Vata, Pitta, Kapha, the tridoshas

Ayurvedic treatment for Hyper acidity – Amlapitta

Treating Amlapitta [Hyperacidity] with Ayurveda

Hyperacidity is called Amlapitta in Ayurveda. ‘Amlapitta’ is one of the most common diseases seen in all ages. Hyper acidity refers to an imbalance between the acid-secreting mechanism of the stomach and proximal intestine and the protective mechanism that provide safety. The stomach normally secretes acid that is required in the digestive processes. When there is excess acid production in the stomach, it leads to acidity.

 

Symptoms for Hyper acidity 

  • Heart burning
  • Sour belching.
  • Nausea
  • Regurgitation of food
  • Distention of abdomen
  • Indigestion.
  • Pain in the abdomen.
  • Headache.
  • Foul-smelling loose motions.
  • Severe burning sensation over feet, hands
  • Mouth ulcer
  • Tiredness
  • Itching all over the body

Causes are—

Diet– (Ahara)
  • Spicy food like eating samosa, burger, pizza, etc.
  • Excessive use of chilly, Cinnamon, clove, garlic etc. in diet
  • Salty and sour foods like chips
  • Eating fermented foods
  • Excessive intake of fast food
  • Intake of Oily foods, pickles etc.
  • Excessive intake of tea/coffee.
  • Irregular mealtimes
  • Incompatible food
  • Skipping meals.
  • Eating too late at night
Regimens (Vihara)
  • Lack of rest, fast-moving lifestyle.
  • Insufficient sleep at night.
  • Sleeping immediately after meals.
  • Suppression of natural urges.
Mental factors
  • Stressful lifestyle
  • Excessive anxiety, anger, worry or fear

All the above factors result in a disproportionate increase of ‘Pitta dosha’ in body and exhibit symptoms of Amlapitta.

 

Prevention – Hyper acidity

As we know– “Prevention is better than cure” it is better to avoid all factors that cause acid-peptic disorder (Amlapitta).

  • Avoid excessive oily, sour and spicy foods
  • Avoid heavy foods
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol intake
  • Include barley, wheat and green gram in the diet.
  • Avoid overcooked, stale and contaminated food.
  • The food must be cooked appropriately
  • Follow mental relaxation techniques

Basic treatment – Hyper acidity

  • Avoid causative factors
  • Palliative treatment — As the disease is of Pitta origin, all measures are undertaken to pacify pitta.
  • Panchakarma treatment– ‘Panchakarma procedures’ like Vamana (emesis) or Virechana (purgation) should be administered. In chronic cases, Asthapanavasti (medicated enema) is given.

Useful in Amlapitta is —

  • Shatavari – 3 gms twice a day along with milk
  • Yashtimadhu – 3 gms twice a day with milk
  • Amalaki (Indian gooseberry) – 3 gms twice a day with water
  • Sunthi (dry ginger) – 1- 3 gms twice a day with water

Other Remedies

  • Drink Coconut water 100-500 ml twice a day.
  • Take amla powder 3-6 gm with water.
  • Chew half a teaspoon of fennel seeds after food

 

Pathya—To do list

  • Follow proper mealtimes.
  • Include light food, Coconut water etc.
  • Include vegetables like white pumpkin, bitter gourd, leafy vegetables
  • Eat wheat, old rice, barley, green gram, sugar candy and cucumber,
  • Consume fruits like gooseberry, dry grapes, black grapes, sweet lime, pomegranate and dry figs,
  • Take adequate fluids like pomegranate juice, lemon juice, amla juice, sweet lime juice, Medicated water with or coriander seeds or puffed rice.
  • Take Dadimpak (sweet preparation made of pomegranate). Moramba (jam made from amla) and Gulkand (jam made from rose petals) with milk
  • Take one teaspoonful of ghee with warm milk
  • Make sure you get adequate sleep & rest
  • Practice Yoga, meditation & exercise regularly

 

Apathya—To avoid

  • Avoid fried and junk food items
  • Do not remain hungry for too long. Avoid fasting.
  • Eat small and frequent meals
  • Avoid untimely and irregular food habit
  • Avoid foods containing excess amount of garlic, oil, chillies etc.
  • Do not lay down immediately after food.
  • Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and aspirin type drugs.
  • Most importantly–Avoid stress

Madras Institute of Ayurveda at Chennai offers Authentic Ayurvedic treatment for various diseases and disorders. It’s the right place for those who value comprehensive advice and treatment for Hyper acidity and who want to engage in an Ayurvedic cure for best results. At Madras Ayurvedic Centre, therapies are designed to deliver excellent health benefits in addition to the relaxation provided to the mind and body.
Check out the website www.miayurveda.org for further information.