In This Guide
Cooling the Fire: Ayurvedic Cure for Acidity (GERD)
Acidity is not just about stomach acid; it is "Amla Pitta" (Sour Fire). When the body's fire turns sour due to fermentation of food, it burns upwards.
The Volcano Inside
Why does Pitta increase? Three 'S's: Spicy, Sour, Stress.
- Fermented Food: Idli/Dosa batter that is too sour increases heat.
- Skipping Meals: If you don't give the acid food to digest, it starts digesting the stomach lining (Ulcers).
- Tea/Coffee: Highly acidic.
3 Emergency Fire Extinguishers
1. CCF Tea (Cumin, Coriander, Fennel)
Coriander is the best herb to cool internal heat without putting out the digestive fire. Fennel relaxes the sphincter.
2. Black Raisins (Munakka)
Soak 10-15 raisins overnight. Drink the water and eat them in the morning. They reduce Pitta and relieve constipation (exhaust pipe for heat).
3. Aloe Vera Juice
The gel naturally coats the esophagus and heals burns/ulcers.
The Cooling Diet
Enjoy (Sheeta)
- • Sweet Fruits: Ripe Mango, Melon, Pomegranate.
- • Vegetables: Cucumber, Pumpkin, Leafy Greens.
- • Grains: Rice, Barley (Cooling).
- • Dairy: Cold Milk (with rose syrup), Ghee.
Avoid (Ushna)
- • Sour Fruits: Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit.
- • Spices: Chilli, Garlic, Ginger (Dry ginger is okay).
- • Grains: Corn, Bajra (Heating).
- • Misc: Vinegar, Pickles, Alcohol.
Lifestyle Changes
- Left Side Sleeping: Lying on your left side prevents acid from flowing up into the esophagus due to the shape of the stomach.
- Sheetali Pranayama: Curling the tongue into a tube and breathing in. This cools the blood physically.
"I was popping antacids like candy. Dr. Arti's simple hack of 'Black Raisins' water and sleeping on the left side changed everything. I haven't had heartburn in 3 months."
Key Result
Off Antacids in 21 Days
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does milk cure acidity?
Cold, sweetened milk is an instant antacid. However, hot milk might aggravate it for some. Avoid milk if you are bloating (milk is heavy).
Q: Is Lemon water good?
Lemon is acidic but has an alkaline effect post-digestion. However, for active Amla Pitta, it is best avoided until symptoms subside.
Q: Why do I get acidity when fasting?
If you have high metabolic fire (Tikshnagni), fasting leaves the acid with nothing to burn, so it burns the stomach lining. You should do juice fasting, not water fasting.
Put Out the Fire
You don't need pills; you need cooling foods. Reset your pH balance naturally.
Scientific References & Sources
- Management of Amlapitta (Hyperacidity) in AyurvedaView Study
- Evaluation of Aloe Vera in treatment of GERDView Study
Disclaimer: This content is medically reviewed by Dr. Arti (BAMS) but should not replace professional medical advice.