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NDTV
2 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Using Eno For Your Acidity Every Time? Know If It's A Good Or Bad Idea
If you have grown up in an Indian household, chances are there has always been a packet of Eno lying in a kitchen drawer or stashed in a travel pouch. Be it a post-wedding dinner or just a heavy plate of chhole bhature, this fizzy fruit salt has long been the go-to for quick relief from acidity. And yes, it does offer instant comfort! But here's the thing: while Eno works well when you need instant relief, using it regularly may not be the best thing for your gut in the long run. Some experts, though acknowledging the benefits of Eno, believe that frequent use of it can harm your digestive system. So, if you have been using Eno too frequently, here's something you should keep in mind. How Can Eno Affect Your Digestive System? As per nutritionist Shikha Gupta Kashyap, acidity is often a result of low stomach acid, not high. Eno, which has a mix of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, produces that fizzy reaction we all know and gives us short-term relief. However, if you use it too frequently, it may signal your stomach to reduce its own acid production. With time, the expert states it might make your digestion slower and increase your dependence on antacids. While Eno is helpful for urgent situations, it's important not to depend on it as your daily digestive issue fixes. What Can You Do Instead? Instead of taking antacids regularly, Shikha recommends a simple and gentle home remedy. Just mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with warm water and sip it through a straw. This can help your stomach break down food more effectively and may improve overall digestion if you use it consistently and mindfully. Watch the full video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shikha Gupta Kashyap⭐️Nutritionist/ Dietician (@nutritionist_shikha_) What Else Is Eno Used For? Aside from its use as an antacid, Eno has become a bit of a secret kitchen hack over the years. Here are some creative and tasty ways to use it in everyday cooking: 1. Fluff Up Your Dhoklas We all know that Gujarati-style dhoklas are all about airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you add a pinch of Eno to the batter right before steaming it, it'll help create a light and spongy result that's hard to get otherwise. 2. Make Puffy Bhaturas When you are short on time, a little Eno in your bhatura dough can do the trick. It helps the dough rise faster and gives it that restaurant-style puff without any fermentation. 3. Soften Idlis Did you forget to ferment the batter? No worries! Add a bit of Eno just before steaming, and you'll still get soft and tender idlis in no time. It's a handy shortcut for those rushed mornings! 4. Make Fluffy Chillas Some people swear by adding Eno to their besan chilla batter for extra fluffiness. Just a pinch can improve texture and make your breakfast feel a little fancier. 5. Crispy Pakoras Without Baking Soda Is baking soda not your thing? Eno can be a quick substitute when you want pakoras that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Just don't overdo it, or you might end up with a bitter aftertaste. 5 Soothing Drinks To Ease Acidity If you struggle with acidity often, switch to simple solutions that can easily be prepared at home. Here are some easy options: 1. Coconut Water Naturally cooling and rich in electrolytes, coconut water helps bring your body's pH into balance. A glass of coconut water on a hot day not only hydrates but also helps settle acidity-related discomfort. 2. Saunf Water Saunf or fennel helps boost digestion and is often chewed after meals. For a deeper effect, soak it in water overnight and drink it first thing in the morning. It may help handle your acidity. 3. Herbal Teas Teas made with ginger or chamomile can calm your digestive tract. Ginger tea, in particular, is known to reduce inflammation and soothe heartburn naturally. 4. Aloe Vera Juice While it's not an instant fix, aloe vera juice contains enzymes that support digestion. A small amount taken regularly might help prevent the frequency of acidity episodes over time. 5. Vegetable Smoothies Smoothies with alkaline veggies like spinach, cucumber, and kale can cool the stomach and reduce acid build-up. Just be sure to avoid citrus or high-acid ingredients when making them.
NDTV
27-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
PCOS Diet: Nutritionist Shares 3 Foods To Avoid On An Empty Stomach
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of reproductive age. In this condition, the ovaries enlarge with small cysts on the outer edges. As a result, women undergo several physical changes in their body, which can also impact their mental health. While PCOS cannot be reversed, the good news is that it can be managed by eating the right kind of foods. Certain foods are more suitable for people with PCOS compared to others, and also the timing of when you eat them. Recently, nutritionist Shikha Gupta Kashyap took to her Instagram handle to reveal three foods that you should avoid eating on an empty stomach. But first, let's look at the major symptoms of PCOS. Also Read: 5 Easy Food Swaps That May Help You Manage PCOS Naturally What Are The Symptoms Of PCOS? Irregular, heavy or missed periods Weight gain Acne Excess hair growth Skin tags Insulin resistance Infertility Here Are 3 Worst Foods To Have On An Empty Stomach If You Have PCOS: 1. Tea/Coffee Do you like to start your day with a cup of tea or coffee? If so, it's time to rethink. According to Shikha, both these beverages have high caffeine content and can interfere with nutrient absorption. What's more, drinking them first thing in the morning can also raise your cortisol levels, especially if you have adrenal fatigue, and cause insulin resistance. So, if you want to manage PCOS, it's best to avoid drinking them on an empty stomach. 2. Biscuits/Namkeen You must also steer clear of biscuits and namkeen in the morning. It might be tempting to have some along with your morning chai, but practice restraint. The nutritionist explains that biscuits and namkeen are loaded with trans fat and refined flour, which can affect insulin resistance and blood glucose levels and also cause inflammation in the body, worsening your condition. 3. Fruits Think eating a bowl of fruits in the morning is a healthier alternative? Well, that's not true. There's a common misconception that you can have as many fruits as you want because they're healthy. However, let's not forget that fruits are also rich in fructose and glucose. Shikha says, "Starting your day with them affects insulin and blood glucose levels." Watch the full video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shikha Gupta Kashyap⭐️Nutritionist/ Dietician (@nutritionist_shikha_) What Are The Best Foods To Eat On An Empty Stomach If You Have PCOS? Now that you know about what foods to avoid, you must be wondering what foods you can eat. Shikha suggests consuming 1 tsp of coconut oil or grass-fed ghee, 8-10 nuts soaked overnight or 50 gms of coconut chunks. All of these options will help improve insulin sensitivity and keep your sugar levels stable. Additionally, you can also directly start your day with a breakfast consisting of proteins and healthy fats. The nutritionist recommends options like 2 whole eggs with 1 bowl of sauteed vegetables or moong dal/besan cheela stuffed with vegetables. Also Read:
