Amlapitta, or acidity, is described in Ayurveda as a condition resulting from an imbalance of Pitta dosha in the stomach, leading to excess production of sour digestive fluids. It corresponds to hyperacidity or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in modern medicine, characterized by symptoms such as burning sensation, sour taste, and discomfort in the upper digestive tract.

Reference:

• Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, 15/55: "Vidahi tikshna ushnam annam pitta kuryat amlapittam" (Spicy, sour, and hot foods are major factors causing Amlapitta by aggravating Pitta).

In Ayurveda, Amlapitta arises when Pitta dosha, particularly the digestive fire (Jatharagni), is disturbed by diet and lifestyle factors. This imbalance causes acid reflux and the sour, burning sensation in the stomach and esophagus. Primarily Pitta dosha is involved, but Vata and Kapha may also contribute to the manifestation of different symptoms.

Ayurveda describes various food items that can lead to hyperacidity (Amlapitta) by increasing Pitta dosha and causing an imbalance in digestive processes.

• Excessively Sour and Spicy Foods
  Description: Consuming too much sour, salty, and spicy food increases Pitta and causes burning sensation in the stomach, leading to Amlapitta.
  Sloka:

  "विरुद्धदुष्टाम्लविदाहिपित्तप्रकोपिपानान्नभुजो विदग्धम् ।
  क पित्तं स्वहेतूपचितं पुरा यत्तदम्लपित्तं प्रवदन्ति सन्तः ॥"
  (Kashyapa Samhita)
  Translation: The consumption of incompatible, spoiled, excessively sour, and heating foods agitates Pitta, leading to hyperacidity.

• Fermented and Sour Foods (like Pickles, Yogurt, etc.)
  Description: Fermented foods, when taken in excess, create acidity and Pitta imbalance.
  Sloka:

  "अत्युष्णं स्निग्धं तिक्तं च तीक्ष्णं चाम्लं च भोजनम् ।
  अम्लपित्तं प्रवर्धन्ति, कुर्याच्च विदग्धता ॥"
  (Charaka Samhita)
  Translation: Excessively hot, oily, sour, and pungent foods promote Amlapitta, leading to hyperacidity.

• Excessive Alcohol Consumption
  Description: Alcohol is heavy and heating, aggravating Pitta, and leads to indigestion and acidity.
  Sloka:

  "मद्यादि पानं पित्तस्य, कोपं कुर्याद्धि तत्प्रति ।
  तस्मादम्लपित्तं जायते मण्डान्न पायनात् ॥"
  (Ashtanga Hridaya)
  Translation: Alcoholic drinks intensify Pitta and give rise to Amlapitta (hyperacidity).

• Excessively Fried and Greasy Foods
  Description: Foods that are fried or excessively oily create Ama (toxins) and increase Pitta.
  Sloka:

  "भर्जितान्नं तु ये पापं, पित्तं विदग्धं विदधति ।
  अतिमेदोभृतं खाद्यं, अम्लपित्ताय कल्पते ॥"
  (Kashyapa Samhita)
  Translation: Excessive intake of fried or greasy foods leads to hyperacidity by causing Pitta accumulation.

• Overeating and Frequent Eating
  Description: Eating before the previous meal is digested impairs Agni (digestive fire) and leads to acid reflux.
  Sloka:

  "भुक्त्वा भुक्त्वा दिवास्वप्नादतिस्नानावगाहनात् ।
  अंतरोदकपानाच्च भुक्तपर्युषिताशनात् ॥"
  (Kashyapa Samhita)
  Translation: Eating repeatedly without digestion, and sleeping after meals aggravates Pitta, leading to Amlapitta.

Lifestyle habits are significant contributors to hyperacidity, especially those that disrupt natural bodily rhythms and aggravate Pitta dosha.

1. Irregular Eating Habits
   Description: Eating at irregular times disturbs the digestive fire (Agni) and leads to indigestion.
   Sloka:

   "संधिविच्छिन्नं च भोजनं पित्तकोपनं भवेत्।
   उदरे संचितं पित्तं, अन्नं विदग्धं प्रचक्षते ॥"
   (Ashtanga Hridaya)
   Translation: Irregular meals lead to the accumulation of undigested food, aggravating Pitta and causing Amlapitta.

2. Sleeping During the Day (Divaswapna)
   Description: Daytime sleeping disturbs the Kapha and Pitta balance, leading to Ama (toxins) and indigestion.
   Sloka:

   "दिवास्वप्नादिह शीतं पित्तं संप्रकुप्यते।
   चर्वणाय दाहाय च, पित्तं विदग्धं भवेत् ॥"
   (Kashyapa Samhita)
   Translation: Sleeping during the day increases Pitta, leading to acidity and indigestion.

3. Suppressing Natural Urges (Like Urination and Defecation)
   Description: Suppressing natural urges leads to imbalance in Pitta and Vata, causing gastric distress.
   Sloka:

   "वेगानाम् धारणादेव पित्तं कुप्यति तेजसा।
   अम्लपित्तं भवेत्स्त्रासात्, वेगोद्धारणकारणात् ॥"
   (Charaka Samhita)
   Translation: Holding natural urges aggravates Pitta, leading to hyperacidity.

4. Overexposure to Heat and Sun
   Description: Excessive exposure to heat or the sun increases Pitta dosha and causes acid reflux.
   Sloka:

   "अत्युष्णं स्नानं तेजस्यं, सूर्यतप्तं जलं च यत्।
   पित्तं संप्रकुप्यते तेन, अम्लपित्तं भवेद्ध्रुवम् ॥"
   (Sushruta Samhita)
   Translation: Overexposure to heat or hot water increases Pitta, leading to Amlapitta.

5. Stress and Anger
   Description: Emotional factors such as stress and anger directly increase Pitta, leading to symptoms of hyperacidity.
   Sloka:

   "क्रोधशोकभयादीनां, पित्तं कोपेन यद्यते।
   चित्तं विदग्धं कुरुते, अम्लपित्तं च तद्भवेत् ॥"
   (Kashyapa Samhita)
   Translation: Stress, anger, and anxiety aggravate Pitta, causing hyperacidity symptoms.

Due to the disturbed Pitta dosha, excess acidic substances accumulate in the stomach, causing irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining and leading to Amlapitta. When not treated, this can manifest as acid reflux, heartburn, and even peptic ulcers.

Reference:

• Charaka Samhita, Nidana Sthana, 1/10: "Amlapittam pitta dosha pradhanam" (Amlapitta occurs due to aggravated Pitta dosha).

Ayurvedic diagnosis involves pulse examination (Nadi Pariksha) and examining symptoms related to Pitta dosha imbalance. Observation of the tongue and checking for signs of Agnimandya (weak digestive fire) are also essential.

Reference:

• Sushruta Samhita, Nidana Sthana, 2/4: "Nadi grahana pitta amlapittam vichara" (Pulse diagnosis helps determine Pitta involvement in Amlapitta).

• Mild burning sensation in the chest
• Occasional sour belching
• Indigestion after eating spicy or sour foods

• Indigestion of Food
• Feeling Fatigued Without Physical Effort
• Burning Sensation in the Chest and Throat
• Sour or Bitter Burps
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Heaviness in the Body
• Distaste
• Excessive Salivation

• Indigestion of Food
  Difficulty in properly digesting food, leading to a sensation of fullness and discomfort.

• Feeling Fatigued Without Physical Effort
  A sense of tiredness or weakness, even without engaging in strenuous activity.

• Burning Sensation in the Chest and Throat
  A strong feeling of heat or burning, especially in the chest and throat region.

• Sour or Bitter Burps
  The release of sour or bitter-tasting gas through belching, often accompanied by a foul taste.

• Nausea or Vomiting
  Feeling queasy or nauseated, sometimes leading to vomiting.

• Heaviness in the Body
  A sensation of weight or sluggishness throughout the body, making movement feel burdensome.

• Distaste
  A loss of appetite or a general distaste for food, often due to lingering sour or bitter sensations.

• Excessive Salivation
  Increased production of saliva, often as a response to acidity or a nauseous feeling.

• Hyperacidity or Amlapitta is described in Ayurvedic texts as a digestive imbalance, primarily of Pitta dosha, that leads to various symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, and nausea. There are two main types of Amlapitta, differentiated by the nature of the flow or expulsion of acidic substances: Urdhvaga Amlapitta (upward flow) and Adhoga Amlapitta (downward flow). Each type has specific symptoms and is often further categorized based on the associated dosha (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha). Here’s a detailed explanation based on classical Ayurvedic texts.

  1. Urdhvaga Amlapitta (Upward Flow Hyperacidity)

  Urdhvaga Amlapitta, also known as upward-flow hyperacidity, involves symptoms where the acidic substance moves upwards, affecting areas like the throat, chest, and head.

  Symptoms of Urdhvaga Amlapitta

• Vomiting (Chhardi): The vomit may appear green, yellow, blue, black, or red, often with a sour or bitter taste. It may resemble the color of meat water or frothy mucus.
• Heartburn and Burning Sensations: A strong burning sensation in the chest, throat, head, and extremities.
• Sour or Bitter Taste: Sour or bitter belching often occurs after eating.
• Fatigue and Body Discomfort: A feeling of heaviness, fatigue, and occasional fever.
• Other Symptoms: Symptoms like headaches, salivation, nausea, and a foul taste in the mouth.

• Reference and Sloka

  "Madhava Nidana" (Amalapitta 4-6) states:

  "वारा हिरवा, पिवळा, निळा, काळा, लाल, लाल आणि खूप आंबट आहे. हे मांस आणि पाण्यासारखे आहे आणि खूप श्लेष्मल आहे."

  This description highlights the color and consistency of vomit, often linked with Kapha in Urdhvaga Amlapitta. The sloka further describes the sensations of burning, sourness, and the symptoms related to indigestion and acid reflux.

  2. Adhoga Amlapitta (Downward Flow Hyperacidity)

  Adhoga Amlapitta, or downward-flow hyperacidity, involves symptoms where the acidic substance moves downwards, resulting in effects on the stomach and intestines, often causing diarrhea.

  Symptoms of Adhoga Amlapitta

• Burning Sensation and Thirst: Intense burning and thirst are common, sometimes accompanied by fainting and restlessness.
• Bitter or Sour Diarrhea: Green, yellow, black, or red acidic discharge through the rectum.
• Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, and a sense of unease in the digestive tract.
• Other Symptoms: Sweating, fever, heaviness, itching, and discoloration of the skin.

• Reference and Sloka

  "Madhava Nidana" (Acid Bile 3) states:

  "अधोग अम्लपित्त लक्षणे : तृष्णा, दाह, मूर्च्छा, भ्रम, भ्रम किंवा विविध प्रकारचे."

  This sloka emphasizes the thirst, burning, and nausea that occur in Adhoga Amlapitta, indicating how downward-moving acidic Pitta affects the body, leading to symptoms primarily related to the lower abdomen and bowel movements.

  Dosha-Specific Variants of Amlapitta

  Vata-Anubandhi Amlapitta (Vata-associated Hyperacidity)

• Symptoms include tremors, confusion, delirium, nausea, pain in the abdomen, and sensory disturbances.
• Sloka Reference:

  "वातानुबंधी अम्लपित्तात कंप, प्रलाप, मूर्च्छा, चिमचिमायन..."

• This sloka indicates symptoms such as restlessness, sensory disturbances, and tremors, reflecting Vata involvement in Amlapitta.

  Kapha-Anubandhi Amlapitta (Kapha-associated Hyperacidity)

• Symptoms include heaviness, lethargy, excessive salivation, cold sensation, loss of taste, and mucus in the vomit.
• Sloka Reference:

  "कफानुबंधी अम्लपित्त लक्षणे : गुरुत्व, मंदपणा, चव, शीतता..."

• This sloka emphasizes Kapha’s qualities like heaviness and mucus, which contribute to symptoms such as nausea, cold sensations, and a lack of appetite.

  Vata-Kapha Anubandhi Amlapitta (Vata-Kapha-associated Hyperacidity)

• A combination of symptoms from both Vata and Kapha, including digestive imbalance, nausea, heaviness, and acid reflux.

• "Madhava Nidana" (Amalapitta 11) provides an overview:

  "उभयमिदमेव चिह्न मारुतकफसंभवे भवत्यम्ले।"

  This refers to the combined symptoms of both Vata and Kapha, showing how the two doshas contribute to complex symptoms in Amlapitta.

  Summary

  In summary, Amlapitta is a complex disorder in Ayurveda, with symptoms varying based on the direction of the acidic flow (upward or downward) and the associated doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). The differentiation helps in customizing treatments, focusing on pacifying the imbalanced doshas and relieving specific symptoms.

• Peptic ulcers
• Gastritis
• Chronic indigestion
• Malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies
• GERD

If treated early, Amlapitta can be managed well with diet and lifestyle adjustments. Chronic cases may require long-term treatment and careful dietary management.

• Panchakarma (Detoxification):

  • Virechana (Purgation): Effective in clearing excess Pitta from the system.

  Reference:

  • Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, 15/55: "Virechanam pittanashanam" (Purgation is helpful in alleviating Pitta and treats Amlapitta).

• Herbal Remedies:

  • Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): Soothes the digestive system and cools Pitta.
  • Amalaki (Emblica officinalis): Reduces acidity, balances Pitta, and improves digestion.
  • Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Helps in healing the stomach lining and reduces inflammation.
  • Avipattikar Churn
  • Praval Bhasma
  • Suvarna Makshik Bhasma
  • Suthshekhar Vati
  • Kamdudha Vati
  • Bhunimbadi Kwath

• Favor cooling, sweet, and easily digestible foods such as rice, ghee, buttermilk, and green vegetables.
• Avoid spicy, sour, fried, and salty foods that aggravate Pitta.
• Include natural antacids like tender coconut water, cucumber, and aloe vera juice in the diet.

• Avoid sour, salty, and fermented foods.
• Refrain from excessive caffeine, alcohol, and smoking.
• Limit stress and exposure to heat to prevent Pitta aggravation.

Acidity, or hyperacidity, in modern terms, is an excess production of stomach acid that irritates the stomach lining and esophagus. It often leads to GERD, gastritis, and peptic ulcers. Ayurveda addresses the underlying imbalance of Pitta through dietary, lifestyle, and herbal treatments.

• Nadi Pariksha (Pulse Diagnosis): To assess doshic involvement, especially Pitta.
• Endoscopy: To examine the stomach lining for inflammation and rule out ulcers.
• pH Monitoring: For checking the level of acidity in the esophagus and stomach.