Acid reflux - #869

The persistent acid reflux, tachycardia, food regurgitation, and associated anxiety you’re experiencing are indicative of an aggravated Pitta dosha in the digestive tract, leading to excess heat and acidity. This prolonged Pitta imbalance can also elevate Vata dosha, causing symptoms like restlessness, palpitations, and heightened anxiety, particularly worsening at night when Vata tends to peak. Ayurvedic treatments aim to soothe both Pitta and Vata, addressing the root cause of the acid reflux and providing relief from anxiety and restlessness.

First, incorporating cooling and soothing foods into your diet can help calm Pitta. Avoid hot, spicy, fried, and sour foods as they increase acidity and Pitta levels. Instead, opt for meals that are naturally cooling, such as steamed vegetables, rice, barley, and lighter grains, and avoid heavy meals close to bedtime. Drinking a glass of buttermilk with a pinch of cumin powder after lunch can support digestion and reduce acidity. Additionally, sipping on jeera (cumin) and dhaniya (coriander) seed-infused water can cool down the digestive tract and reduce acid buildup.

A useful herb in Ayurveda for managing acidity and stress is Shatavari, known for its cooling properties and ability to balance Pitta. It helps soothe the digestive tract and can be taken as a supplement or mixed in warm milk. Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry) is also recommended for reducing acidity, aiding digestion, and nourishing the tissues. Taking Triphala at night (in powder or tablet form) can help regulate digestion, prevent acid regurgitation, and relieve constipation if present.

To manage stress and anxiety linked to Vata imbalance, daily self-massage (Abhyanga) with warm sesame oil is highly beneficial. Abhyanga helps calm the nervous system and reduces Vata-induced symptoms such as tachycardia and restlessness. Practicing Pranayama (breathing exercises) such as Sheetali and Anulom Vilom can also bring calmness to the mind, reduce stress, and balance both Pitta and Vata doshas.

For nighttime relief, try having a cup of warm milk with a pinch of turmeric, a small amount of ghee, and brahmi powder before bed; this combination can promote relaxation, ease acid reflux, and prevent nighttime palpitations.

Dealing with acid reflux and related problems can be rough, I get it. Especially when it’s affecting your heart rate and making you anxious. Ayurveda looks deeply at how mind and body are tied together, and stress or anxiety definitely can worsen things like reflux.

It sounds like your Agni, or digestive fire, is upset. You might have what Ayurveda calls a vata-pitta imbalance. So first off, a few small changes. Start by eating your meals at the same times each day—routine can actually calm your system. Early dinners are a plus here, at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.

Let’s talk food. Try to ditch the spicy, fried stuff. Harder said than done, I know… Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, and foods that are too heaty by nature—think garlic, onions, and sour stuff. Warm, cooked meals like khichdi are great, they’re simple and easy on digestion.

Herbs can lend a hand too. Licorice root is known to soothe, maybe try a tea with that? Also, having a pinch of fennel seeds after meals can ease that burning sensation and quell the reflux. Triphala is another gem, take it as a powder with warm water at night. Helps both digestion and calmness.

Now, breathing exercises! Pranayama works wonders. Try slow, deep breathing or alternate nostril breathing for a few minutes daily. It can really help the stress and, over time, might even help the reflux indirectly.

Sleep’s important. Elevate your head while sleeping to reduce symptoms at night. Just adding a few pillows might help!

If these don’t ease symptoms, or especially if tachycardia worsens, I’d really urge seeing a doctor again. Sometimes, underlying things need immediate attention, making sure nothing critical is being overlooked. Integration of Ayurveda can work harmoniously with allopathic treatment too.