If your kid's child often complains of heartburn and stomach pain, they might have hyperacidity. It is one of the gastro-intestinal reflux diseases. It occurs when stomach contents come back up into the food pipe (esophagus). When this happens often (sometimes almost every day or week), the stomach acid can make the esophagus sore and cause discomfort that's hard to ignore.
Ayurveda, which is a traditional form of Indian medicine, is naturally endowed with complete therapeutic modalities that align the body energies called doshas by alteration of diets, prescription of herbs, and diet changes. Parents can thus practice these gentle movements with their children and help them achieve optimal digestion without the use of medication. This blog is established to share Ayurvedic points of view and real-life remedies for hyperacidity specific to kids, hence including the aspect of Ayurveda pediatric care.
Hyperacidity is a condition in the stomach of children where there is excess of acid than normal and causes discomfort or even pain sometimes. This is why gentle and natural approaches to managing this problem have been in demand because many parents are worried about how the side effects of normal drugs affect the developing system of their child.
Frequent stomachaches
Heartburn or chest pain after eating
Nausea or vomiting
Sour taste in the mouth
Difficulty swallowing
Poor appetite
Excessive burping
Bad breath
Ayurveda views digestion as a key factor in overall health, emphasizing the balance of three fundamental energies or doshas: Three other doshas are there, which are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Hyperacidity is more or less considered by Ayurveda as the conditions that occur in Pitta dosha. Pitta dosha mainly consists of fire, change, and heat in the body. This is in charge of digestion and metabolism. When Pitta gets provoked due to the consumption of hot foods like spicy or fried foods, indigestion due to improper regular tropical meals, pressures, tensions, or unbalanced emotions, it causes increased levels of sour and fiery elements in the stomach.
Common remedies for hyperacidity under the Ayurvedic approach imply the moderation of Pitta dosha by avoiding hot foods and consuming foods that are cooling in nature such as cucumber, coconut water, and milk. Herbal cures include licorice (Yashtimadhu), which has an incredibly gentle action on the digestive tract and calms low-level but chronic inflammation and coriander. Others include stress-reducing interventions such as the practice of deep breathing exercises as well as maintaining consistent eating schedules with healthy diets to recapture balance.
According to Ayurveda, hyperacidity results from Pitta and inadequate digestive fire Therefore, Ayurveda seeks to normalize Pitta and enhance digestive system function through the mentioned natural approaches towards disease-free health.
Licorice root is known for its soothing properties on the digestive system. It helps to reduce inflammation in the stomach lining and can alleviate symptoms of hyperacidity. For children, licorice can be administered in the form of chewable tablets or as a tea. It's important to use licorice in moderation due to its potency.
Coriander seeds are used in Ayurvedic medicine to cool and soothe the digestive tract. They can be steeped in hot water to make a calming tea that aids in reducing acidity and bloating. Coriander water can be given to children in small amounts after meals.
The seeds are known to have carminative properties. It helps to relieve gas and bloating, the common symptoms associated with hyperacidity. Fennel tea can be made by steeping crushed fennel seeds in hot water and then straining. It's safe for children when given in small doses.
To soothe acidity in children, it's beneficial to include foods that are gentle on the stomach and help neutralize acid. Opt for:
Bananas: The small fruit is easy to digest and it can help coat the stomach lining.
Oatmeal: A bland and soothing option that can absorb excess acid.
Yogurt: Plain yogurt with live cultures can aid digestion and balance stomach pH.
Vegetables: Non-citrus options like broccoli, carrots, and green beans are less likely to trigger acidity.
Lean proteins: Chicken or turkey without skin, and fish like salmon are lighter on the stomach.
Water: Keeping well-hydrated helps dilute stomach acid.
Herbal teas: Chamomile or ginger tea can calm the digestive system.
Meal Timings and Portion Sizes:
Regular meals: Encourage three meals a day with scheduled snack times to regulate digestion.
Avoid large meals: Opt for smaller, more frequent meals to prevent overwhelming the stomach.
Post-meal activities: Encourage gentle activities like walking to aid digestion rather than lying down immediately.
These dietary adjustments can help manage acidity in children effectively, promoting comfort and digestive health.
It is important to start a daily eating routine that plays a significant role in the management of hyperacidity particularly among children. Ideally, control your food intake to three big meals and two snacks in between to retain a steady nutrient intake pattern. To promote digestion, children should be encouraged to take small bites and chew them properly before swallowing. It is advisable to maintain good fluid balance, as it aids in the dilution of stomach acids among other roles in efficient digestion. Make sure that the child takes enough water during the day excluding meal times.
Some of the causes that contribute to hyperacidity in children include stress and anxiety. Activities include deep breathing, or simple yoga movements are great help. Even basic yoga asanas like a Balasana or gently massaging the belly through twists can help with digestion by increasing the blood flow to the area while at the same time relaxing it. It is recommended that these practices should be carried out daily by your child, particularly before or after taking meals as this will help in handling episodes of stomach upset. To more details reach out to our experts at Dr Jasna’s, the top Ayurvedic Hospital in Dubai.
