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Gastrointestinal Disorders
Question #17997
155 days ago
457

ranitidine tablet uses - #17997

Andrew

For the past few months, I’ve been dealing with really bad acidity, like almost every day. It starts with a burning feeling in my chest and throat, especially after meals, and sometimes it even wakes me up in the middle of the night. I also get this weird bloated feeling, like my stomach is full of air, even when I haven’t eaten much. I tried home remedies like drinking cold milk, chewing fennel seeds, and even having ajwain water, but the relief is always temporary. Last week, I finally went to a doctor, and he prescribed ranitidine tablet, saying it would help with my acid reflux. I looked up ranitidine tablet uses, and it seems like it’s mainly for acidity, ulcers, and stomach issues related to acid. I’ve been taking it for a few days now, and it does help, but I don’t want to be dependent on it long-term. I also read somewhere that ranitidine tablet uses were questioned due to safety concerns, and some versions of it were even banned? That made me a little nervous about taking it regularly. I wanted to ask if Ayurveda has a better way to handle acidity and digestive issues without relying on ranitidine tablet. Are there herbs or lifestyle changes that can naturally reduce acid reflux? I’ve heard things like avoiding spicy food, eating early, and drinking warm water in the morning, but is that enough to actually heal the problem? Another thing is, I’ve noticed that stress makes my acidity worse. Does Ayurveda have treatments that address digestion and stress together? Also, I get a lot of burping after meals, which sometimes feels like gas stuck in my chest. Could this mean there’s another underlying issue? I really don’t want to keep taking ranitidine tablet if there’s a natural way to fix this. Is there an Ayurvedic approach that can help me manage acidity for the long term without side effects? Also, how long does it take to see real improvement with Ayurvedic treatments?

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Doctors’ responses

Your symptoms—burning sensation in the chest and throat, bloating, frequent burping, and worsening acidity with stress—indicate Amla Pitta (excessive stomach acid) in Ayurveda, caused by aggravated Pitta dosha. While ranitidine tablet suppresses acid temporarily, Ayurveda focuses on correcting digestion (Agni) and balancing Pitta for long-term relief. Drinking coriander seed water (soaked overnight), Amla juice, or licorice tea can cool excess acid naturally. Avoid cold milk, as it can give temporary relief but may increase acidity later. Instead, sip cumin-fennel tea after meals to reduce bloating and aid digestion. Applying coconut oil to the scalp and soles of the feet before bed also helps calm Pitta and reduce acid flare-ups.

To heal acidity at the root, follow a Pitta-pacifying diet with cooling, alkaline foods like coconut water, soaked almonds, ghee, and sweet fruits (banana, pomegranate, pear). Avoid spicy, fried, fermented, sour, and highly processed foods, as well as excessive tea, coffee, and alcohol. Eat smaller, well-timed meals, with dinner at least 3 hours before bedtime to prevent acid reflux at night. Ayurvedic herbs like Avipattikar Churna (½ tsp before meals with warm water), Yashtimadhu (licorice), and Shatavari powder help neutralize acid and protect the stomach lining. For persistent bloating and burping, take Hingwashtak Churna with warm water before meals to improve digestion and reduce trapped gas.

Since stress worsens acidity, managing it is key. Shirodhara therapy (oil pouring on the forehead), Abhyanga (self-massage with cooling oils like Brahmi or coconut), and meditation help balance the nervous system and digestive fire. Yoga postures like Vajrasana (after meals), Pawanmuktasana, and gentle twists aid digestion, while Sheetali Pranayama (cooling breath) soothes Pitta instantly. With consistent Ayurvedic diet, herbs, and lifestyle changes, you should see noticeable improvement in 2-4 weeks, with lasting relief over time. Let me know if you need specific guidance!

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Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
155 days ago
4.83

It sounds like you’re dealing with chronic acidity and digestive discomfort, which can be really frustrating. In Ayurveda, acidity and acid reflux are typically seen as an imbalance in the Pitta dosha, which governs digestion and metabolism. The burning sensation in your chest and throat, bloating, and gas after meals are all signs that your digestive fire (Agni) might be weak or disturbed. Ayurveda suggests a holistic approach to balance your digestive system without relying on medication like ranitidine.

There are several Ayurvedic herbs and remedies that can help with acid reflux. Amla (Indian gooseberry) is a well-known remedy that can help soothe acidity and support digestion. Licorice (Yashtimadhu) is another herb that helps heal the stomach lining and reduce acid production. Triphala is often used to support digestion and detoxify the system. In addition to these herbs, you can try incorporating warm herbal teas like ginger or chamomile, which soothe the stomach and help with gas and bloating. Ayurvedic remedies usually focus on strengthening your digestion gradually, which could take a few weeks to a couple of months for noticeable improvements.

Lifestyle changes can also be key. Eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding heavy, spicy, and greasy foods, and eating early in the evening can all help reduce acid reflux. Drinking warm water with a teaspoon of ghee or cumin water in the morning can also stimulate digestion. For stress, practices like Pranayama (breathing exercises) and mindfulness can help manage the stress that exacerbates acidity. Brahmi or Ashwagandha can be helpful herbs for managing stress and calming your mind, which in turn can improve digestion.

In Ayurveda, the focus is on restoring balance to the digestive system and treating the root cause, so it may take a little time to see lasting improvements, but many people experience significant relief within 4-6 weeks of consistent treatment and lifestyle changes. It’s great that you’re looking for a long-term solution without the side effects of medications, and Ayurveda can definitely offer a natural and effective path to healing.

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I’m glad you reached out for help with your acidity and digestive issues. Your symptoms indicate a potential imbalance in your Agni (digestive fire), likely influenced by both dietary choices and stress. Let’s explore an Ayurvedic approach tailored to your needs.

Dietary Recommendations: 1. Avoid Trigger Foods: Eliminate spicy, oily, and processed foods, along with caffeine and carbonated drinks that can aggravate acidity. 2. Eat Mindfully: Aim for smaller, more frequent meals rather than large meals. Chew each bite thoroughly to aid digestion. 3. Warm Foods: Prefer cooked foods over raw, as they are easier to digest. Include foods like khichdi (a mix of rice and lentils) and steamed vegetables. 4. Herbs: Incorporate ginger, marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis), and slippery elm powder into your diet. You can make a tea with boiled ginger or take marshmallow root as a powder mixed in water post meals to soothe the stomach.

Lifestyle Adjustments: 1. Meal Timing: Avoid eating 2-3 hours before bedtime to prevent nighttime symptoms. 2. Hydration: Drink warm water throughout the day and avoid ice-cold beverages. Start each day with a glass of warm water with lemon juice to stimulate digestion. 3. Stress Management: Practice stress-relieving techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises. These not only help with stress but can also improve digestion.

Herbal Formulations: 1. Triphala: This combination of three fruits can improve digestion and relieve constipation. Take 1 tsp of Triphala powder with warm water before bedtime. 2. Ginger Tea: Boil a small piece of ginger in water, strain, and drink. This can aid digestion and reduce bloating.

Duration for Improvement: With consistent dietary and lifestyle changes, you may start noticing improvements within 3-4 weeks. However, long-term commitment to these practices will yield more substantial results.

Connection to Stress: Addressing your stress through mindfulness practices will also help mitigate your acidity because emotional well-being is a crucial aspect of digestive health in Ayurveda.

Monitoring how your symptoms evolve upon implementing these changes is essential. Should the acidity persist even after following these guidelines, consider consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized herbal therapies and a deeper evaluation.

By working towards stabilizing your Agni and making these adjustments, you can find a natural way to manage your acidity, reducing your dependency on medications over time.

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