mohit P., Patel Dhananjay V., ‘A Conceptual Study on Effect of Guduchyadi Kwatha in the Management of Amlapitta’, International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy, 7(3), May- June 2016, https://www.ijrap.net/admin/php/uploads/1536_pdf.pdf