Aci-Balance: A Time-Tested Ayurvedic Formula for Stomach Balance
Are you one of the many Americans who experience occasional acid indigestion or heartburn? You could reach for an over-the-counter antacid that will immediately neutralize the acid, but chances are the problem will eventually come back. In Ayurveda, we address the root cause of an imbalance, rather than just masking the symptoms.
Antacids and the Rebound Effect
When you eat, Pitta dosha—the fiery mind-body element associated with metabolism—increases and takes over the initial stages of digestion. If you’re eating overly spicy foods or eating while stressed, your stomach may produce more than the required amount of acid, which can lead to hyperacidity. Antacids and alkaline solutions can help neutralize excess stomach acid and offer temporary comfort, but they can ultimately cause more problems.
Your senses—which are connected to the “brain” in the stomach—send the message that your acid levels have gone down. This, in turn, stimulates your body to produce more acid. This is called The Rebound Effect—an endless loop of discomfort. Other than the lining of the stomach, our body is not made to withstand the powerful acid produced by our digestive system to process food. Many people do not recognize the symptoms of hyperacidity during the night and can mistake a sore throat, ear canal discomfort, or a hoarse voice for being ill, when actually we have burned one or more of these areas.
Herbal Help—Aci-Balance
Aci-Balance, a powerful blended formula, helps to maintain proper stomach balance and soothes occasional acid indigestion and heartburn through balancing Pitta dosha. Not just a short-term fix (though it is that, too!), Aci-Balance contains a synergistic blend of herbs that help to reduce the root cause of hyperacidity for long-term comfort. Let’s break the first few ingredients down:
- Amla: Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is said to have five of the six tastes of Ayurveda (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent). In our Aci-Balance formula, we make use of Amla’s sweet taste, which is both Pitta- and Vata-balancing.
- Sugarcane: Aci-Balance contains a small amount of sugarcane—which is sweet and cooling, further balancing for Pitta.
- Licorice: Licorice is cooling and helpful in bringing an overactive Pitta back to balance. It is also balancing to Vata and has a relaxing and calming effect.
- Sodium carbonate: This alkaline substance is produced naturally from trees. The sodium carbonate is collected and then purified using a traditional Ayurvedic process. It is included in this formula to directly reduce hyper-acidity. Sodium carbonate is the only ingredient in this formula that works directly on the acidity for short-term relief—the others work towards balancing the root cause of imbalance.
- Alum, sal ammoniac, saltpetre: These three ingredients are combined together and processed in a special way to bring down Pitta.
- Indian jalap is used to isolate and then reduce Pitta, toxins, and fiery emotions (such as anger).
- Dried ginger is found in the formula as well and is useful for promoting proper digestion; it has an appetizing and digestive effect, and it also has a cooling effect.
- Clove and black pepper are used in a small quantity for their digestive and Vata-balancing effects.
- Black pepper is used for its synergistic effect with other herbs to improve digestion and promote balanced acid levels.
- Chebulic myrobalan, or haritaki, helps cool the digestion and supports elimination (a key to reducing Pitta long term).
- Belleric myrobalan is also helpful for elimination and has a cooling effect.
- Vidanga is used in long-term hyperacidity cases to help with imbalances in the intestine due to excessive acid formation.
- Cardamom also works to cool the intestines, reducing the effects of excess acid.
- Indian cassia is helpful in supporting digestion and soothing stomach aches.
- Cabbage rose is very well known in Ayurveda for its cooling, digestion-balancing effect and its helpful effects on the heart.
- Indian cardamom helps promote healthy appetite, soothe the stomach, and further balance Pitta.
As you can see from the complex formula above, Aci-Balance is certainly not just a quick fix! It helps balance Pitta dosha at the deepest level, while kindling digestive fires.
Dietary Tips to Balance Pitta
Pitta aggravation can come from factors like eating too many spicy foods, eating on the go, and eating when stressed. When Pitta is aggravated, it’s important to go to the root cause to restore balance.
- Eat smaller, easy-to-digest meals.
- Avoid Pitta-increasing foods, especially at night, including foods high in acid, such as tomatoes; hot, spicy foods; and heavy, large meals.
- Eat your main meal at lunch.
- Eat slowly and listen to your body. Eating too much can overwhelm your system.
- Follow a Pitta balancing diet.
- Our Vaidyas (Ayurvedic experts) recommend Organic Digest Tone (Triphala Plus) as the one herbal that should be taken to support all other herbals. By supporting digestion and assimilation, we can derive the greatest possible benefit from food and any herbals we may take.
© 1999, 2021 Maharishi AyurVeda Products International, Inc. (MAPI). All Rights Reserved. MAPI does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. See additional information.
