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Having acidity issues in winters is common, but for some people, this problem worsens due to incorrect lifestyle, consumption of hot foods, and lack of exercise.

It’s Essential to Stay Active in Winters

A significant reason for acidity in winters is that people reduce physical activity in cold weather. Many individuals stop their morning walks and exercises during winters, despite the need to go outside. Despite reduced physical activity, people tend to consume oily, spicy, and junk food excessively during winter, leading to increased calorie intake while the body’s activity decreases. To prevent acidity in winters, it’s essential to change eating habits and stay active. Avoid sitting all day; keep physical activities like exercise or any form of movement ongoing during cold weather.

Food Takes Longer to Digest

The fluctuating temperatures in winters affect the digestive system. As the cold increases, it impacts the digestive system and slows down metabolism. Consuming oily or junk food during this time can lead to digestive issues. To avoid this, change your eating habits. Include fiber-rich items in your daily diet.

Some people are allergic to milk. For such individuals, using plant-based milk products is recommended. Ginger tea or homemade fruit juice can be alternatives.

Causes and Symptoms of Acidity

Acidity is a common problem caused by factors such as dehydration, prolonged fasting, excessive consumption of hot and spicy foods, and fried meals. The symptoms include a burning sensation in the chest, acidic burps, bloating, bad breath, headache, or abdominal pain.

Reasons for Increased Acidity in Winters

During winters, many people tend to overconsume hot and spicy foods, leading to increased acidity. Symptoms such as burning sensation in the chest, sour belches, bloating, bad breath, headache, or abdominal pain indicate acidity. In such cases, it is advisable to seek remedies for acidity.

Eat in Moderation

Consuming beneficial warm foods for heart health in moderation provides the body with benefits, but excessive intake can lead to increased acidity. For instance, having a serving of gond or dry fruit laddoos in a day is beneficial, but consuming three to four can elevate body heat.

Similarly, consuming ginger in winters is beneficial, but excessive use can contribute to increased acidity. In cold weather, people tend to indulge in excessive consumption of spicy, pungent, and fried foods, leading to the onset of acidity.

Include Fiber-rich Diet

Incorporating fiber-rich items into the diet during cold weather is advantageous. Including sprouts, fruits, and green vegetables in meals prevents acidity. Consume sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts, raw turmeric, amla, black pepper, ginger, etc., but in limited quantities.

Stay Hydrated

People with heart issues often either consume insufficient water or excessively hot water, both of which are not ideal. Dehydration and excessive hot water intake both contribute to increased acidity. It’s crucial to drink an adequate amount of water during winters. Instead of very hot water, opt for lukewarm or room temperature water.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity tends to decrease in winter. Morning walks and exercise routines are often abandoned. It’s challenging for the elderly to go for morning walks due to the extreme cold. However, even indoors, one can engage in light exercises to maintain an active routine. For young individuals, continuing regular physical workouts indoors or practicing yoga is essential to keep the body active.

Follow Healthy Eating Habits

Instead of overeating, adopt a moderate approach. This eases pressure on the digestive system. Late-night dinners and prolonged fasting can also contribute to acidity problems. Establishing regular meal times and avoiding late-night eating can help prevent acidity.

Balanced Diet for Children

Children nowadays tend to prefer junk food, leading to acidity issues even at a young age. Improving the eating habits of adults can serve as an example for children to learn from.

Promptly Address Acidity

Neglecting acidity can have serious consequences, leading to ulcers and, if left untreated for a prolonged period, may even contribute to cancer. It’s essential to seek timely medical attention and follow a responsible lifestyle to maintain overall health.

Health Issues Related to Acidity

Acidity can lead to various health problems:

1. Increased Gas and Heartburn:
   • Acidity exacerbates issues like gas and heartburn. Individuals with heart problems, when coupled with constipation, may find it difficult to strain during bowel movements, causing discomfort.
2. Ulcers and Altered Layers:
   • Untreated acidity may result in ulcers, as acid disrupts the stomach layers and other body organs. Neglecting acidity can lead to the transformation of wounds into ulcers, emphasizing the importance of timely treatment.
3. Late-night Eating and Spicy Food:
   • Eating spicy or fried food, especially late at night, contributes to increased acidity. Prolonged fasting or irregular meal times can also induce acidity.
4. Hydrochloric Liquid Buildup:
   • Skipping meals for extended periods results in the continuous production of hydrochloric liquid in the stomach. When food fails to reach the stomach, it causes discomfort in the gastric mucosa, leading to acid formation.
5. Acidity and Stone Formation:
   • The tendency of acidity affecting stone formation varies among individuals. Excessive acid in the body may trigger chemical reactions, leading to the formation of calcium carbonate and potential stone-related issues.
6. Complications and Diseases:
   • Long-term acidity can escalate into severe conditions such as ulcers, heartburn, stones, and even cancer. Ignoring acidity poses a risk of developing major health complications.

Preventive Measures:

1. Balanced Diet and Timely Meals:
   • Managing meal times and avoiding late-night eating is crucial in preventing acidity.
2. Lifestyle Modifications:
   • Altering lifestyle habits, such as improving eating and sleeping patterns, is essential for preventing acidity.
3. Hydration and Dietary Choices:
   • Consuming an adequate amount of water, avoiding excessively spicy or fried foods, and incorporating fiber-rich items into the diet can contribute to acidity prevention.
4. Yoga and Stress Management:
   • Practicing yoga and stress-relieving techniques is vital for maintaining overall health and preventing acidity-related issues.
5. Medical Attention:
   • Seeking timely medical attention for acidity is crucial to prevent complications like constipation, blood in stools, and the development of conditions such as piles.
6. Healthy Lifestyle Practices:
   • Adhering to a healthy lifestyle, including balanced eating habits, regular exercise, and stress reduction, plays a significant role in preventing and managing acidity.

In conclusion, addressing acidity promptly, making necessary lifestyle changes, and adopting preventive measures are essential for mitigating its impact on overall health.