Eating your favourite foods is such a blessing. But overeating them can cause many uncomfortable symptoms. If you experience fullness in the stomach, bloating, stomach pain, and maybe even nausea after having your meals, you would likely be dealing with indigestion, medically known as dyspepsia. Though indigestion is common, it can be pretty uncomfortable.
Therefore, it is always nice to know indigestion home remedies that you can give a try in case you develop the symptoms in the future.
Indigestion Home Remedies You Can Try
Now that you know what is indigestion, let us discuss some of the best home remedies for indigestion in this section of the blog post:
Apple Cider Vinegar
An adequate amount of stomach acids is necessary for digestion. However, sometimes the stomach releases less acid than is required, leading to indigestion. To facilitate acid production, you can drink a glass of water mixed with 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. Make sure to not drink apple cider vinegar without dilution, as it can lead to tooth erosion, oesophageal damage, and throat burn.
Soothing Teas
If your indigestion is caused by excess stomach acid in your stomach, a cup of calming chamomile tea can ease your discomfort and minimise inflammation, if any, in your GI tract. You could even try peppermint tea for indigestion, but first, confirm whether your symptoms are due to acid reflux. If yes, peppermint tea won't be a good choice as it can aggravate your acid reflux problem.
Fennel Seeds
Chewing fennel seeds after a meal is a common practice in many Indian households. These seeds, known for their antispasmodic properties, can also help with indigestion and bloating. If chewing on fennel seeds is something you don’t like, you could even make a warm cup of fennel seeds tea by boiling some seeds in a cup of water. The tea will have a similar effect in relieving indigestion.
Baking Soda Solution
Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda is known for its multiple uses. But did you know that it can help with indigestion too? Yes, drinking water mixed with baking soda can relieve your indigestion symptoms. To try this remedy, mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with 120 ml (approx. 4 oz) of water and drink it an hour after a meal. It will neutralise excess acids in your stomach and provide relief.
Ginger
Another option for indigestion due to excess stomach acid is ginger. You can either suck on ginger candies, keep a piece of ginger in your mouth (to take in its juices), or boil a small piece of ginger in a cup of water and let it simmer for a few minutes. Strain it in a cup, add some honey, and sip on it slowly to feel better. Ginger will soothe inflammation, promote digestion, and fast-track the release of abdominal gas that might be adding to your stomach pain.
Lemon
Lemon water can potentially help with indigestion. So, squeeze a quarter or half of a lemon in a glass of warm water to make a refreshing drink to relieve indigestion. However, do note that lemon water might have varied effects on individuals. Some report relief from indigestion and acid reflux symptoms. Others complain that it made them worse. So, before you try this remedy, keep this point in mind.
Other Remedies for Relief
OTC medicines
The best medicine for indigestion and bloating, especially when you want to treat your symptoms at home, are OTC medications like antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and H2 blockers. You can talk to your doctor and share your symptoms before taking any medications. In some cases, you might need prescription medicines for your symptoms, which your doctor will prescribe you if needed.
Therapy
For some individuals, indigestion stems from stress. Therefore, dealing with stress becomes important if one wants to relieve stomach pain and indigestion symptoms. A unique therapy known as talk therapy can be effective in these cases. The therapist listens to the person and suggests the best ways to minimise stress and improve the condition.
When to Meet a Doctor for Indigestion
Most mild cases of indigestion are temporary and can be handled with home remedies and OTC medications. But in situations when indigestion is frequent, continues for more than 2 weeks, or is accompanied by other symptoms mentioned below, see your doctor.
- Vomiting
- Reduced desire to eat
- Weight loss
- Blackish stools
- Trouble swallowing
- Weakness or tiredness
How to Improve Digestion Naturally at Home
Though indigestion can bother anyone, people who have improved digestion may have fewer instances of it. To improve your digestion naturally at home:
1. Include fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds in your everyday diet.
2. Chew your food properly before swallowing it to turn it into small, easily digestible pieces.
3. Take probiotics like yoghurt or supplements to boost your gut health and digestion.
4. Eat an early dinner and drink at least 7-8 glasses of water throughout the day to facilitate digestion.
5. Limit alcohol and junk food to maintain your overall gastrointestinal health.
Summing Up
A bout of indigestion can make you feel miserable. However, by knowing and using effective indigestion home remedies, you can settle it down and start feeling normal again.
Mild indigestion often gets better with home remedies. If these don’t help, your next step should be to try OTC medicines. If these don’t help either, or you have other symptoms or concerns, schedule a doctor’s visit soon.
FAQs
How to cure indigestion fast?
Over-the-counter antacids and remedies like baking soda solution or ginger tea can provide fast relief from indigestion.
What causes indigestion?
Many factors can cause indigestion. Some of them are eating too much, spicy foods, drinking too much alcohol or sodas, stress, pregnancy, and certain medications.
How long does indigestion last?
Mild indigestion lasts for a few minutes to a few hours. If indigestion bothers you for longer periods of time, call your doctor.
What to eat during indigestion?
While you may not want to eat when you have indigestion, you can try taking water-enriched foods like watermelon and cucumber, whole grains like oats and brown rice, non-fat milk, and non-citrus fruits like bananas.
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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-indigestion#faq
https://www.verywellhealth.com/indigestion-relief-options-6385942
Image Source: Image by wayhomestudio on Freepik
