What are the Causes of Acidity?

What is acidity
Acidity generally refers to heart burn or irritating in our throat and food pipe. In acidity, we will feel the sour taste in our mouth along with burning sensation in chest. At the entrance of the stomach there is a muscle valve or gate called Lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When food passes through LES, the ring-shaped muscle, it opens and closes after the food passed. It acts just like a valve.


Generally our stomach produces acids to digest the food. If (LES) remains open even after we finished our food, the acid from stomach reaches to esophagus and causes heartburn acidity or what ever you call it. If this happens frequently then you may have acid reflux problem.

The causes of acidity are:-

• Diet - Diet is the main cause of acidity. People with acidity problem should not eat the following foods.

1. Fried food
2.Spicy food
3. Sweets
4. Mint
5. Carbonated drinks
6.Citric drinks
7.High fat foods
8. Alcohol
9. Chocolates
10. Milk, tea or coffee.

Taking limited quantity of above food, not on regular basis will not do harm. But if you are eating all the above daily then you may end with acid reflux disease.

• Eating habits- This is different from what you eat. Here we discuss how and when we should eat. Over eating, sleeping or lying immediately after eating, empty stomach for longer period, eating snacks at random time will result in acidity.

• Medicines – Some medicines like blood pressure tablets, antibiotics, muscle relaxant will have side effects in the form of acidity.

• Smoking – Smoking will cause acidity.

• Obesity – Overweight people will have more acidity problem than normal weight people.

Tackle all these causes by following healthy life styles and live free from acidity. It is in our hand only.
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There are many causes of acidity. The most common one, of course, is food.

If you’re eating something unhealthy and in large quantity at that – it’s going to cause acidity.

Moreover, there are a few food items that tend to upset tummy even when they are known to be decently healthy. It includes citrus juices, coffee, milk, tomatoes, garlic, spicy foods and more.

(To be noted is that different people have different tolerance. Meaning, I can digest milk without any problem, you might not. So, it also depends on personal capacities as to which food will cause acidity.)

(Courtesy: Dailyhunt)

So, if you’re trying to fix your acidity, you need to give your diet a hard look. Replace the bad items with healthier ones. It’s best if you consult a dietitian to make this transition a bit easier without craving you on your favorite food.

Next very common cause of acidity is weight.

If you’re overweight, you’re more likely to struggle with acidity.

(Courtesy: Boldsky)

So, cut down on your weight. If you don’t already, start excising every day – even if it’s just for 15 minutes. Maintain a healthy BMI.

Aside from these two biggest causes of acidity, there are plenty of others, which are more like bad habits.

· Eating more than you should – eating more than you normally do.

· Smoking and drinking excessive alcohol.

· Eating and then lying on the bed with the necessary amount of movement that’s required for digestion.

· Eating and resting on a chair.

· Eating right before your sleep time.

· Taking medication. (Some medicines’ side effects include acidity.)

· Living a very inactive lifestyle.

These are some very common causes of acidity.

NOTE: If you’re experiencing upset tummy and OTC medicines don’t seem to be working effectively, it’s important to go and see a doctor. You may have any digestive disease. Early diagnosis can make the treatment easier and cost-effective.

Hope this answer helps!