What is Amlapitta (Hyperacidity)?

Definition & Pathology:
According to Ayurveda, The three doshas present in the human namely, Vata, Pitta and Kapha are situated in the grahani (duodenum) that is the seat of digestive fire or agni. Fasting, eating during indigestion dearrange the pachaka pitta and as a result agni pachaka pitta vitiates. This process is known as "amla pitta ".

According to modern medicine, Hyperacidity is caused when hydrochloric acid, which is use to digest food, is release up the esophagus. On its way up the acid irritates the sensitive tissues in the esophagus and throat. Usually the esophageal sphincter muscle contracts thus preventing the stomach acid from shooting  up into the esophagus, but if this muscle is not functioning properly, the acid can slip past it and this is when heartburn symptoms start, however it is called Gastroesophageal reflux or Hyperacidity.
 

Classification:
    •    Adhoga Amlapitta (downward)
    •    Urdhwaga Amlapitta (upward)
    •    Amlapitta caused by Vata
    •    Amlapitta caused by Pitta
    •    Amlapitta caused by Kapha
 

Symptoms:
Adhoga Amlapita
    •    Thirst
    •    Burning sensation
    •    Fainting
    •    Giddiness
    •    Dellusion
    •    Rashes on skin
    •    Poor digestion
    •    Perspiration

Urdhwaga Amlapitta
    •    Vomiting of green, yellow, blue, black, slightly red or of bright red color having sour material
    •    Belching of similar nature
    •    Burning sensation in the throat, chest and upper abdomen
    •    Headache
    •    Burning sensation in the palms and soles
    •    Loss of appetite

Caused by Vata
    •    Tremors
    •    Delirium
    •    Fainting
    •    Feeling of pins and needles
    •    Weakness of body parts
    •    Pain and darkness before eyes

Caused by Pitta
    •    Feeling of heaviness
    •    Weakness
    •    Coldness
    •    Vomiting
    •    Coating on tongue
    •    Burning sensation
    •    Itching of skin

Caused by Kapha
    •    Fainting
    •    Loss of apetite
    •    Headache
    •    Salivation
    •    Sweet taste in the mouth


Causes:
    •    Eating of spicy and highly seasoned food like chilly, pickles, etc.
    •    Prolonged ingestion of aspirin or some anti-inflammatory drugs
    •    Prolonged alcohol ingestion
    •    Heavy smoking
    •    Stress is also an important cause for hyperacidity
    •    Idiopathic


Symptoms:
    •    Nausea, vomiting, and loss of desire to eat which may persist for 1-2 days
    •    Heartburn or sour belching
    •    A sense of abdominal distension
    •    Flatulence
    •    Vomiting of blood or blood in stools
    •    If gastritis persists there may be eventual development of anaemia


Therapies:
    •    Home remedies
    •    Ayurvedic remedies
    •    Yoga asanas

Home Remedies
    •    Abstinence from smoking and alcohol is a must.
    •    Avoid stress.
    •    Papaya chewable tablets can be purchase in health stores and they are helpful reducing heartburn.
    •    Drink a large glass of water at the first sign of heartburn, if the symptoms are not too strong this will help. 
    •    Make a juice using raw potatoes. Wash the potato very well do not peel it, just place it in the juicer, mix it with some other juice for taste and drink immediately after juicing.
    •    Chew a few Tulsi leaves to get relief of the symptoms.
    •    Keep a small piece of gur in your mouth and suck it slowly. Repeat it every hour till the symptoms subside.
    •    Eat Watermelon, Banana or Cucumber every hour.
    •    Eat a few Almonds when symptoms are present.
    •    Drink Coconut water 4 – 5 times a day.
    •    Drink a glass of cold milk for fast relief.
    •    Keep a small piece of Harad in your mouth and chew it after every meals.
    •    Take one piece of Clove and suck it slowly.
    •    Sleep with your head and shoulder on a high pillow for elevation.
                                                        
 Ayurvedic Remedies
    •    Take 1 – 2 tablets of Amlapittantak Lauh with honey twice a day.
    •    Take 1 – 2 teaspoons of Avipattikar Churna ( powder ) with milk or water twice a day.
    •    Take 1 teaspoon ful of Dadim Awleha with honey or water twice a day.
    •    Take 125 – 250 mg of Punchamrit Parpati with honey, curd or butter milk twice a day.
 
Yoga Asanas
    •    Vajra Asana
    •    Yoga mudra
    •    Shitali Pranayama