how to reduce acidity which is causing severe heart burn?

Question

These days my friend is suffering with heart burn after the supper when laying on the bed..we think that is because of acidity which he always tells...we would like to know the way to reduce acidity in the body i.e., what type of vegetables and fruits should be taken to reduce this problem.

Answer 1

I've recently been suffering from regular occurances of heartburn, my dad's been suffing from it for years and is constantly taking antacids and other medications.

When it started getting worse for me I went to the doctor's office and he gave me a whole list of things that can help reduce heartburn and reflux before having to resort to the types of medications my dad is on.

1) Stop (or at least cut down on) smoking. [I don't smoke, so this one's easy for me.]

2) Limit intake of coffee, tea, alcohol, and colas. [first 3 are no problem for me, but I drink a lot of sodas.]

3) Avoid spicy, acidic, tomato-based, or fatty foods like chocolate, citrus fruits, fruit juices, onion rings, pizza, and spagetti & meatballs. [This one is really tough for me, I love pizza.]


4) Don't gorge on big meals, eat small or moderately sized meals. [This one can be tough around the holidays (Thanksgiving through New Year's) where there are lots of home cooking or buffet-style celebrations.]

5) Watch your weight. Being overweight puts increased pressure in the abdomen that agrivates reflux and heartburn. [This is what I think really started my problem, I stopped working out and gained some weight a while back. Starting to be a little more active so I can drop the pounds.]

6) Avoid exercise or strenuous physical activity for 30 - 40 minutes after eating. [This one's easy for me right now until I start really getting back into a workout routine.]

7) Avoid eating 3 - 4 hours before bedtime, or avoid lying down for 3 - 4 hours after eating. [This one's tricky becuase I don't have a normal sleep pattern or eating pattern.]

8) If heartburn and reflux happen a lot while sleeping, raise the head of the bed on blocks by at least 6 inches. [Haven't had to do this yet.]

My doctor says if it gets to the point where I have to take antacids more than twice a week and none of this has helped, I should come back and see about going on prescription medications.

It cost me $50 bucks and an hour and a half (1 hour sitting in the waiting room) at the doc's just to learn about these 8 things. Tell your friend this stuff, he'll save time and money on this purely "informational" doctor's visit, and if he does end up going to the doctor's office at least he knows that he's already tried the basic remedies and really needs to get the more expensive drugs to treat his condition.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

You can purchase Zantac 75 over-the-counter. When this was a prescription drug, the normal dose was 150 mg. For great results, take it prior to the meal by at least 30 minutes or so. Don't lay down right after eating.

Answer 4

You're not suppose to lie down for atleast 3 hours after eating. Cut out all caffeine, chocolates, dairy, mints. Try drinking soda water 1tsp baking soda in 8oz water.

Answer 5

see your doctor. you may have acid reflux, which there is medicine to prevent. acid reflux can cause perm. damage, so see a doctor asap. Good Luck!

Answer 6

I add sugar to cut the acidity when I use tomato sauce.

Answer 7

Lemons. Loads of raw lemons, without sugar or anything. But make sure to see a doctor, too.

Answer 8

he could have stomach ulcers which are similar to mouth ulcers..... i had them..... dont eat spicy foods or greasy ones!!!.... any greens or veggies or breads, rice, noodles are great for you and your stomach. Also dont drink anything carbonated..... it adds to the acidic level....drink water or tea. also milk helps coat your stomach......and right after a meal try chewing 3 tums...... that helps me alot.... GOOD LUCK

Answer 9

Soda with lime.