Description
Homeopathic medicines are known for their very wide range of action and affinity. It is therefore no surprise that stomach problems also resolve considerably when treated with homeopathy. Indeed, there are numerous cases of supposedly incurable stomach conditions that became significantly better with homeopathy. In this article we focus on the action of homeopathic drugs on stomach conditions, especially hyperacidity.
It is normal, as we all know, for the stomach to secrete acid. This acid aids in digestion of parts of our food before it goes into the intestines for complete breakdown. The lining of the stomach is protected from this acid by a barrier of tightly knit cells that do not allow acid to harm the stomach. However, when the quantity and frequency of acid secretion surpasses the average, this barrier may break down. Thus, the stomach lining gets eroded and gradually ulcers may be formed
This excess acid also travels via the esophagus (food pipe) and causes burning in the chest. This is called heartburn. Bitter water may also be felt in the mouth which is the regurgitated acid from the stomach. The problem is worse at night because of posture; as one lies down it becomes easier for the acid to move back into the food pipe.
A large number of people suffer from acidity. The major cause is our diet and lifestyle. It is actually safe to say that acidity is mostly a modern problem because of our eating habits. A sedentary routine also plays a major role. Over the years eating habits have shown a major shift in food constituents. Earlier, natural food sources were preferred with high quantities of fiber and roughage. Food consisted of bulk of vegetables and fruits which were easier to digest and assimilate. In modern times diet consists of oily food with more of sugar, salts and fat. These items are not easily digested and take time. Often, they are only partially digested. The stomach may increase the quantity of acid secreted when indigestible elements increase in quantity. With time the body tends to produce more acid as a general rule, and hyperacidity results. People suffering from acidity also complain frequently of flatulence, abdominal cramps, bitter taste in mouth and general indigestion.
Hyperacidity is not merely due to an increase in acid production. The major proportion of hyperacidity cases is because of acid reflux. GERD is a frequently encountered condition in medical practice and the incident only seems to be increasing. GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. The band of muscle guarding the lower end of esophagus may become weak and lose its tone so that it is unable to prevent food and acid from regurgitating into the food pipe from the stomach. We can say the muscle is unable to stop the backflow. However, it should be noted that in many cases no actual pathology or structural defect can be found; the symptoms appear due to functional causes and have more to do with food and habits than with actual organic fault.
It is important that one gets thoroughly checked for causes of excess acidity before treatment begins. Unhampered acid formation can lead to a variety of disabling consequences. The most important one to note is peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcer is an ulcer/erosion that forms in the lining of the stomach or the intestine due to repeated onslaught of acid and gradual weakening of the defensive barrier. Peptic ulcer is also quite commonly seen in people who have taken a certain type of medicine, called NSAIDs for a very long time. Heavy alcohol intake may also precipitate the condition. Infection by an organism known as H. pylori is another major causative factor behind peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcer is a chronic and debilitating condition that has such distressing complications as rupture of an artery and heavy bleeding, or perforation of the stomach. Both of these are medical emergencies. This is why hyperacidity needs to be investigated timely to rule out this condition. Generally, an endoscopy is advised for the same.
Certain steps can be taken to escape the chances of developing hyperacidity and consequently peptic ulcer. The first and foremost modification to make is in your eating habits. It is important to establish a routine and maintain the timing when you take a meal every day. Erratic food habits are quite harmful to your digestion process. Also, try to keep fats, oils and salt to a minimum and increase the quantity of fibers and roughage. Add a generous helping of fruits and vegetables. Basil leaves provide relief from acidity very quickly. One can boil two to three of these leaves in water, cool them down and take small sips frequently to combat acidity. Fennel seeds and cinnamon both have the same effect. It is an Indian tradition to take a small bite of jaggery after meals, and this actually has anti-acidic effect. Fruits like papaya, apples, bananas, melons, pears and even mangoes can help in fighting acidity as these fruits are not acidic. Nuts and even spices like ginger and turmeric are also helpful. There is the option of getting creative with salads, and one salad a day is recommended for people having a tendency to develop acidity.
Managing acidity and living an acidity-free life are not impossible. Neither are they impractical. One only needs to have a will to overcome these difficulties by making conscious efforts and changes in the diet. As discussed earlier, cutting down on acidic foods and enriching the diet with anti-acid substances is essential. So is maintaining a routine. Also, the role of exercise is supreme. A sedentary life with little to no physical activity is fodder for several diseases in the long run. Going to bed right after dinner is a major culprit causing hyperacidity and other digestion related issues. We need to encourage and inculcate good habits for a healthy life.
With such measures taken, medicine acts as an aid to improve acidity, gastritis and other problems. Also, a lot of people have tendencies to develop digestion related problems. This tendency may also be familial. Homeopathy is an excellent tool to work on these tendencies and eradicate them gradually. These medicines take care of the symptoms like gastritis, acidity, stomach cramps, irregular bowel movements, nausea and flatulence, among others. Homeopathic medicine for gastritis can also be taken as a prophylactic, that is, a preventive when symptoms have not yet occurred but may appear. It is better to take homeopathic medicine for hyperacidity because it works rapidly and effectively. Also, no side effects are noted in the short and long run. With continued usage of homeopathic medicine gastric ulcer also shows significant healing.
It is important to procure good quality medications to achieve satisfactory results. Alpha-Acid by Schwabe India is a medicine in tablet form that has an excellent affinity for digestive troubles. It has significant action on acidity and complaints arising thereafter. Nausea, heartburn, acid reflux, stomach cramps and general indigestion all show significant improvement with this remedy. Constant eructations and pain in the abdominal region are also relieved constantly with this remedy. Headaches may also occur due to gas and acidity. Alpha-Acid improves these headaches and enhances digestive function. The medicine is suitable for both young and adults and there are no contra-indications. The dosage is generally taken as two tablets twice or thrice a day. With use of this medicine an acidity-free life is possible.