The Ultimate Guide for Acidity

What is Acidity?

Acidity could also be a set of symptoms caused by excess production of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach. Your stomach naturally produces gastric to assist digest and break down food. Acidity, also called acid reflux. The most common symptom of acid reflux is known as heartburn, which may be a painful, burning feeling within the chest or throat.

The food we eat goes into stomach through the oesophagus. The gastric glands in your stomach create acid, which is very important to digest the food. When the gastric glands create more acid than needed for the digestion process, you tend to feel a burning sensation below lower part of chest. 

When acidity occurs, the excess acid may move up from your stomach (food pipe) to your esophagus. The lining of your stomach is pH of 1 to 3 is designed as such to withstand a high acidic environment. Your esophagus on the other hand with a pH near to 7 isn't, and you will experience symptoms like a burning sensation within the chest when this pH drops below 4.

Acidity issues arise when there's excess production of this acid because of due to triggers such as acidic foods, alcohol, dehydration and stress.

Common cause of Acidity 

Acidity is primarily related to food and lifestyle. At times it also depends on the case/family history. It’s seen that different people complain about different types of food that caused acidity and if one goes by the list of food ingredients that can cause acidity, it depends on how your body is used to a particular food or allergic to others. Few causes of acidity are

• Unhealthy Eating habit & over eating (skipping meal, Eating just before sleep, consumption of spicy food, Diet low in dietary fiber and High intake of table salt.
• Stomach disorder such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, tumours, peptic ulcers, among others

• Excessive consumption of certain food i.e. Drinks such as tea, coffee, carbonated drinks, soft drinks, Fat rich food such as pizza, doughnuts, and fried food.
• Other causes include i.e. Consumption of non-vegetarian food, lack of sleep, Excessive stress, Frequent smoking , Excessive intake of alcohol and Lack of physical exercise.

Acidity Symptoms  

Acidity symptoms differ from one person to another. Most things that contribute to gas also lead to acidity meaning, gas and acidity symptoms are almost similar. While the most common acidity symptoms are chest pain and burning sensation below following Acidity symptom. 

• Pain and burning sensation in the chest, stomach or throat
• Gas
• Indigestion
• Bad Breath
• Constipation
• Difficult swallowing or the sensation of food being stuck in your throat
• Nausea or feeling of vomiting
• Heaviness in the stomach after eating
• Frequent burps
• Regurgitation of undigested food coming back in our mouth
• Restlessness 

 

Acidity Treatment

Medicines: 

It’s important to treat heartburn, especially if you experience frequent symptoms. Over time, acid reflux can actually damage your oesophagus. Talk to your doctor about which prescribed or non-prescribed heartburn medicine is correct for you.

Antacids that neutralise stomach acids: They provide quick relief but don’t heal an inflamed oesophagus damaged by stomach acid. E.g. Calcium carbonate.
H₂-receptor blockers that reduce acid production: They do not act as quickly as antacids, but provide longer relief and may decrease acid production from the stomach for up to 12 hours. E.g. Ranitidine, Famotidine or Cimetidine.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that block acid production and heal the oesophagus: They are stronger acid blockers than H₂-receptor and provide time for damaged oesophageal tissue to heal. E.g. Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Pantoprazole and Esomeprazole. 

  

Home Remedies

1) fennel and saunf :- Having around 1 teaspoon fennel powder with a glass of warm water relieves acidity and its symptoms like heartburn, bloating and improves digestion.

2) Lukewarm water :- Drinking a glass of lukewarm water empty stomach and before going to sleep at night, provides relief from acidity.

3) Black cumin seeds :- Chew cumin seeds directly or boil 1 teaspoon of them in a glass of water and drink it to relieve acidity. Black cumin seeds are gastro-protective. They are effective in reducing and preventing acidity and its symptoms like heartburn, pain, nausea, bloating, constipation etc.

 4) Cloves :- Suck a piece of clove to get rid of acidity and its symptoms like indigestion, nausea, gastric irritability etc. 

5) Buttermilk :- Lactic acid in buttermilk normalizes the acidity in the stomach and gives a soothing effect. A glass of buttermilk topped with black pepper and coriander helps in instantly easing our symptoms of acidity.

6) Banana :- Consuming banana neutralizes acidity and gives relief from heartburn and
A mixture of milk and banana helps to suppress excess acid secretion.

7) Papaya :- Papaya reduces gastric acid secretion and gives relief from acidity.

8) Cardamon :- Chewing 1 cardamom pod every day helps to prevent acidity, flatulence and improves digestion

9) Ginger :- Chewing raw ginger or drinking ginger tea helps prevent acidity and its symptoms. It also aids digestion.

10) Ajwain :- Consumption of ajwain gives relief from acidity and flatulence. It is excellent for digestion and is an efficient anti-acidic agent. 

11) Turmeric :- Adding turmeric to our diet relieves acidity and heartburn caused by it. 

12) In addition this, certain lifestyle changes may also help to prevent acidity. following below

• Stay active and engage in any kind exercise, be it yoga, running, swimming, cycling, dancing or any of your favorite sport.

• Eat smaller meals, 4 to 5 times a day.  

• Have your dinner early, at least  2-3 hours before you hit the bed.  

• Don’t overeat and chew your food well while eating.

• Don’t lie down immediately after a meal.  

• Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.

• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. 

13) Avoid food that Trigger Acidity Like

Very spicy and oil food 

Tea, coffee, cold drinks
Raw onions, garlic
Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, kiwis
Tomatoes
Junk food etc

 

 

 

 

 

Typical Meal plan for a day, you can follow after your Doctor allow to do.

Wake up at 6 am early morning, Drink a glass of lukewarm water with honey or without honey

Do exercise about 30-40 minutes i.e. Running, Walking, Cycling etc.

08.00 am Take a breakfast like oats, cereals, boiled egg and Green Tea 

10.00 am eat fruit like 01 apple etc.

12.30 - 1.00 pm lunch - salad, curd or buttermilk, Chapati and mixed vegetable or dal-rice.

4.00 pm Green Tea and dry fruits.

5.30 pm eat 01 apple or any fruits. 

7.00 - 7.30 pm Dinner -  Vegetable Soup, khichdi or brown rice.

8.30 - 9.00 pm Do walking for 20-30 minutes.

10.00 - Sleep. take sleep at-least 07-08 hours.

Follow this Meal 15-20 days you get definitely result. 

Summary

Acidity or acid reflux may be a common problem that the majority of people face, some on a day to day basis. Most times, acidity is accompanied by gas. The reverse can also be true. The most common cause of acid reflux is the consumption of unhealthy food accompanied by alcohol and smoking. Food that contain a lot of fat and spice lead to burning sensation in your chest, which may be a common symptom of acid reflux.

When the symptoms are mild, home remedies aid in relieving the discomfort caused by the excessive acid produced. You can also take hold of acid reflux with few lifestyle changes. But if the symptoms are severe, you may need immediate medical attention / consultant with your doctor .

Acid reflux, in itself, isn't a severe condition. But chronic acidity / Hyper-acidity can cause other health problems that can damage the oesophagus. Acidity are often confused with other chest related problems that may be fatal. It is advised to go to your doctor if the symptoms of acidity are persistent even after taking medication.

Vitamin B12: Everything You Need to know about Cyanocobalamin

What is Vitamin B12?

It is a water-soluble vitamin like all other vitamins-B. This means it can dissolve in water and pass through the bloodstream. The body can store vitamin B-12 for up to 04 hours. Any excess or unwanted vitamin B-12 is excreted through urine. 

Vitamin B12 is also known as Cobalamin, Cyanocobalamin and Hydroxocobalamin.

Vitamin B-12 is that the largest and most structurally complicated vitamin. It occurs naturally in meat products, dietary supplement and industrially produced through bacterial fermentation process (Prescription medication).

Vitamin B12 is different from other vitamins in the fact that it can only be produced by bacteria. Animal products are a popular natural source of vitamins and a few vegetable options. There are many Vitamin B12 supplements available on the market to help people who are deficient but should only be consumed after consulting with their doctor.

Action on the body

Vitamin B12 plays a significant role in the activities of several enzymes. It is cruical for the synthesis of the genetic material of cells (DNA) for growth and development. The formation of red blood cells by the bone marrow is particularly dependent on this vitamin. It is also involved in the usage of folate and carbohydrates in the diet, and is very important for maintaining a healthy nervous system.

Dietary and other natural sources 

Liver is the best dietary source of vitamin B12. Almost all animal products, as well as seaweed, are also rich in the vitamin, but vegetables are not.

You can get vitamin B12 in animal foods, which have it naturally, or from items that are fortified with it.

Animal sources include dairy products, eggs, fish and meat. If you are looking for a food fortified with B12, check nutrition facts product label.

Normal Daily Requirements of Vitamin B12

The average recommended amounts, measured in micro-grams (mcg), vary by age:

• Infants up to age 6 months: 0.4 mcg
• Babies age 7-12 months: 0.5 mcg
• Children age 1-3 years: 0.9 mcg
• Kids age 4-8 years: 1.2 mcg
• Children age 9-13 years: 1.8 mcg
• Teens age 14-18: 2.4 mcg
• Adults: 2.4 mcg (2.6 mcg per day if pregnant and 2.8 mcg per day if breastfeeding)

When Supplements are helpful

A balanced diet usually provides more than adequate amounts of this vitamin, and deficiency is usually because of impaired absorption from the intestine instead of low dietary intake. However, for a vegetarian or vegan diet lacking in eggs or dairy products is likely to be deficient in vitamin B12, and supplements are usually required. The most common cause of deficiency is severe anemia, where vitamin absorption is not effective due to the inability of the stomach to release a special substance known as intrinsic factor which is often in contact with the vitamin and will therefore be absorbed into the intestines.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency usually develops over months or years the liver can last up to several years of supply.

Insufficient vitamin B-12 can also lead to anemia. The most common symptoms of anemia are fatigue, irregular heartbeat and shortness of breath. The brain and spinal cord may also be affected, memory loss, leading to numbness, tingling of the limbs and depression. People with anemia might also experience: 

 

• a sore month or tongue
• Weight loss
• Pale or yellowing Skin
• Diarrhoea
• Menstrual problems  

Other symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency include constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

 

 

 

 

Who is at risk 

Vegetarian face a risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency, as their diet excludes animal-sourced food products. Pregnancy and lactation can worsen deficiency in vegetarian. Plant-sourced foods do not have enough cyanocobalamin to guarantee long-term health.

People with severe anemia may be deficient in vitamin B-12. Anemia is an autoimmune disease. Patients with this condition do not have enough protein (IF), a protein inside the stomach that allows the body to absorb vitamin B-12.

People with chronic alcoholism may lack vitamin B12, as their bodies are also unable to soak up/absorb nutrients efficiently.

Individuals treating diabetes with metformin (medicated drug) are advised to observed their levels of vitamin B-12. Metformin (medicated drug) might reduce the absorption of vitamin B-12.

Treatment includes vitamin B-12 injections. A vitamin B-12 injection must be administered to patient that have problems with nutrient absorption.

Drug Interaction

Possible interaction includes-

• Aminosalicylic acid. Taking this drug used to treat digestive problems might reduce your body's absorption of vitamin B-12.

• Colchicine. Taking this anti-inflammatory drug used to prevent and treat gout attacks might decrease your absorption of vitamin B-12.

• Metformin. Taking this diabetes drug might reduce your absorption of vitamin B-12.

• Proton pump inhibitors. Taking Omeprazole, Lansoprazole or other stomach acid-reducing drugs might decrease your absorption of vitamin B-12.

• Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) supplements. Taking vitamin B-12 with vitamin C might reduce the available amount of vitamin B-12 in your body. To avoid this interaction, take vitamin C two or more hours after taking a vitamin B-12 supplement.

 

Your doctor might recommend changing drugs or timing doses to offset any potential interactions.

Treatment and Dosage range

If you have got anemia or have trouble absorbing vitamin B12, you'll need injection of this vitamin initially. You may need to keep getting these injection, take high doses of a supplement by mouth, or by injection.

If you do not eat animal products, you have got options. You can switch your diet to included vitamin B12-fortified grains, a vitamin B12-supplement or B12 injections, or a high-dose oral vitamin B12 if you're deficient.

Older adults who have a vitamin B12 deficiency will likely need to take a daily B12 supplement or a multivitamin that contains B12.

Depends on the individual and severity of deficiency. Anemia (due to impaired absorption of vitamin B12) is treated in adults with injections of 0.25mg–1mg (250–1,000mcg) on alternate days for 1–2 weeks, then 0.25mg per week until blood counts are normal, then 1mg every monthly (cobalamin) or every 2–3 months (hydroxocobalamin). 

Dietary deficiency is typically treated with oral supplements of 50–150mcg or more daily or 50–105mcg (cyanocobalamin) and 35–50mcg twice daily in infants. Deficiency that results from a hereditary disease preventing use of the vitamin is treated with 250mcg every three weeks throughout life.

Symptoms and risks of excessive intake

Harmful effects from the high doses of vitamin B12 are rare. Allergic reactions may rarely, occur with preparations given by injection.

Summary

Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays essential roles in red blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nerve function and also the production of DNA.

Food sources of vitamin B-12 include meat, fish, poultry and dairy products.Vitamin B-12 injections might be prescribed by doctor to treat vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Because human body is capable of storing several years of vitamin B-12, deficiency is rare. However, if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you may be susceptible to deficiency because plant foods don't contain vitamin B-12. Older adults and other people with gastrointestinal tract conditions that affect absorption of nutrients are also prone to vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Most people can prevent vitamin B12 deficiency by eating enough seafood, meat, dairy products, poultry and eggs.

If you don't eat animal products, otherwise you have a medical condition that limits how well your body absorbs nutrient, you'll take vitamin B12 during a multivitamin and foods fortified with vitamin B12 or other supplement.

If you choose to take vitamin B12 supplements consult with your doctor, so they can tell you how much you need, or make sure they won't affect any medicines you're taking.