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Causes Symptoms

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid Reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is caused when the valve between the oesophagus and stomach becomes weak. Normally, this valve opens to allow the food in, and then it closes firmly. 

But when you have GERD, the valve stays open, allowing stomach acids to flow back up into the oesophagus, causing heartburn and many other symptoms, which we will discuss later. It leads to a condition in which the contents of the stomach regurgitate (backs up or refluxes) into the oesophagus.

Common Causes of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when acid from your stomach flows back to your food pipe or oesophagus. This backflow causes a feeling of burning in your chest called heartburn. In Ayurveda, acid reflux is mostly associated with an imbalance in Pitta dosha, the dosha responsible for heat and digestion in your body. If your Pitta is too strong, it leads to excessive acid buildup in your stomach.

The most common reasons for acid reflux are :

Eating Habits

• Eating too fast or overeating.
• Eating heavy, spicy, oily or fried foods often.
• Eating late at night or skipping meals.
• Having too much tea, coffee or carbonated drinks.

Lifestyle Factors

• Lying down after having meals.
• No physical activity or sitting for long hours.
• Smoking or consuming alcohol.
• Tight clothes around the stomach area.

Mental Stress

• High stress, anxiety, or anger can also cause acid reflux.
• Strong emotions are believed to increase Pitta, as per Ayurveda.

Medical Reasons

• Weak digestive fire or Agni
• Slow bowel movements or constipation.
• Obesity or being overweight.
• More pressure on the stomach (for ex. during pregnancy) can also raise acid levels.

Risks and Complications

If left untreated, chronic acid reflux may lead to more serious ailments such as esophageal damage, respiratory problems and severe digestive distress. Prolonged inflammation following gastric acid exposure may result in:

• Esophagitis,
• Barrett's esophagus,
• Increased risk of esophageal cancer.

When to See a Doctor for Acid Reflux?

Although mild cases of acid reflux can be managed through lifestyle changes and Ayurvedic home remedies, it’s important to know when professional medical advice becomes necessary. Here are some key signals that it is time to consult a certified Ayurveda Doctor:

Persistent Symptoms

If you have recurring acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, or a burning sensation in the chest for more than two weeks, it is important to seek medical help. Persistent symptoms may indicate more serious conditions that might require focused Ayurvedic treatment.

Difficulty Swallowing

If swallowing becomes painful or if the food feels stuck in your throat or chest, this could be due to damage in the oesophagus caused by stomach acid. Prompt medical attention is needed if this condition, also called esophagitis, develops.

Nighttime Symptoms

It is important to visit an Ayurveda doctor if you experience acid reflux symptoms which wake you up at night or make sleep impossible. Nighttime acid reflux can result in erosion of the lining of the oesophagus, causing significant discomfort.

Unintended Weight Loss or Loss of Appetite

It includes a substantial loss of appetite as eating becomes difficult, and this may be associated with unintended weight loss, indicating grave health implications which are related to GERD.

Increasing Pain or Discomfort

Increased pain in the abdomen that extends to the back, neck, jaw and arm could be a sign of a serious underlying condition requiring immediate attention.

Acid Reflux Symptoms

Heartburn

One of the most common signs is a burning sensation in the chest, usually after eating, which might be worse at night.

Chest pain

Sometimes the burning feels like chest pain and can be mistaken for a heart problem.

Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia)

Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia): You might feel like food is stuck in your throat or that it is going down very slowly.

Food or liquid returning up (Regurgitation)

This is when food or a sour liquid rises from your stomach into your mouth or throat and you feel a sour taste in your mouth.

Frequent burping or hiccups

These are signs of gas build-up from poor digestion or acid pushing back up.

Bloating or fullness

You may feel heavy or bloated even after you eat small meals.

Cough/Sore throat

Excess acid build-up could result in coughing or a hoarse voice along with persistent dry cough or sore throat.

Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy - A Holistic Approach to Acid Reflux

���ϳԹ��� offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Acid Reflux using time-tested Ayurvedic remedies. Our treatment plans are made specifically to target the root causes of Acid Reflux, and instead of just focusing on treating the symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, overall balance and stability.

Core Principles of the Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy

• Safe and HACCP Verified Ayurvedic Medicines: These are carefully prepared herbal formulas that help bring your body back into balance and support your mental calmness.
• Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: These are gentle, calming practices that help relax your mind, reduce stress, and improve your overall mood.
• Traditional Ayurvedic Therapies: Treatments like Panchakarma and soothing massages are used to cleanse the body and improve emotional wellness.
• Diet and Lifestyle Guidance: You’ll get expert tips on what to eat and how to live in a way that supports your body’s natural healing and long-term health.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Acid Reflux

Ayurveda provides effective herbal remedies that cool your stomach, improve digestion and reduce acid production naturally. These herbs not only provide instant relief but address the underlying cause by balancing your doshas (mainly Pitta which is the root of heat and acidity). Here, we have mentioned some of the best Ayurvedic remedies for acid reflux and heartburn:

Pippali (Long Pepper) 

Pippali is an Ayurvedic spice known to improve digestion and reduce acid formation. It balances your Pitta dosha and eases the burning sensation in the chest. To use, mix 1 teaspoon of Pippali powder with a little honey in warm water. Drink it after meals to reduce your acid reflux.

Tulsi (Holy Basil) 

Tulsi contains natural oils that calm your stomach, reduce gas formation, and prevent bloating. It also controls excess acid and soothes your digestive tract. You can drink tulsi tea after meals or chew 5-6 fresh leaves daily to relieve heartburn.

Elaichi (Cardamom) 

Cardamom contains antioxidants and vitamins that help in digestion. It helps reduce nausea, removes the bitter taste in your mouth, and cools your stomach. You can chew some cardamom pods after your meals to help digest the food.

Ash gourd (Safed Petha) 

Ash gourds are full of water and natural cooling agents. It flushes out toxins, lowers acid levels, and prevents vomiting and constipation. Try to drink a glass of ash gourd juice every morning on an empty stomach to soothe acid reflux.

Aloe vera (Ghrit Kumari) 

Aloe vera has healing properties that can reduce inflammation and neutralise stomach acid. It also repairs the damage done to your stomach lining due to acidity. Drink aloe vera juice before or with meals to avoid heartburn and aid digestion.

Cumin Seeds (Jeera)

Jeera is good for people who struggle with frequent acidity. It helps with digestion and regulates excess stomach acid production. You can easily make cumin water by mixing 1/2 tsp jeera powder into 1 litre of hot water. Filter and drink this during the day instead of normal water.

Mulethi (Licorice) 

Mulethi is a sweet-tasting root with anti-acid properties. It creates a protective layer in your stomach and helps prevent acid from causing irritation in the stomach. To use, mix 1/2 tsp mulethi powder with honey to make a paste. Take this twice daily after your meals.

Fennel Seeds (Saunf) 

Fennel is a renowned herb in Ayurveda as it helps calm the stomach lining, controls gas, and fights acidity. It also freshens your breath and helps in digestion. Try chewing a spoonful of fennel seeds after meals for instant relief from acidity.

Mint Leaves (Pudina) 

Mint is believed to reduce stomach acid and cool the stomach. It relaxes the muscles in your digestive tract and relieves the burning sensation. To use, boil chopped mint leaves in water. Let it cool and drink slowly after meals.

Cloves (Laung) 

Cloves increase saliva production, which helps in digestion and reduces acid buildup. Cloves also contain essential oils that help balance the stomach environment. Try placing a clove in your mouth and chew slowly when you feel acidity.

Ginger (Adrak) 

Ginger aids in digestion and absorption of nutrients by your body. It also produces more mucus that protects your stomach lining. To use ginger, you can chew a piece of raw ginger, drink ginger tea, or add it to meals.

Buttermilk (Chaas) 

Buttermilk is a natural coolant and probiotic. It cools the stomach, improves gut bacteria, and prevents acid buildup. For better results, add cumin, fenugreek and turmeric to half a glass of buttermilk and drink it at night.

Bananas

Bananas contain a good amount of potassium and fibre. They neutralise stomach acid and improve bowel movements, which is important for acid reflux management. Eat one ripe banana every day, preferably in the morning or between meals.

These Ayurvedic herbs and home remedies can help reduce acidity and improve your digestive health with time. 

Ayurvedic Treatment for Acid Reflux

Other than these natural herbs, Ayurveda approaches acid reflux treatment by balancing the Pitta dosha through:

• Acid reflux diet plan: One would need to change their diet and opt for cold foods as opposed to those that make the stomach more acidic.
• Herbal Remedies: Licorice, ginger and Amla can soothe irritations within the digestive system.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: It is suggested when meals should be eaten as per the Ayurvedic clock and how stress can be managed on an individual basis - depending on their Prakriti.
• Panchakarma Therapy: Specific therapies like Vamana (therapeutic vomiting) or Virechana (purgation) may be recommended based on the individual's condition.

Jiva’s Evidence-Based Treatment Process

Nadi Pariksha

Starting with Nadi Pariksha, Jiva's certified Ayurvedic doctors use this traditional pulse diagnosis to detect imbalances and assess organ health,crucial for diagnosing Acid reflux symptoms and root causes accurately.

Prakriti Analysis

Understanding your unique physical and psychological pattern allows us to create an Acid reflux treatment plan that not only addresses symptoms but aligns with your inherent constitution for lasting health.

Samprapti Ghatak (Pathogenesis)

In our investigations, we examine the if and how Acid Reflux is progressing by the dietary, lifestyle, and psychosocial aspects, identifying individual factors for customised intervention and pinpointing specific triggers for targeted treatment.

Chikitsa Sutra - Personalised Treatment Plan

After that, we create a detailed plan for authentic Ayurvedic treatment of Acid reflux, which consists of diet modifications, lifestyle adjustments, herbal medications, and specific therapies that aim to restore dosha balance and enhance digestive health.

Continuous Monitoring & Amendments

Continuous tracking of treatment effectiveness allows us to make necessary adjustments, ensuring that you achieve the best results from your personalised Acid Reflux treatment plan with Jiva's ongoing support.

What Our Patients Say

87% of patients rate us excellent in service.

78% of patients saw significant improvement in 3 months of treatment.

92% of patients stopped allopathic medicines completely.