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New Delhi. Burning sensation in the chest or throat, sour belching and feeling of sour taste in the mouth has become a daily problem for many people. Usually this is called acidity or acid reflux. In this, stomach acid refluxes into the food pipe, which can cause a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Many times people take medicine immediately to get relief from it, but if the problem is recurring then instead of relying only on medicine, it is important to pay attention to your eating habits and daily routine.

There can be many reasons behind increased acidity. Eating too much too quickly, eating fried and oily food, drinking too much tea, coffee or caffeinated drinks, taking carbonated drinks and lying down immediately after meals can increase its symptoms. Staying on an empty stomach for a long time and constantly changing meal times can also cause problems for some people. Therefore, it is important to first identify which things aggravate your symptoms.

If you suffer from frequent acidity then staying away from very spicy food can be beneficial. Red chili peppers, green chilies and very spicy chutneys can increase heartburn and acid reflux in some people. Similarly, pakodas, samosas, puri kachori, French fries and other deep fried things can also increase the problem. Foods high in fat can keep the stomach full longer and may increase acid reflux symptoms in some people.

Tea, coffee, energy drinks, cola and other caffeinated beverages can also trigger acidity in some people. Orange or other very sour fruit juice and alcohol can also increase heartburn in some people. Apart from this, chocolate, peppermint tea, mint candy and mint chewing gum can also increase the problem of acid reflux in some people. It is not necessary for every person to give up such food items completely, but if the symptoms continuously increase after eating a particular thing, then it is better to stay away from it.

During acidity, light and low acid fruits can be included in the diet. Fruits like banana, papaya, watermelon, melon and pear can be relatively light choices for many people. Water and fiber are also found in them which can become a part of a balanced diet. Choosing such options instead of very sour fruits may be more comfortable for some people.

In grains, options like oats porridge, poha, boiled or lightly cooked rice and whole wheat can be taken. It is better to eat them with less oil and light spices. For protein, options like moong dal, tofu, soybean and limited quantity of cheese can be taken. Preparing food with less oil and eating balanced amounts instead of eating too much at one go can also be helpful.

It is also important to take adequate amount of water. Plain water is the primary option while some people may also find coconut water, buttermilk or fennel water comfortable. Also, it is important to avoid lying down immediately after meals and try to eat at regular times. If heartburn persists or occurs repeatedly or symptoms like difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, weight loss or severe chest pain appear, then do not ignore it as normal acidity and consult a doctor. Dietary changes may vary depending on the individual's problem and triggers, so seeking expert advice is the safest option if the problem persists for a long time.