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Written and Reviewed By :
Vd. Lakshmi Lakshmanan,
Ayurveda Physician,
Chakrapani Ayurveda Center, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
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What is Acidity?
According to Ayurveda: Acidity, known as Amlapitta in Ayurveda, is a condition where the sourness (Amla) of the Pitta dosha increases. An excessive intake of Pitta-aggravating foods and activities leads to an imbalance, making digestive juices overly acidic. This heightened sourness triggers fermentation, creating a cycle where digestion becomes increasingly acidic similar to how curd forms from milk through fermentation. As a result, digestion is affected, further intensifying the imbalance in Pitta.
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What Happens During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, hormonal changes relax the smooth muscles in the body, including those in the digestive system. This slows down the stomach's wave-like contractions that normally push food and acid downward. Additionally, the relaxation of the valve between the esophagus and stomach allows gastric acids to flow back into the esophagus, leading to heartburn and discomfort. In the third trimester, the growing fetus puts pressure on the stomach, further slowing digestion and increasing the likelihood of acid reflux, resulting in acidity.
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Who Is More Likely to Experience Heartburn?
Individuals who had heartburn or acidity issues before pregnancy.
Those carrying more than one baby (multiple pregnancies).
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Things to Include and Avoid during Pregnancy:
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Include |
Avoid
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Fennel, Cardamom, Cumin, Dry ginger |
Caffeine, Carbonated drinks, Alcohol |
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Coconut oil, Ghee, Milk |
Cheese |
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Raisins, Coconut water, Fennel infusion |
Citric fruits & their juices, Tomatoes, especially raw ones |
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Natural sweet tastes |
Unripe mango, mango powder, Tamarind, Raw Salads |
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Cane sugar |
Hot spices like Mustard, Chili, Ajwain (Bishop’s weed), Garlic, Fresh ginger, Seafood, Spicy food, Oily, deep-fried food, Processed food, food added with preservatives, Sauce, Salty and Sour food items, Chickpea, Kidney bean, Millets |
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Tips to Prevent Acidity & Heartburn:
Eat small, frequent meals.
Avoid long gaps between meals.
Choose easily digestible foods.
Avoid overeating.
Wait until your previous meal is digested before eating again.
Skip bed coffee/tea.
Eat slowly, chew food thoroughly, and practice mindful eating.
Sip water while eating; avoid drinking large amounts of fluid at once.
Avoid late-night dinners.
Stop eating solid food at least 2 hours before bedtime.
Drink a glass of milk before bed.
Walk a few steps after each meal.
Avoid lying down or taking naps immediately after eating.
Maintain good posture while eating; do not slump.
Elevate your head while sleeping to prevent acid reflux.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, especially around the waist.
Manage stress, as it can worsen acidity.
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Home Remedies for Acidity During Pregnancy
Crush a few fennel seeds, squeeze 1–2 fresh lemons, and steep in hot water. Drink regularly.
Coconut water relieve heartburn symptoms during pregnancy.
Crush coriander seeds with ginger, add honey to make a paste, and take small amounts 3 to 4 times a day.
Place 4 to 6 thin slices of fresh ginger in a mug, add honey or lemon, and pour very hot water over them. Cover, steep for 10 minutes, and drink before or after meals.
Steep a teabag in hot water for 10–15 minutes, squeeze the bag, add honey and lemon, and drink for relief.
Chew fennel seeds after meals or consume fennel seed powder with cane sugar.
Soak 4–5 raisins overnight and eat them in the morning.
Use ghee or coconut oil for cooking to aid digestion.
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