Gastric reflux and acidity is causing throat infection - #31848

This is a common health concern. The use of pantoprazole and the question about Kapalbhati suggest that you are looking for both conventional and complementary approaches. I will provide an Ayurvedic perspective on your condition and address your question about Kapalbhati.

Ayurvedic Opinion on Gastric Reflux and Throat Infection

In Ayurveda, gastric reflux (also known as GERD) is primarily understood as a condition called Amlapitta. This is caused by an imbalance of the Pitta dosha.

Pitta Dosha: Pitta governs digestion and metabolism and is characterized by its hot, sharp, and liquid qualities.

The Imbalance: When Pitta becomes aggravated due to factors like stress, a poor diet, or an irregular lifestyle, its hot and sharp qualities increase. This leads to an excess of stomach acid, which can move upward into the esophagus and throat, causing a burning sensation (heartburn) and a sour taste.

Throat Infection: The constant exposure of the throat to this acidic reflux can irritate and inflame the delicate tissues, making them susceptible to infection. This is a classic symptom of Amlapitta affecting the upper channels.

While the 2-hour gap between your last meal and bedtime is a good step, it may not be sufficient for your specific constitution and imbalance. The problem might not be just the timing but also the type of food and your body’s a-g-n-i (digestive fire).

Ayurvedic Approach to Amlapitta

Dietary Modifications:

Pitta-Pacifying Diet: Avoid foods that are spicy, sour, salty, and fermented. This includes tomatoes, citrus fruits, yogurt (especially at night), and pickles.

Cooling and Soothing Foods: Incorporate cooling and bitter foods.

Ghee: A small amount of cow’s ghee can soothe the inflamed stomach and intestinal lining.

Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Amla is a potent Pitta-pacifying herb. It can be taken as juice or powder.

Cumin and Coriander: Cumin and coriander tea (boil seeds in water, strain, and drink) can help cool the digestive system.

Coconut Water and Buttermilk: These are excellent for neutralizing stomach acid and providing a cooling effect.

Mindful Eating: Eat your meals in a calm environment, chew thoroughly, and avoid overeating.

Kapalbhati and Gastric Reflux

This is a very important question. While Kapalbhati is an excellent practice for cleansing the respiratory system and boosting digestive fire, it is generally not recommended for people with active gastric reflux or an aggravated Pitta dosha.

The Mechanism: Kapalbhati involves forceful and rapid exhalations, which create a strong pumping action in the abdominal area. This can put pressure on the stomach and diaphragm, potentially forcing stomach acid upward and worsening the symptoms of reflux and heartburn.

The Risk of Throat Infection: The forceful breathing could also aggravate the already irritated throat, making it more prone to infection.

What to do instead:

Instead of Kapalbhati, more gentle breathing exercises (Pranayama) that are calming and cooling for the body.

Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): This practice is excellent for calming the nervous system and balancing the doshas. It is generally safe and soothing.

Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling Breath): This technique involves inhaling through a curled tongue (like a straw) and exhaling through the nose. It has an immediate cooling effect on the body and is specifically recommended for Pitta-related issues like acidity.

Chandra Bhedana (Left Nostril Breathing): This pranayama is known for its cooling properties and can help pacify the heat of Pitta.

Final Advice:

While Pantoprazole provides temporary relief, Ayurveda aims to address the root cause of the problem. A combination of a Pitta-pacifying diet, a stress-reducing lifestyle, and gentle yoga practices can provide long-term relief.

For gastric reflux

1) Avipattikara churna- 3 gm +praval panchamrita-250 mg+ saptamrita loha 250 mg+ giloy satva500 mg - after food 3 times

2) sooth sekhar rasa - before food 3 times with water

3) mahatiktaka ghee - 10 ml - 1 hr after food 2 times with warm milk

Avipattikara churna-half teaspoon with water before meals Chitrakadi vati -one tablet to be chewed three times daily As kapalabati may increase abdominal pressure due to which the stomach acids may go upward and worsen heartburn so better to avoid If want to do , do on empty stomach with not much pressure and start with 5 repeats Avoid tea coffe sour curd at night snacks bakery items green chillies

Hlo niharika ji,

Thanks for the question, Hyperacidity ( amalpitta) is one of the most common diseases seen in society. During digestion of food , our stomach secrets gastric juices to break down food. Food generally stays 1-2 hrs in stomach.stomach linning also secrets mucosa to protect the lining and to neutralize acidity, but when stomach starts to secrets juices in excess amount,someone experience hyperacidity resulting in heart burn, dyspepsia, gastric inflammation and even gastric ulcers. We refers it as ‘amla pitta’ in ayurveda. When the symptoms of heart burn becomes more regular and intense such as twice a week or more, it can be diagnosed as GERD( Gastro oesophageal reflux disease)

Hurry , worry, curry are three main reasons for this. Your dietary and lifestyle habits trigger it.

Treatment plan - •Avoid causative factors such as spicy ,salty, oily food, smoking , tea, heavy or untimely food. • Palliative treatment - As the disease is pitta origin, all measures are undertaken to pacify pitta. • Panchkarma procedures such as vamana or virechana whichever needed should be administered.

Oral treatment - 1) avipattikar churn 4 gm BD before food 2) Tab amalant 2 tab BD after food 3) Tab livem 2 tab BD after food 4) Syp. Amalpittamishran 20 ml BD before food 5) kushmand avleh 1 tsf BD after food 6) SYP vomitab 2-2 tsf sos

Followed with panchakarma procedure virechana is Targeted to expel the increase pitta dosha and pitta along with vata and kafa suggested to be done in 1st week of October.

Advice - 1) coconut water 2) gulkand and saunf 1tsf after meal 3) in morning amla muraba or bilwa juice

Start with Shanka vati tab 1-0-1 before food Pravalapanchamritha pishti 1 pinch before food twice a day Madhiphala Rasayanam syr 10 ml twice a day after food Along with these medicines u can do kapalbhati too

Hello, Good to know that, you have 2 hours gap between dinner and going to bed. Please see to it that, you take kichdi / just cooked vegetables+ soup for dinner, so that stomach is almost empty when you go to bed. And also take yashtimadhu milk decoction as first thing in the morning(1 teaspoon yashtimadhu powder+3/4 cup of water+1/2 cup of milk;bpoil and reduce to one cup) 45 minutes After consuming milk decoction take one apple(skinned out) which is to be chewed well.

Medicines: 1. Ulsant D syrup(ayurchem) 1tsp 30 minutes before each meal for 30 days.

To be avoided: 1. Kapalabhati for a month 2. Oily-spicy-outside food

Take care, Kind regards.

Follow some simple lifestyle changes and dietary changes and you will see results for your problem.

✔️Do’s✔️ Drink buttermilk daily. Eat freshly cooked food. Drink warm water. Lunch and dinner on fixed timings. 100 steps after every meal. If possible dinner as early as 7-8 pm.

🧘‍♀️ Yogasan : 🧘‍♀️ 1. Pawanmuktasana 2. Bhujangasana 3. Dhanurasana 4. Paschimottanasana 5. Ardha Matsyendrasana 6. Vajrasana 7. Supta Matsyendrasana

🧘‍♀️ Pranayam: 🧘‍♀️ 1. Bhramari 2.Bhasrika 3.Kapalbhati 4.Jyoti Tratak 5. Anulom Vilom (breathing in with right nostril and out with left nostril.)

❌Don’ts:❌ Packed and processed food. Ready to eat items. Oily and spicy food. Sour and fermented products. Dals (only moong dal can be eaten) Besan Raw vegetables and sprouts Curd Reduce dairy intake.

Syp. Amlapitta Mishran 2 tsp twice a day and also when you get a reflux.

Tab. Ampachak Vati 2 tabs twice a day before food. Tab Laghusuthshekhar Ras 2. tabs twice a day before food. Tab. Praval Panchamrit Vati 2 tabs twice a day before food. Syp. Bhunimbadi kadha (prefer SANDU PHARMA) 2 tsp with half a cup of warm water before food.

Oro T gargles 5ml gargle thrice a day

Tab. Gandharva Haritaki Vati 2 tabs at bed time with a cup of hot water.

Don’t use allopathic medicine Start with Kamdugdha with mouktika 2BD B F Sootsekhar rasa 2BD A F And in morning do vaman therapy with 5 to 6 litr of water added with saindhav salt. You will see results with in 1 day Also avoid spicy food, oily food and morning tea if you have the habit jist have breakfast than you can drink small amount of chai. By Dr Akshay negi MD PANCHAKARMA

Hlo, Thnks for your question. In ayurveda gastric reflex is considered as amal pitta.

Pitta Dosha: Pitta governs digestion and metabolism and is characterized by its hot, sharp, and liquid qualities. When Pitta becomes aggravated due to factors like stress, a poor diet, or an irregular lifestyle, its hot and sharp qualities increase. This leads to an excess of stomach acid, which can move upward into the esophagus and throat, causing a burning sensation (heartburn) and a sour taste. The continue gastric reflex triggers throat lining and cause infection.

Kapal bhati- The active, forceful exhalation and passive inhalation engage abdominal muscles, which stimulates the digestive system. Yes, Kapalbhati can help with acidity because it stimulates digestive organs and improves peristalsis, which is the wave-like movement of food through the digestive tract but, -Kapalbhati should be practiced on an empty stomach to avoid any digestive discomfort. Kapal bhati also helpful to reduce stress.Stress is a significant trigger for acid reflux. Kapalbhati’s focus on controlled breathing and purification of the respiratory system can help reduce stress levels, a known benefit of the practice.

Advice - For managing acid reflux, also consider avoiding heavy and spicy foods, eating smaller meals, and elevating your head while sleeping.

Treatment - 1) lifestyle and dietary modification 2) avipattikar churn 3 gm twice a day before food 3) kamdudha rasa 2 tab twice a day after food 4) tab livem 1 tab twice a day after food 5) amalpitta mishran 20 ml with equal amount of water after food

Dietary advice - 1) coconut water 2) saunf + gulkand after meal 3) amla muraba/ bilwa juice in morning 4) avoid besan, meda, spicy and oily foods 5) sheetli pranayam for cooling affect Follow up after 15 days

1.Avipattikar churna 1 tsp twice daily with warm water before meals 2.Amlapittantak Syp. 2 tsp twice daily after meals 3.Sutshekar rasa 1 pinch (125 mg) twice daily after meals

✅ Eat: - Warm, freshly cooked meals - Coconut water, boiled bottle gourd, rice gruel - Small, frequent meals 🚫 Avoid: - Spicy, sour, fermented foods - Citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee - Lying down within 2 hours of eating

Start with Kamdudharas moti yukta 1-0-1 after food with water Yastimadhu churan 1tsp twice daily after food with water Soak overnight coriander seeds fennel seeds jeera seeds morning strain and drink empty stomach before breakfast. Soak overnight raisins black currant dry fig in a cup of warm water, morning make smoothie with same water and take with breakfast. Gulkand 2tsp once with water Do sheetali pranayam daily 5-10mins twice Avoid processed spicy sugary fried street foods.

HELLO NIHARIKA,

Normally, food goes down into the stomach, acid helps digest it, and then it moves into the intestine. In reflux, the acid flows upward into the food pipe (oesophagus), sometimes reaching the throat. This causes -burning in chest or throat (heartburn) -sour/bitter taste in mouth -cough, throat irritation, horseness -sometimes nausea, bloating

WHY DOES IT HAPPEN ? -When Pitta dosha increases, digestion gets disturbed -food remains half-digested-> produces amla rasa(sour0 nd excessive acid -This “Amlata” rises upward instead of moving down-> causing reflux and throat irritation -Stress, wrong food, irregular habits make it worse

TREATMENT GOALS -reduce excess pitta- heat,acidity -heal the oesophagus and throat lining -normalize digestion without excess acid -prevent recurrence by correcting lifestyle -avoid dependency on chemical suppressants

INTERNAL MEDICATIONS

1) AVIPATTIKAR CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm water before meals for 6 weeks =reduces excess acid, balances pitta, relieves burning and constipation

2) KAMDUDHA RASA (with Mukta shukti)= 125mg twice daily with honey/ghee for 1 month =cooling, neutralizes acidity, reduces throat burning

3) YASHTIMADHU POWDER= 1/2 tsp with lukewarm water twice daily for 1 month =soothes throat, and helps esophagus

4) SHATAVARI CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm milk daily in morning for 3 months =cooling, nourishing, balances pitta and vata, relieves burning

5) ALOE VERA JUICE= 20 ml empty stomach for 2 months =cooling, protect mucosa, reduces acid

LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS -MEAL TIMIMNG= eat at fixed times, don’t skip meals, don’t overeat -DINNER= light, early before 8 pm -POSTURE= sit upright after meals for 30 min, avoid lying down immediately -SLEEP= head elevated while sleeping -CLOTHING= avoid very tight belts/clothes that press abdomen -STRESS= practice meditation ,avoid anger/stress which increase pitta

YOGA AND PRANAYAM

***AVOID KAPALVHATI AND BHASTRIKA (they increase abdominal pressure-> which worsen reflux)

INSTEAD DO -Anulom vilom= balances doshas -Sheetali and sheetkari= cooling, reduces pitta -Bhramari= calms mind, reduces stress acidity

YOGA ASANAS -Vajrasana= after meals, helps digestion -Marjarisana= cat cow stretch -shashankasana= child pose -Bhujangasana= empty stomach

FOODS PREFER -rice, wheat, barley -moong dal -milk, ghee in moderation -sweet fruits= ripe banana, pear, watermelon, apple, pomegranate -vegetables= bottle gourd, ash gourd, cucumber, pumpkin -cocount water, coriander water, fennel water

AVOID -spicy, sour, fried, fermented foods -pickles, vinegar , tomato, citrus fruits- lemon, orange -coffee, excess tea, alcohol, smoking -onion, garlic in excess -late night meals, irregular eating

SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES -Fennel seeds= chew after meals -coriander seed water= soak overnight, drink morning -tender coconut water= daily cooling drink -Ghee in warm milk= at bedtime for throat soothing -Cold milk (unsweetened)- relieves sudden acidiy -A pinch of cardamom powder in warm water- reduces burning

-GERD/Amla pitta is not just excess acid, but an imbalance o diet, lifestyle and stress -Allopathy suppresses acid but does not heal the root cause -Ayurveda aims at pacifying pitta, protecting the mucosa, and strengthening digestion -Long term relief is possible by combining diet + lifestyle + herbal medicines + yoga -consistency is key= if you follow the regimen for at least 2-3 months, you’ll notice sustained improvement

DO FOLLOW

HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL

THANK YOU

DR. MAITRI ACHARYA

Kapalbhati, a pranayama practice in yoga, may not be the best choice when dealing with gastric reflux. This forceful breathing technique could possibly exacerbate symptoms as it involves rapid abdominal contractions, which might increase abdominal pressure and potentially push stomach acids into the esophagus, worsening reflux symptoms. It’s advisable to avoid Kapalbhati until your symptoms are under control.

For managing gastric reflux Ayurveda highlights the importance of enhancing agni (digestive fire) while balancing the pitta dosha, as reflux is often a pitta-related issue. Start with dietary adjustments: Consume meals with less spices and less oil, and focus on cooling foods like cucumbers and cooked greens. Eating smaller, simpler meals can also be beneficial. Try to have a longer gap of around 3-4 hours between your last meal and bedtime to allow proper digestion.

Herbal remedies that may help include licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) known for its soothing effect on the mucous membranes. You can prepare a tea by boiling 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root in a cup of water and sipping it post meals. Dosage should be properly monitored, particularly for those with blood pressure considerations, as it may increase sodium retention and raise blood pressure.

In addition, incorporating mindful eating practices, where you eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly, can help reduce symptoms by assisting digestion. Practicing relaxation and stress-reduction techniques daily, such as meditation or gentle yoga stretches, might help reduce overall stress which can aggravate reflux symptoms.

Pantoprazole, the medication you mentioned, is effective for reducing acid but is ideally a part of a broader approach, combining diet, lifestyle changes, and possibly Ayurvedic remedies once cleared with any conventional treatment you might be on. If symptoms persist significantly, consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to rule out more serious conditions.

Gastric reflux and its associated throat irritation can indeed be troubling. From a Siddha-Ayurvedic perspective, the focus is on balancing the Pitta dosha, which, when aggravated, can lead to high acidity and acid reflux. Pantoprazole and similar medications are useful for short-term relief, but addressing the underlying pitta imbalance can bring long-lasting benefits.

First, dietary adjustments are crucial. Avoid spicy, oily, and fermented foods as they can exacerbate Pitta dosha. Instead, incorporate cooling, calming foods like cucumbers, sweet fruits, and cooked vegetables. Consider drinking a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of amla (Indian gooseberry) powder in the morning—this can help reduce acidity.

About Kapalbhati pranayama, though it’s beneficial for overall digestive health, avoid doing it when experiencing active gastric reflux. The vigorous breathing technique may prompt acid movement. Instead, opt for Sheetali pranayama (cooling breath) which can soothe throat discomfort and temper acidity.

Incorporate tender herbs like licorice (yashtimadhu) into your routine. Licorice tea can be taken once or twice a day to support throat healing and alleviate irritation. Adjust sleep posture by elevating the head slightly, using an extra pillow to prevent nighttime reflux.

If symptoms persist or exacerbate, consulting a healthcare provider for further evaluation is advised, as continued irritation could point towards a more serious issue. Prioritize safety and balance through these integrated approaches.

HELLO NIHARIKA,

1. Daily Routine & Lifestyle Meal timing: Take light, warm, and easy-to-digest food; avoid nocturnal meals. Keep the 2-hour interval before retiring to bed. Sleep posture: Sleep with your head raised to minimize reflux. Hydration: Take small amounts of warm water; abstain from cold or carbonated beverages. Avoid triggers: Avoid spicy, oily, sour, and fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking.

2. Dietary Recommendations Favorable foods: Rice, dal, cooked vegetables, ghee in moderation, warm milk (with a pinch of turmeric). Avoid: Tomatoes, citrus fruits, onions, garlic, fried snacks, pickles. Spices: Add ginger, cumin, fennel, coriander to food—these enhance digestion (Agni).

3. Herbal & Ayurvedic Remedies Triphala churna: ½–1 tsp at night with warm water for smooth digestion. Amla (Indian gooseberry): Antioxidant-rich; reduces acidity. Licorice (Mulethi) or Yashtimadhu: Relieves throat inflammation. Pitta pacifying herbs: Shatavari, Guduchi

4. Yoga & Pranayama Don’t do Kapalbhati in active reflux—it stimulates gastric acid and pressure.

Recommended: Anulom Vilom (Alternate nostril breathing) – stomach and throat soothing. Bhramari Pranayama – soothes inflammation of throat. Gentle Yogasanas: Vajrasana (postmeal), Supta Matsyendrasana (supine twist), Ardha Pawanmuktasana.

5. Mind & Stress Management Stress increases Pitta and Vata, making reflux worse. Meditation, gentle walking postmeal, and avoiding hurried eating are beneficial.

Key points: Avoid Kapalbhati until reflux is managed. Address digestive fire (Agni), calm the throat, and balance Pitta. Ayurvedic herbs and lifestyle modifications support, but do not substitute, prescribed medication such as pantoprazole if necessary.

THANK YOU

DR. HEMANSHU MEHTA