Gut Karma: Ayurveda’s Acid Reflux Rx

Are you sick and tired of having acid reflux pain? It would be best if you look no further than the Ayurvedic system of knowledge. “Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sometimes referred to as acid reflux, is a disorder marked by the backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus. While there are many accessible treatment alternatives, such as medication, lifestyle and nutritional changes, Ayurveda provides a comprehensive strategy for treating acid reflux. According to Dr Geethi Varma, Consultant and Advisor, LYEF Wellness, MHsc Clinical Child Development, Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), an Ayurvedic diet for acid reflux focuses on nourishing the body, relieving digestive discomforts, and balancing the doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) within the body.

She said, “An imbalance in the pitta dosha might cause acid reflux. The body’s metabolism, digestion, and transformation are all governed by the Pitta dosha, which is connected to the fire and water components. The excess heat, acidity, and inflammation in the digestive tract that result from an exacerbated or unbalanced pitta dosha can cause acid reflux.

Ayurvedic Diet to Treat Acid Reflux

Dr Geethi Varma also discussed some dietary guidelines to take into account for stomach discomfort.

1. Basic principles:

1. Eat your meals in a peaceful, comfortable setting while thoroughly chewing your food.
2. Eat slowly and avoid overeating because these behaviours might strain the digestive system.
3. Create a regular eating schedule with set mealtimes.
4. Consuming too many hot and fatty foods might cause acid reflux.
5. Acid reflux might result from skipping meals.
6. Avoid consuming large meals after midnight.

2. Recommendations for diet:

1. Make a fresh, whole-foods-based diet your main choice.
2. Warm, prepared foods are preferred over raw, cold ones because they are simpler to digest.
3. Include a range of grains, such as barley, quinoa, and basmati rice.
4. Consume ghee (clarified butter), coconut oil, and olive oil in moderation as healthy fats.
5. Include proteins that are simple to digest, such as tofu, mung beans, and lentils.
6. Use digestive-friendly spices in your cooking, such as fenugreek, turmeric, ginger, and coriander.
7. Processed, fried, and spicy meals should be limited or avoided since they might make acid reflux symptoms worse.
8. If you don’t have lactose sensitivity, milk might be a great alternative.
9. Reduce your intake of acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits as well as coffee, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and caffeine.
10. Warm water is a good way to stay hydrated throughout the day, but you should avoid drinking a lot of it while you’re hungry.

3. Natural cures:

1. Aloe vera juice: To calm the digestive tract, sip a little amount of pure aloe vera juice before meals.
2. Drink some liquorice tea; it may help to lessen oesophagal irritation.
3. Enjoy a cup of chamomile tea, which is well-known for its relaxing and soothing effects.

4. Lifestyle and eating practice:

1. Avoid laying down just after eating. Before laying down or going to sleep, give yourself at least two to three hours.
2. Use stress-reduction strategies such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
3. Exercise frequently to promote a healthy digestive system.
4. Ayurvedic practises like self-massage (abhyanga) and mild yoga positions that promote digestion are worth integrating.

While adhering to an Ayurvedic diet can help with acid reflux, it’s important to speak with a certified Ayurvedic practitioner for a tailored plan based on your unique constitution and medical requirements. They can offer specialised advice and suggestions to properly treat your acid reflux problems, says Dr Geethi Varma.