Acidity and Gas: A Naturopathy and Diet Approach

Burning in the chest, sour burps, gas and a heavy stomach after meals are some of the most common reasons people come to us. If antacids have become a daily habit, a naturopathy treatment for acidity looks at why the symptoms keep coming back: what you eat, when you eat, how you sleep and how stressed you are.

See a doctor first if you have warning signs

Get a medical check before trying any natural approach if you have:

• Difficulty or pain swallowing
• Vomiting blood or black, tarry stools
• Weight loss you cannot explain
• Chest pain with breathlessness or sweating
• Symptoms that started after age 50

Common triggers

• Late, large dinners and lying down soon after eating
• Long gaps between meals, then eating fast
• Tea and coffee on an empty stomach
• Spicy, fried, sour and processed food
• Alcohol and smoking
• Stress and poor sleep
• Some medicines, such as painkillers; never stop a prescribed medicine on your own

The naturopathy approach

Diet and timing

Meals at regular times, the main meal at midday, and a light, early dinner. At our centre breakfast is from 8:10 am, lunch from 11 am and dinner from 7:30 pm, with a walk afterwards. Your doctor will plan a cooling, easily digested diet and may advise some lighter or fasting days. See diet therapy.

Packs and hydrotherapy

A cold gastro-hepatic (GH) pack or wet girdle pack on the abdomen, mud packs, and hip baths are traditionally used for digestion. Enema may be advised in the early morning.

Yoga and breathing

Gentle yoga, slow pranayama and relaxation help with stress, which often worsens acidity. Some kriyas are taught under supervision; not all are suitable if you have acidity, and the teacher will guide you.

Ayurvedic care

If suitable, an Ayurvedic doctor may suggest medicines, or Virechan, a supervised Panchakarma procedure traditionally used for Pitta. Read our Virechan guide.

Simple habits to try at home

• Eat dinner at least two to three hours before bed
• Do not skip breakfast or lunch
• Chew slowly and eat sitting down
• Cut down tea, coffee and fried food
• Take a short walk after meals
• Raise the head end of your bed if night symptoms trouble you

Digestive care at Shree Narayandham

Acidity, IBS, constipation and indigestion are among the digestive concerns our doctors support. Plans usually begin with diet therapy and may include enema, packs, hip baths, yoga and kriyas, and Virechan where suitable. Read more on our digestive health page.

Common questions

Will I need to stop my antacid?

Not on your own. Discuss it with the doctor who prescribed it. Our doctors will review all your medicines when you arrive.

Are tea and coffee served?

No. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are not served during your stay; herbal drinks are.

Next step

Call +91 98810 68109 or book a consultation.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Please read our wellness disclaimer.