How to deal with Acidity

Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Avoid eating 2-3 hours before lying down. Reduce spicy, fried, and fatty foods. Limit coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Include alkaline foods (coconut water, banana, melons, cucumber). Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. These changes address GERD at its dietary root causes.

Cold milk provides temporary relief by buffering stomach acid, but the fat and protein content stimulates more acid production shortly after - creating a rebound effect. For long-term acidity management, milk is not a solution. Warm water with ajwain, coconut water, or fennel tea are more sustainable alternatives.

Yes - stress directly increases gastric acid secretion and decreases oesophageal motility through the gut-brain axis. Chronic stress also makes the oesophagus more sensitive to normal acid levels. Stress management (yoga, meditation, adequate sleep) is a core component of GERD management, not just diet.

Occasional acidity is normal and temporary. GERD (Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease) is diagnosed when acid reflux occurs more than twice weekly, causes oesophageal damage, or significantly impairs quality of life. GERD requires medical evaluation and may need prescription medication alongside dietary changes.

Short-term antacid use (1-2 weeks) is safe. Long-term daily use of PPIs (proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole) - commonly self-prescribed in India - can lead to magnesium deficiency, increased infection risk (including C. diff), reduced calcium absorption, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Dietary addressing of the cause is preferable to indefinite medication.