38 Indian Foods to Avoid for Acidity, Acid Reflex Indian Foods to Avoid

What's Acidity? 
Acidity is a form of indigestion in which there is accumulation of acid leading to a burning sensation in the stomach and the digestive tract. The stomach periodically produces acid to aid digestion. It is when we don't eat at regular intervals or are excessively stressed the stomach produces more acids which harms our body.

What causes Acidity?
'Hurry, worry and curry', in other words: eating in haste, stress and spicy foods are the primary causes of acidity. Besides these, given below are some of the other causes for acidity.

Are you a victim to acidity? Find out here.
Yes, you might be, if you have the following symptoms.

Food Guide for Acidity

Listed below is the list of acidic foods, which will help to make your food choices very simple. These foods are classified on the basis of their acidic or alkaline nature, however there are certain foods that are acidic in nature but on digestion form alkali in our body and do not cause or aggravate acidity.

So if you suffer from acidity quite often try to avoid or restrict acidic foods (as given in the table below) whereas alkaline foods can be eaten freely. Although these foods are classified for you to make wise choices, the reaction of each food is very individualistic and vary from person to person hence pick up foods that suit you the best and help you keep away from acidity.

Acidic Foods to be Limited or Avoided

In general here's a list of foods which are best avoided to prevent acidity. 

1. Avoid Refined and processed foods: These include, maida, bread, noodles, pasta, burger, sandwich etc. 

We would recommend that you opt for plain bowl of curd. The reason is that curd is probiotic. It is easily digestible and soothing to the digestive tract.

curd recipe | dahi recipe | how to make curd | homemade dahi | full fat curds.

2. Say no to Sugar laden sweets: 

Sugar is one the biggest culprit of acidity. It can cause and aggravate acidity too. So Indian mithais like gulab jamun, rasgulla, sheera, halwa etc. should be avoided. Have dates to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

date banana milkshake recipe | acidity friendly date banana smoothie | no sugar banana date shake

3. Avoid Spicy foods: 

Spicy foods irritate the lining of the digestive tract (oesophagus and stomach) and leads to more acid reflux, which means more acidity. 

Try a simple Bajra Roti instead. 

4. Avoid Fermented Foods: These are another cause of acidity. Say no to fermented foods like idlis and dosas.

5. Avoid  coffee, tea, alcohol, readymade fruit juices and aerated drinks.

Drinks like coffee, tea, alcohol, readymade fruit juices and aerated drinks are all on the top of the list to be avoided. Sip on healthy Tusli Water instead and keep acidity at bay.

6. Toovar dal: Toovar dal is very heavy  to digest and known to cause acidity and bloating. Avoid at night definitely. 

Instead try bland Moong Dal Khichdi. 

Acidic Foods to be Limited or Avoided, Acid Reflux Foods to be Avoided

Reduce your Acidity for NOW and FOREVER

Identifying and avoiding the causative factors are essential in the treatment of acidity. A suitable diet must be strictly followed avoiding spicy, salty and acidic foods. Plenty of fresh air, exercise, a relaxed mind and the correct foods does wonders to relive acidity. Work on soothing your body and mind for this is just the best way to keep acidity at bay. Here are a few general guidelines to keep acidity at bay.

• Eat in a calm and stress-free environment. Avoid irregular and hurried meals.

• Regular eating habits and a healthy diet can prevent acidity. Do not remain hungry for a long time and don't overeat at the same time. Both are root causes of acidity. 

Have a healthy Jowar Roti.

• Avoid eating outside too frequent as the outside foods cause acidity.

• Eat small and frequent meals as small amount of food each time would exert less workload on the stomach and therefore release less acid secretion for digestion. 

Try Mushroom Soup. Quick Mushroom Soup

• Have plenty of salads and juices. Their alkaline nature helps avoid acidity. 

Minty Apple Salad is a wise choice. 

• Too spicy food is sure to cause that burning sensation. So it's better avoided.

• Restrict the consumption of oil to minimal. Avoid fried foods as these foods remain in the stomach longer and hence more acid is secreted for their digestion, which is the cause of acidity.

• Milk, curds and paneer (cottage cheese) have an individual effect. To some they are cooling and help overcome acidity whereas some feel they aggravate acidity. Have 3 to 4 glasses of buttermilk (chaas) everyday if you can handle it, as it is said to be 'God's Nectar' a great reliever of acidity. So you need to make your choice. 

Mint Chaas is a good choice for acidity. However remember to avoid adding chillies to it. 

• Restrict the excess consumption of pulses like rajma, moong etc. if they cause gas and then acidity or have them in combination with other alkaline foods like veggies.

• Sprouts, though alkaline can be gas forming for some if consumed in large quantities and usually for dinner (late), hence avoid their consumption if you feel bloated after having them or have them occasionally and during the day. 

You can try in in the form of Sprouted Moong Salad. 

• Drink plenty of water (at least 6 to 8 glasses per day) and other fluids to maintain the acid balance in the stomach. Have sugar free natural fruit juice like Pear Juice.

• Have your evening meals at least two to three hours before going to bed.

• Maintain upright position during and at least 45 minutes after eating each meal to enhance digestion.

• Exercise or meditate at least 15 to 20 minutes in the morning to reduce stress.

• Stop smoking and cut down on alcohol.

Foods that Heal Acidity

Though antacids provide immediate relief of symptoms by neutralizing the excess acid secretion, excessive and frequent consumption of medications can have ill effects on health. Mother nature provides us with number of foods that can work wonders for acidity; here are a few kitchen remedies that are sure to ease your discomfort...

• Lemon: Juice of one lemon mixed in half glass of water if consumed before meals helps to relieve acidity.

• Vegetable juices: Juices of vegetables like carrot, cucumber, radish or beetroot help to balance the acid in the stomach due to their alkaline nature. Feel free to add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavour of these juices. Try Pear and Apple Drink.

• Mint (phudina): Fresh mint juice taken every day or fresh mint leaves boiled in a cup of water and sipped slowly after meals also helps to keep the stomach acids at bay. 

Turn to Phudina Drink. Pudina Drink for Indigestion, Weight Loss

• Onion (pyaz):  While raw onions may cause acid reflux, the juice of onions is an excellent remedy for acidity for many. However you can have them in cooked form.

Try a whole wheat flour or jowar rotis made with onions as done in the recipe of Jowar Pyaz ki Roti and Pyazwali Bhindi.

• Kokum: Sherbet made with kokum and perked with jeera is excellent in keeping acidity at bay. But remember to not load it with excess sugar.