Indigestion is commonly known as upset stomach or dyspepsia, which is described as an uncomfortable feeling in the upper abdomen. Although indigestion is not a disease, however, it could be one of the symptoms of another digestive disorder. People may face pain of a feeling of fullness, but symptoms may vary from person to person depending upon the diet and lifestyle. The following are a few causes of indigestion may include:
- Overeating
- Eating fatty or spicy food.
- Eating very quickly
- Taking lots of carbonated drinks, nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol
- Using drugs for pain relief or supplement of iron.
As discussed earlier, indigestion can be one of many symptoms of some other stomach disease, including:
- Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)
- Peptic ulcers
- Stomach cancer
- Intestinal blockage
- Gallstones
- Celiac disease
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Constipation
- A reduced flow of blood in the intestine (intestinal ischemia)
As indigestion is not a disease, you don’t have to take over-the-counter medicine for its relief. Here are a few quick and straightforward Home Remedies for Indigestion.
PEPPERMINT TEA.
Peppermint has an antispasmodic effect on the body. It not only freshens up the mind but also helps with problems like nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. You can take it in the form of tea or just put a few leaves of peppermint in your mouth. It lowers the feeling of fullness and creates a sense of ease. Always remember not to take peppermint products for indigestion which occurs due to acid reflux. Peppermint works by influencing the lower sphincter of the esophagus. Intake of food or drink even as medicine may worsen the situation due to the flow of acid back into the stomach.
CHAMOMILE TEA.
Chamomile is an excellent solution for insomnia, but it can also help in reducing anxiety and gut discomfort. It can help in controlling indigestion as it reduces the flow of stomach acid in the gastrointestinal tract. Chamomile tea is also an excellent anti-inflammatory and relieves pain and inflammation.
Chamomile tea may interact adversely with blood-thinning medicine. You may face bleeding in case of taking chamomile tea with blood thinners.
Making chamomile tea easy. Just add a tea bag to boiling water. Keep it in boiling water for at least 10 minutes and pour it into the cup. To enhance the taste, you may add honey to your tea as well.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR.
Apple cider vinegar has numerous health benefits. It is a rich source of good gut bacteria that can help in the process of digestion. It is equally beneficial in promoting weight loss and providing healthy and juvenile skin. If the cause of indigestion is a lower quantity of stomach acids, apple cider vinegar can help. It increases the production of stomach acids in the digestive system. Use unpasteurized raw apple cider vinegar for more accurate and quick results. You can also take the drink 10 minutes before a meal that may cause indigestion.
SODIUM BICARBONATE (BAKING SODA).
Baking soda is a quick remedy for neutralizing stomach acid and reducing bloating, gas, and indigestion after a meal. All you have to do is take a cup of warm milk and add half a teaspoon of baking soda to it. Drink it right after a suspicious meal.
Taking a small amount of baking soda is completely safe; however, opting for a larger dose may cause vomiting, irritability, constipation, or diarrhea. If you have taken a baking soda solution once after a meal and it does not show any positive effect, do not take another drink within the next two hours.
LEMON WATER.
Lemon water has an alkaline effect that helps in neutralizing the stomach acid causing indigestion. All you have to do is add a tablespoon of lemon juice to water and drink just before the meal. Not only this, but lemon water is also a rich source of vitamin C, and it can help in boosting the immunity of the body. Other benefits of this water include protecting the teeth from harmful bacteria and keeps the oral cavity clean and odor-free. Not only this, but lemon water is also suitable for weight loss and helps in quick and smooth digestion.
CINNAMON.
Cinnamon is another highly beneficial herb that is used for multiple purposes. It contains a wide variety of antioxidants that can help in reducing indigestion quickly and effectively. It also helps in reducing uncomfortable sensations like bloating, gas, and cramping. It is also useful in reducing heartburn and stomach acidity.
Just take a half teaspoon of fine and good quality cinnamon powder and add it to boiling water to make a tea. For persistent indigestion, take this drink daily for a few days, and you will see a positive change in your stomach health.
CUMIN.
Cumin is a solution for a number of health-related issues. It can help in treating indigestion caused by excessive stomach acid. It also helps in reducing gas, bloating, and intestinal inflammation. Adding cumin to your food is very easy as you can quickly put it in almost any meal you cook. Add a teaspoon of cumin powder to the food or make its tea. If you don’t like the taste of the cumin tea just take pinch full of cumin and chew it.
FIGS.
Figs are a highly beneficial solution for several health-related problems; they contain laxatives that can help in reducing constipation and ease indigestion. Try to take this nutrition-rich food daily.it will not only help the stomach in getting back to normal but also help in lowering the level of cholesterol and add calcium to the body.
If you have diarrhea, avoid taking figs as it ay aggravates the situation.
LICORICE ROOT.
Licorice root is a highly effective solution for inflammation caused by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. You can take the herb in two ways. Either boil the root in hot for a few minutes and take it as a tea or just keep it in the mouth and chew the root. Even though it is highly effective in reducing indigestion, larger doses can cause a problem. It can create an imbalance of micronutrients such as potassium and cause high blood pressure. Two grams of Licorice root is enough to treat indigestion. A quantity higher than this may cause high blood pressure.
Drink the tea about half an hour before taking your meal.
GINGER.
Ginger is a super herb, and it offers a wide range of health benefits. It has been a home remedy for indigestion of centuries. If the stomach contains excessive digestive acids, it can also lead to heartburn. Ginger tea is very effective in reducing indigestion caused by an excessive quantity of acid in the stomach. You make ginger tea by adding a small piece of ginger into boiling water and later add a teaspoon of honey to it. Alternatively, you can also take a bit of ginger and keep it in your mouth as a gummy.
Three to four grams of ginger is enough to treat indigestion as a larger dose may cause throat burn or heartburn.
FENNEL SEED.
Fennel seeds are another antispasmodic herb which can prove to be an effective indigestion remedy. It is a working solution for many stomach problems such as nausea, cramping, and bloating. Make fennel seeds tea by adding a half teaspoon of fennel seed in boiling water and cook it for about 10 minutes. If you already know that certain types of food cause indigestion, you can also chew a half teaspoon of fennel seeds right after the meal.
Fennel seeds may not be suitable for everyone. They can cause vomiting, nausea, and sensitivity to the sun.
AVOID SMOKING AND DRINKING.
If you are facing persistent indigestion which may occur after almost every meal, make sure you are not smoking or drinking heavily. Smoking irritates the throat, and alcohol damages the lining of the stomach. Once the coating is damaged, it may cause ulcers.
If you quit smoking and drinking, you will see a quick healing effect on your overall health as well.
DIFFICULT TO DIGEST FOOD.
Older people may not be able to digest all types of food. Some foods are not easy to digest, and if we keep taking them regularly, it will upset our stomach, causing indigestion. Such foods mostly include fried or fatty food items, creamy desserts, and main course meals and too salty or highly salty foods.
Such foods are not suitable for the overall health as they may also cause an increase in the blood pressure or cholesterol level.
DRINK AMPLE WATER.
Staying hydrated can help a lot in the process of digestion and lowers the chances of stomach issues like indigestion. We should drink more than 2.7 liters of water per day to keep our body function properly.
WRAP UP.
There is a wide range of home remedies available to treat indigestion. You may choose the option that suits your taste buds and health conditions. Make sure to know about yourself and the foods you are allergic to. Consult a doctor immediately is the side effects of ant treatment at least for a longer time.
