Search Results for: acidity

January 10, 2019 By Urvashi Sareen 12 Comments

Acidity – its symptoms and Prevention

Acidity is one of the most common problems that most individuals face. This is largely due to wrong eating habits and sometimes even stress. Bad eating, stress in a way is all connected. One leads to another and that, in turn, leads to unhealthy living and problems such as acidity.

But, to find a solution to the problem it is first important to understand what is Acidity?

Acidity is a term used for a set of symptoms caused by excess production of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach. The stomach normally secretes hydrochloric acid which is required for the breakdown and digestion of food that we eat. Acidity causes symptoms like dyspepsia, heartburn gastric inflammation, and ulcers in the stomach.

Now, there are some factors which cause acidity such as eating habits, fad diets, stress, smoking and alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, irregularity in eating pattern, consumption of oily and spicy foods. Apart from these certain medicines are too responsible for the cause of acidity.

Some of the symptoms which can be felt as a result of acidity can be:

Burning session in the stomach
Burning session in the throat
Restlessness
Belching
Nausea
Sour taste
Indigestion
Constipation

As correctly said, “Prevention is better than cure”

So let us look at some of the parameters to prevent acidity.

Don’t consume spicy food or fried foods too often.
Eat more fruits and vegetables. One should be taking at least 2 servings of fruits and 3-4 servings of vegetables. Green leafy vegetables would be a really good choice to go for.
Eat small, regular meals. Try to reduce the gap between meals to not more than 3 hours.
Consume your last meal at least a few hours before sleeping.
Chew tulsi leaves, cloves, saunf (Aniseed), etc.
Avoid medications like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and steroids
Reduce stress. Deep breathing, going for a walk and being in nature are some of the activities which can help in reducing stress.

However, if you are already suffering from acidity, I am discussing below some of the home remedies of acidity which really work. So before you start with antacids for the treatment, do try these home remedies and you may get rid of the problem.

Basil leaves: Eat basil leaves thoroughly at first sign of acidity. Can also boil 4-5 leaves in a cup of water for 15 minutes.
Cinnamon: Add half spoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of water, boil for few minutes and drink this 2-3 times a day.
Buttermilk:

Grind half to one teaspoon of methi seeds with little water to make a paste. Mix it in a glass of buttermilk and have it.
Add a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of buttermilk and keep it for 5 minutes before drinking.
Mix a pinch of black pepper in a glass of buttermilk.
Mix a tablespoon of coriander leaf juice in a glass of buttermilk.

Apple Cider vinegar:

Mix 1-2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in half a cup of water and drink.
Mix 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 teaspoon of organic honey and drink before eating a spicy meal.

Cloves: Chew 2-3 cloves thoroughly.
Jaggery: Jaggery is high in potassium. After each meal, take a small piece.
Ginger:

Can take 2-3 teaspoon of ginger juice in a day for combating acidity.
Can boil ginger in water and drink the water twice a day.

Cumin seeds:

Crush roasted cumin seeds and stir in a glass of water. Drink after each meal.
Boil seeds in water, strain and drink.
Mix 1 teaspoon of coriander seed powder, a teaspoon of cumin seed powder and a teaspoon of fennel seed powder and some sugar in half cup of water and drink empty stomach.

Aniseed: Soak a teaspoon of aniseed in a cup of boiled water overnight. In the morning, strain the water add a teaspoon of organic honey and sip it at least 3 times during the day.
Cold milk: After a meal, drink a glass of cold milk, not iced milk.
Lemon and ginger juice 15 minutes post meal, zaps acidity quickly.

If eating right and proper preventive measures are adhered to, Acidity can be averted.

November 22, 2018 By Urvi Gohil 1 Comment

GUIDE TO A HAPPY GUT: Say bye to bloating, acidity and heartburn!

TBC-gut-health-circle-3

Do you know? body is constantly communicating with you…..

Very small episodes of acidity, bloating, indigestion, etc. says a lot about your lifestyle and overall health. Are you paying attention?

It is important for us to know that about 70% of immune system is located in our gut and the gut absorbs nutrients that support body functions from energy production to hormone balance, skin health to mental health and toxin & waste elimination too.

Here are some easy ways to stay away from bloating, acidity and heartburn, and how to improve overall health by improving gut health.

Fennel Seeds or Saunf: These seeds have antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory properties and promote the production of gastric enzymes. It works wonderfully in indigestion, bloating, acidity, heartburn post meals and constipation too. Just add 1 tbsp of raw seeds to the water bottle you carry in office. Or have 1 glass of fennel seed water post meals to take care of such symptoms.
Basil Seeds: They work well in relieving constipation, bloating, naturally detox your body and regulates smooth bowel movements. It works as a natural coolant. You can have a glass of milk with basil seeds few hours before bed time, or make a drink with water, honey and Sabja seeds and have it in mid-morning, or just make a habit of soaking it for 2-3 hours and drinking the water in the morning.
Fenugreek Seeds: These are rich in fibre and antioxidants, and helps in enhances bowel movement. Take a tsp of fenugreek seed and soak it in 1 cup of water at night and have it in the morning with a glass of lukewarm water if you have long term problems of constipation, indigestion or heartburn. *People experiencing severe acidity should avoid this.
Lemon Ginger water: This will help strengthen the digestive system and prevent indigestion, nausea, heartburn and bloating. Take a glass of lukewarm water, add 1 tsp of lemon juice and 1 tsp of ginger juice in it, this will work best for bloating post meals or occasional bloating post heavy meals.
Apple Cider Vinegar: The unfiltered, unpasteurized and raw mother Apple Cider Vinegar has live micro-organisms and help to work towards heartburn & GI stress. A dilution of Apple Cider Vinegar before a meal can help you stimulate acid secretion and reduce gut symptoms. Also, having a tbsp of ACV in 300 ml water in the morning can also help in the same.
Chewing Gum: Chewing gum after a heavy meal may not only freshen your breath, but it could help fight acid reflux and heartburn because of bi-carbonates in it. Research studies show that chewing gum after a big meal can reduce acid levels in the oesophagus to get rid of heaviness. It will really work.
Water: Is the body’s basic requirement! A constant supply of water is necessary to replenish the fluids lost through activities such as respiration, perspiration, urination, regulating body temperature, digest food, etc. Try to drink above 2-2.5 L of water throughout the day and it is the answer to all your digestive issues.
Vegetables & Fruits: Have 1 portion of vegetables in every meal is the best way to help your gut digest the food well and have enough nutrients. Plus the fibre from them helps to ease bowel movement and act as food for micro-organisms. Fruits are best to go for in mid meals to add more soluble fibre and get rid of acidity and bloating.
Physical Activity: No escape here. Being physically active for 30-45 min is the answer to good health and happy gut. Exercise gets your heart pumping and increases blood flow and oxygen circulation throughout the body. Blood and oxygen are necessary to aid digestion and keep the intestinal muscles healthy. So for constipation, bloating, acidity, heartburn, etc. including some walking, cycling, yoga, etc. will give you better results along with good diet early.
NO to Sugar, refined flour, fried and processed food, as they are not hosting to good little beings in your gut meaning microbes.

Make sure you follow these simple tips and keep your gut healthy because……

A Happy GUT = A Happy YOU!

September 7, 2017 By Neha Morche 2 Comments

Acidity: Its symptoms, causes and cure

Acidity is a very common problem among people. Most usually complaint of acidity due to various reasons. And, many take temporary treatment but, know what has caused it or what is it exactly?

This aspect of not knowing what the problem is worrying me. If the issue of acidity relapses then one has to develop certain habits which will help permanently. Just because it is a disorder most tend to ignore it. But, acidity over a period of time can get worse.

The acid in our body is needed to digest the food. If there is less secretion then it can cause indigestion and if it is in excess then it causes ‘Acidity’. Today, I would like to tell you more about Acidity and what are its symptoms, causes and cure.

Symptoms of Acidity:

Restless, heartburn, nausea and vomiting, sour belching of food you have consumed, aversion to certain food items, indigestion, severe constipation in some cases.

Possible causes of acidity

Oily food, food with more salt, sweet and spices (overeating)
Food or drinks containing a lot of acids or food that taste sour increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
Tension, worries and pressure on mind create more acid in the stomach.
Frequent drinking of coffee, alcohol, smoking and drugs etc
Lack of physical activities, going to sleep immediately after food will produce excess acid.
Taking of frequent allopathic medicines like aspirin or pain killers will increase acidity.
Any illness related to the alimentary canal or the organs connected with the digestive organs may lead to acidity.
Keeping long gaps between two meals.
Having acidic food (which are mentioned below)
Highly emotionally and nervous individuals.
Overeating.

Acidic foods :

Butter, Lentils, White refined flour, Whole-wheat cooked spaghetti, Peanuts(dry-roasted), Walnuts, Chicken, Whole egg, Oats, Brown rice, salmon, tuna, cheese, tomato

Alkaline food:

Honey, Asparagus, Margarine, White and red wine, Broccoli, Watermelon, Apples, Zucchini, Hazelnuts, Green beans, Cherries, Radishes, Cauliflower, Potatoes, Apricots, Carrots, Celery, Bananas, leafy vegetables, Raisins.

Home remedies for Acidity:

Cold milk with 1 tsp of ghee.
Banana
Eating 4-5 basil leaves(tulsi) after every meal.
Boil fennel seeds(sound) in water, leave it overnight and drink next day when you get a bout of acidity.
Chew cumin seeds (jeera) has calming effect
Bite cloves so juice is released and keep it in the mouth for a while
Boil cardamom, cool it and drink that cool water
Boil mint leaves, cool it and drink that cool water
Crush ginger and eat with a piece of Jaggery
Have Amla powder 2/day to refrain from acidity.

November 4, 2022 By Komal Jethmalani 1 Comment

Busting Myths About Protein Supplements

A few decades back, protein supplements didn’t exist at all. Food was the source of all protein and people used to consume food to remain healthy. But in the current scenario, various lifestyle changes such as indulging in excessive gym workouts, having no time to eat due to work, deteriorating food quality, etc. have created a demand for supplements.

What are Protein Supplements?

Protein supplements are concentrated sources of protein from animal or plant foods such as dairy, eggs, rice ,peas, hemp or brown rice. Some supplements are also fortified with vitamins and minerals, especially calcium. People use them to increase muscle mass, improve overall body composition and help meet their protein needs.

Whey protein, the most vital supplement among all, is a must-have protein supplement whether you are a beginner or a pro in your fitness journey. Although, not everyone needs protein powder supplements, they can assist you if you do strength training or cannot meet your protein needs with diet alone.

Let’s Bust Some Myths!

Myth #1: Protein Supplements Are Only For Bodybuilders
Fact: You can have a protein supplement if you are doing any form of exercise because it helps your muscles recover. Protein alone does not make your muscles big.

Myth #2: Whey Protein Is Not A Natural Form Of Protein
Fact: Whey protein is the natural protein derived from cow milk which constitutes two main protein components, namely casein and whey. Both components have Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid score of 1.0 which is the highest score for a protein source.

Myth #3: Women Will Get Bulky From Protein Supplements
Fact: Due to women having lower levels of testosterone and higher levels of estrogen, they won’t bulk up as men. A diet rich in lean protein will help women build muscle, but not at the same rate as men. For both genders, it still takes weeks/months of consistent training and good nutrition to build visible muscle.

Myth #4: I Don’t Exercise Enough To Need A Protein Shake
Fact: Protein will help your muscles recover, whether you are working out six days a week or if you are a casual class goer – the results are the same.

Myth #5: Plant Based Protein Is Less Effective Than Whey Protein
Fact: For Vegan protein, a blend of whole pea and hemp sources is used to ensure an amino acid profile like whey with high levels of essential amino acids. Pea protein is allergen friendly, low fat and contains more protein per serving than whey. Hemp protein is also allergen friendly but is also rich in essential fatty acids and contains all nine essential amino acids.

Myth #6: Heating Protein Denatures It, Ruining The Effects
Fact: The only thing that changes when you heat protein is its structure, so it may become slightly less soluble. The protein itself is generally not affected by its yield.

Myth #7: You Need To Eat Very High Levels Of Protein To Get Results
Fact: The average person actually needs an adequate balance of carbs and fats alongside protein in their diet and probably needs no more than around 1.2 to 1.7gm of protein per kilo of bodyweight to build and maintain muscle.

Myth #8: Protein Shakes Will Make My Muscles Grow Quickly
Fact: Unfortunately, this is not true. Muscle building takes time, consistent training and good nutrition. Although having a post-workout, protein-rich meal/shake boosts protein synthesis and limits muscle breakdown. This simply means that your body recovers faster from aches and pains after training.

Myth #9: Pea Or Plant Protein Isn’t As good As Whey Protein
Fact: For vegans and people with digestive issues, plant-based protein powder is the way to go. It is digested differently than whey but still gives you the benefits of traditional powdered protein.

Myth #10: Protein Powder Equals Gas
Fact: That’s because most protein powders are derivatives of dairy products. But eating a balanced meal, which includes healthy fats, complex carbohydrates and water, along with a regular exercise routine, takes care of unpleasant digestive issues. The recommended dosage of protein shake is 1-2 scoops or 25-30 gm per day.

Myth #11: Whey Protein Leads To boils, Acidity, Poor Digestion
Fact: It is not whey protein but unabsorbed whey protein in the body that causes such issues. Insufficient water intake may lead to undigested protein resulting in boils, acidity, etc.

Myth #12: There’s No Such Thing As Too Much Protein
Fact: Eating excessive protein could lead to excessive nitrogen your body can’t excrete. If you’re a long-time high-protein dieter, you could be increasing your risk for kidney damage.

Myth #13: Powders Can Substitute Complete Protein Sources
Fact: While powders are a great protein source, they shouldn’t act as a substitute for whole food sources, both animal and plant alike. They’re an easy and convenient way to include extra protein in your diet.

Myth #14: Everyone Should Take Protein Supplement
Fact: It all depends on your fitness goals. The daily reference intake is 0.8g of protein per kg of body weight. Most people get enough protein through their daily diet with protein-rich food. You don’t need to include bodybuilding supplements or protein shakes. Having a bowl of Greek yogurt, or chicken salad with veggies and sprouts will suffice.

Myth #15: Cutting Down Protein Is A Great Way To Lose Weight
Fact: On the contrary, insufficient protein in your diet can make it difficult to get rid of excess fat. The feeling of being fuller for longer will keep you away from cravings and hunger pangs and a heightened metabolism will add to your workout routine and show positive results.

We hope these facts about protein supplements help you reach your goal! Consume protein, but don’t let it overpower other nutrients. Also, don’t cut it out completely from your diet. Balance is the key to complete health! If you’d like to know more about protein and protein supplements, speak to an expert by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

To read more about fitness and bodybuilding, check out Healthy Reads. Have you heard of any of these myths? Were any of these facts helpful? Let us know in the comments below.

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