Regurgitation of gastric acid causes heartburn.
Acidity is the quality of acid , that which has a taste like apricot or vinegar . When excess acid is produced in the stomach, the person suffers from heartburn, a discomfort that affects several aspects of life.
Regurgitation of gastric acid causes what is known as heartburn or pyrosis , which is a burning sensation in the esophagus. Some of the foods and drinks that can cause heartburn are red wine, chocolate, caffeinated drinks, mint, coffee, and spicy ingredients. Other triggers for this discomfort, which is also known as “heartburn,” are excessive eating, being overweight , nicotine, and pregnancy. When this disorder occurs very frequently, it is advisable to seek professional help.
Heartburn treatment
However, as with most ailments, there is a long list of home remedies and tips to avoid this state of heartburn. The first failure that occurs when you suffer from this disorder is that the lower esophageal sphincter , responsible for containing stomach acids, gives way. Certain foods are very effective in preventing this important component of the digestive system from relaxing and making way for the contents of the stomach to go up the esophagus; among them are:
- Oatmeal : many doctors especially recommend it to patients who suffer from heartburn, since it can be eaten at any time of the day and is accessible and nutritious ;
- Bananas : although their pH level (5.6) makes them ideal for treating this type of gastric discomfort, some people do not seem to obtain good results from their consumption;
- Melon : in the same way as bananas, this fruit seems to generate opposite opinions, although the majority of people who consume it to relieve or avoid heartburn are satisfied with its action;
- Fennel : a not very popular vegetable, but in this case it is very effective, and also collaborates with the digestion process. It is worth mentioning that it is a perfect companion to a salad;
- Parsley : it needs no introduction, since it is one of the most well-known and used condiments in cooking, as it is extremely economical and tasty, improves digestion and prevents discomforts such as acidity;
- Brown rice : unlike white rice, it is very practical for cold dishes such as salads and is easier to preserve. In this case, it proves to be an excellent food for those who suffer from heartburn.
On the other hand, to calm acidity, it is advisable to prepare an infusion with boiled water and two tablespoons of anise , and let it sit for ten minutes before drinking it. Other homemade recipes include ingredients such as lettuce, cloves and cinnamon.
Lemon is characterized by its acidity.
Other meanings of the term
Acidity also refers to the amount of free acid found in resins, oils and wines , which is determined through titration with a basic reagent. The result is expressed in the form of a percentage (%). On the other hand, acidity is the abundance of hydrogen ions in an aqueous solution (compared to the ions present in pure water).
Basicity is the concept that complements acidity. The pH is the scale that allows, in aqueous solutions, to quantify the acidity or basicity. Outside of this type of solutions, it is possible to compare the acidity in different elements, such as the gases carbon dioxide, sulfur trioxide and dinitrogen.
Two types of acidity can be distinguished: on the one hand, natural acidity is that produced by the natural composition of the substance; On the other hand, the acidity developed is obtained from microbiological, thermal or enzymatic processes that generate the acidification of the component.